Apr 26 - Acts 4:10

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, …

“Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel,

that this [once lame] man is standing before you

in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.

Acts 4:8,10

We read this verse yesterday, but we focused on verse 8 (the filling of the Holy Spirit). Today, I want to focus on verse 10 (Jesus, the Spirit, and the Holy Trinity).

Here’s the context:

•  Shortly after Pentecost, Peter and John are entering the Temple in Jerusalem.
•  A lame man cries out. He’s begging for money.
•  Peter says, “3:6 I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
•  Scripture says the man was “7 instantly healed” and went into the temple, “8 walking, leaping, and praising God.”
•  This caused a stir.
•  Peter and John were arrested.
•  And today’s verse is Peter’s testimony.

What does Peter say? In two short verses, Peter begins to testify to the wonderful mystery of the Holy Spirit! (Do you see Father, Son [Jesus], and Holy Spirit all mentioned here?!)

•  God-the-Father is the King. He creates life and re-creates life, “rais[ing Jesus] from the dead.”
•  God-the-Son is the healer too. He still works upon this earth (even after his resurrection and ascension into heaven). But think about healing. What is it? It is creation and re-creation – one of the Father’s roles. Therefore, the Father and Son, while distinct, are also one in purpose. And when we call upon the name of Jesus, both Father and Son answer, creating and re-creating together.
•  To be more theologically precise, the healing and working on earth BY God-the-Father is THROUGH God-the-Son. For example, when we pray TO the Father, we prayer THROUGH the Son, who intercedes for us. When God-the-Father heals – not that he can’t do it himself – but since the coming of his Son, he now chooses to work THROUGH the name, role, and authority of Jesus upon this earth.
•  Then God-the-Spirit is involved in this wonderful drama too! Since Pentecost, God chooses to work all through BY the Spirit’s power. For example, Peter, BY the power of the Spirit (verse 8), is starting a sermon, a proclamation. And what about us? When we pray, it is BY the power of the Spirit, THROUGH the interceding Son, TO God-the-Father who sits on the throne.
•  This is how God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) choose(s) to act. Kingdom power on earth is BY the Spirit, THROUGH the Son, and FROM the Father.

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who hopes

he did justice

to that mystery!!!