Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven lifted up his voice, and said unto them, you men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you and hearken to my words.
As we study the 2nd Chapter of the Book of Acts, we can’t skip over the boldness of Peter as he stepped into the leadership position of what was then the First Church. For the past several days we have been painting the picture of what happened at the Temple on the Day of Pentecost in the year 33 A.D.
The Temple Mount was filled with devout Jews who had traveled there from all over the Roman Empire to celebrate the Feast Day. There were thousands of them and they all spoke the language of their homeland. These people were God’s chosen people, and they knew it. Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, these folks considered themselves to be far better than the average, low-class Gentile or Samaritan. Yes, there was an air of arrogance about them.
In the crowd of thousands of devout Jews, there was a small group (about 120 people) of believers in Jesus Christ. I’m sure this group was shunned by the Jews who probably just ignored them. However, when the mighty rushing wind came across that place and every Jesus believer began speaking in other languages, the arrogant Jews couldn’t help but take notice of what was happening.
The Jews were totally amazed and perplexed because they could each understand what the crazy Jesus freaks were saying. Although they were each speaking in another language, every Jew present that day heard the words in their own native tongue. This happening got the attention of the Jews and they had to stop and listen.
With that, Peter took the stage in a bold manner and began to speak! Wow, what boldness he had to stand up in the midst of thousands of Jews on their Feast Day, in their Temple, and demand that they listen to him! It’s a wonder they didn’t kill him right there. But, they didn’t.
You see, God filled all 120 believers with His Holy Spirit AND got the attention of all those Jews at the same time. He did it all with a mighty Miracle! Then He put a boldness on Peter, unlike anything they had seen since Jesus called the Pharisees a brood of vipers and a bunch of hypocrites!
Luke wrote: But Peter, standing up with the eleven lifted up his voice, and said unto them, you men of Judaea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you and hearken to my words. (Acts 2:14) In today's language, Peter stood up and said, Listen up all you fools. God has something to say and you better listen to me!
This is what we need today: BOLDNESS FOR CHRIST! God is raising up such people and we are seeing it happen. In the midst of this dark, evil world people are beginning to stand up in the same bold spirit of Peter and speak of the Saving Grace and the Freedom we have through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Who will stand? Who will speak?
Boldness for Christ will……….turn the tide
Standing and speaking boldly! Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
