A Time For Acts III
Typically when a moment in history is discussed we look at the “BIG” picture moments. The moment when the hero or villain does their feat, forever changing the affairs of the time or even the world. Ironically, when reviewed people skip the minor actions and details of what had been leading to the larger spoken of events. This happens to Peter. When people think of the first acts of the Church they jump to the Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. However, they first miss Peter standing up for the Word in a different environment. Let us look at Acts chapter 1.
Imagine, Jesus has left and all 120 of them are praying and waiting for what Christ had promised when He said, “You have heard from Me for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:5. Now they wait. Acts 1:12-14 identifies what is going on. “12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” For more details about the significance of this go back two weeks and see our first post in the series.
While praying and being in fellowship, Peter realizes he needs to speak. While we do not know the details of how or why specifically him, we know Peter knew the calling. I can only imagine the moment he recognized what was going on, it was God’s word coming alive in his mind. We can be sure of one thing, it was as clear as when Peter first heard Jesus talk to Him, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19 or when God the Father revealed to him who Jesus really was, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” Matthew 16:17. This is not something caused by the Pentecost but rather a relationship with Christ, nurtured by the Holy Trinity. His heart must have been racing, we do not know his thoughts and if there was any doubt if he should talk or not; but what we do know is when he stands up, we have a new Peter. The Peter of the Pentecost did not start on the Pentecost, but rather in a room filled with prayer with other brothers and sisters. Instead of bringing the attention to himself, he goes directly to scripture; and because of Doctor Luke, we have the capacity to read what was said.
Acts 1:16-26 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 “For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT’; and, ‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.’ 21 “Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.”
Peter recognizes that scripture must be fulfilled. The courage to stand up here amongst those who knew him, those who knew his sin and his shame only a month prior, in abandoning and denying Jesus appears to not even be calculated. This Peter is different, this Peter is the Peter Christ called him to be. The believers recognized the moment and acted accordingly. Instead of doubting they examine the word and act accordingly. What a testimony to you and I! Listen, compare the scripture to what we have heard, and act accordingly. The Pentecost has not even happened and yet we are starting to see a foundation established of what the Church should be acting like. Separated from the World in our thoughts, actions, and attention to be laser focused on the Lord and His Word. Not influenced by the world, but influencing the world to recognize that Jesus is the answer to it all. We need to make sure our actions are based out of an abundance of time and study in God’s Word. So that we may know when to speak and when not to, the moment to stay still and then the moment to act.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
Jl