Peter

November 5

Acts 4:1-6, 13-22

Peter and John are threatened

While Peter and John spoke to the crowd that had gathered around them, some Temple officials came to arrest them and put them in jail. Meanwhile, many of those who had heard Peter’s message put their trust in Jesus, and the number of believers grew to about five thousand.

The next day, leaders and teachers of the Law gathered in Jerusalem and had Peter and John brought to them. The council of leaders asked Peter and John many questions. “With what kind of power or in whose name did you heal this cripple?” they wanted to know.

Then Peter told them about Jesus whom they had rejected and crucified. The leaders were surprised by the boldness of Peter and John, and were amazed when they found out that they were just ordinary men with little education or training.

How did Peter, the fisherman, suddenly know so much?

Would you feel nervous if you had to stand in front of everyone at school and speak to them?

Peter wasn’t used to speaking to large crowds. In the past, Jesus had done all the teaching and preaching. But now, Jesus wasn’t there anymore. In a way, Peter was on his own, yet in another way, Jesus was right there with him. Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit to teach them what to say (John 16:12-14).

Three years earlier, Peter had been an ordinary fisherman. Only weeks before, he had denied Jesus. But now, the Holy Spirit was guiding Peter’s thoughts as he spoke—and people were absolutely amazed!

You can also speak out for Jesus like Peter did. By reading the Bible and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, you will know the right thing to say when you tell others about Jesus.

Verse for today

The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. Luke 12:12