Acts 3-4, Psalm 120
Acts 4:13-14 (NLT)
“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say.”
In Acts 4:13–14, the members of the council were surprised by how boldly Peter and John spoke about Jesus. They knew the two men had no formal religious training. What the council members didn't understand was that Jesus had opened the minds of Peter and John to understand the Scriptures and that they were also filled with the Holy Spirit. But the rulers couldn't deny that a miracle had been performed for a man who had been lame from birth and could now walk. They wanted to deny that the disciples of Jesus had performed a miracle through His power, but they couldn't because the healed man was standing right there with them.
These verses illustrate for believers the transforming power of Jesus Christ. First, Christ had opened the minds of the disciples to understand the Scriptures. Secondly, Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave them boldness to preach about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One Bible commentary I read noted that these verses demonstrate the transforming effect of Christ on His disciples and the power of the Holy Spirit in giving Peter and John boldness.
What I liked about these verses is that we see the fruits of the Lord's power to transform the lives of those who believe in Him. Peter and John's understanding of the Scriptures had increased, and the Holy Spirit filled them with boldness to preach. I pray that the Holy Spirit will increase my understanding of Scripture and fill me with boldness to do the things that the Lord has planned for my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who gives us the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish His will—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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