"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
This verse is so full of powerful truth. Peter's profundity here is remarkable. Let it be clear beyond discussing, according to His Word, the following...
"“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
Council Member Colleen Jilio-Ryan is sharing today's Daily Devotional.
As we reflect upon our lives, we can probably see more times than not we have been blessed by God. Throughout the Psalms, there are praises to God for what he has done for the author.
"He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone." Acts 4:11
This term has been written about a lot in Scripture. Most often interpreted as "cornerstone". Literally from the Hebrew used in the Psalms 118:22 quote here it means "head of the corner".
"If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel. It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."
Boom. This is so pointedly truthful. In two sentences Peter makes it totally clear that he sees through the pretense and phoniness, the ridiculousness and the trumped up charges and then exposes what is really going on, just by stating the facts, succinctly, "matter of factly" and with no nonsense. He got to the point, without belaboring it. What Peter said was irrefutable.
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!" Acts 4:8
When filled with the Holy Spirit we speak with authority, confidence and "biblicity". What we say should not contradict His Word, nor misrepresent His character. Of course this is dicey, because we are still human. But, as a rule we should always be conscientious of what we say, being careful to be true, respectful and appropriate. We can call something what it is without being rude
" "They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Acts 4:7
For clarification and context for this verse, "They" are the rulers, elders and teachers of the law. What they had done was heal someone. Frankly, as is so often true, what this is really about is not what it is about on the surface. The question is not about somebody being healed.
"The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance." 1Corinthians 15:41
Council Member Wayne Pinto shared this devotional by Joyce Meyer.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Brian McMahon discovered this and forwarded it with the reminder that His timing is perfect. It is certainly worth sharing.
"The next day the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family" Acts 4:5-6
Family is important. But it isn't as important as God. That is a tough one I know. But it is true.
"But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand." Acts 4:4
In the previous verse Peter and John have been jailed. Even though great discouragement could have taken over the believers, instead, many more came to Christ after they heard the message. Why? Because it is the message that is most important.
"They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day." Acts 4:3
You can't lock up or lockdown the gospel. The truth of God marches on with or without whichever spokespersons. Peter and John were being obedient to their call to proclaim Christ as the Savior.
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2Peter 3:18
A pastoral friend of mine posted this brief testimonial of George MacDonald's and it resonated so deeply with me I just had to share it devotionally. I appreciate writers who pour their very souls into their words. I have felt so similarly as he does about his commitment to Christ. Hope it inspires you too. Pastor Fred
"The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead." Acts 4:1-2
I have found that religious people, who sometimes pretend to be spiritual people, are easily disturbed. I think for three reasons. They hate three things. Change, Competition and Criticism.
"When God raised up his servant, He sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." Acts 3:26
This verse right now is speaking so much to me I hope I can get it all written down, not long, but profound. Here are some insights.
"And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed." Acts 3:25
Let me share a few insights into the meaning of this verse.
Peter is talking to the Jews.
They are heirs of God's covenant.
God spoke to their prophets and their people.
He spoke through Abraham about His promises to them.
All peoples means not only His covenant people, the Jews, it means us Covenant people too.
Now, that is a promise fulfilled and a blessing to all people, all of us and each of us.
Means you and me specifically,
Pastor Fred
"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days." Acts 3:24
Samuel was called a prophet in the Old Testament in 1st Samuel 3:20, although he did not directly prophesy about Christ, he did anoint David as King and speak of his kingdom and the promises David received were and will be fulfilled in Christ. You see, the Bible is intricately woven together, a veritable tapestry of truth in history, teaching, prophecy, fulfillment and God's direction and His plan concealed and revealed.
"Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people." Acts 3:23
This verse is really bothering me this morning. Peter is continuing to quote parts of Deuteronomy 18. In that chapter Moses is laying down the law about listening and what happens when we don't. Here, Peter reiterates this principle of disobedience.
For Moses said, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything He tells you." Acts 3:22
Yep, Moses is talking about Jesus here. Every Book in the Bible talks about Jesus. Jesus is the thread that weaves the whole Bible together.
"He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through His holy prophets." Acts 3:21
Let me break this down by words and phrases to show how we can understand The Bible more easily if we deal with the words a few at a time.
"...and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you... even Jesus." Acts 3:20
God's promises compound. They multiply. They are a never-ending reservoir of blessings. There are thousands of them in Scripture.
"...and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-- even Jesus." [Acts 3:20]
There is no end to the blessings of knowing the Lord. If we slow this verse down for more impact it says that He, God the Father, sends the Christ, His Son, to each of us, personally, individually by name, in His Name, Jesus. Jesus, my personal Lord and Savior. Jesus, the one that your Father God sends specifically, by appointment for you and me individually, by name.
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