“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
“On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’”
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:1-13
His words were different, igniting faith, changing people, and stoking rising opposition. This same Peter who had waffled between bold pronouncement and skittish denial was transformed and permanently empowered by Christ’s indwelling Spirit. Not only were his witness and actions bold, but they portrayed and pronounced the name and power of Jesus Himself. (Matthew 16:15-16; 26:69-75)
When the Lord implants His name and power we have responsibility to put them on show and to work for His sake. If we proclaim His name, our actions should bear the imprint of His grace, our attitudes reflect His character, and speech bring Him honor. Any who observe or are affected by our bold witness should be astonished at Jesus.
Have we grown smug and accustomed to selfishness with God-given gifts? Where are we tempted to take credit ourselves for what Christ is working in and through us? He will not share His glory, and expects that we accept and exercise His gifts humbly and generously for His glory and others’ benefit. (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11; Romans 12:3-8)
When do we take time daily with Jesus? What evidence of compassion, gratitude, wisdom, purposeful speech, or courageous ministry makes it obvious to others? What difference could there be if we became less and acted solely in His name and power and watched Him work? What greater glory could He receive? (John 3:30; Galatians 2:20)
Lord, fill me with Your Spirit to live, breathe, and speak your word with all boldness, and move Your hand in response so Your power is magnified and Your name exalted. (Acts 4:29-31)
As the rain and snow 