The Denier is Now the Defender!

 “then know this, you and all the people of Israel:

It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,

that this man stands before you healed.”

Acts 4:10

What a contrast between Peter’s denial of Jesus after he was arrested and then Peter’s testimony of the healing power of Jesus name in Acts 4.

In the earlier event he denies Jesus three times in the middle of the night to an individual of no particular significance and then - again not significant people in terms of the roles they play in the unfolding trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

(I point this out because of course each of us has significance before God!)

In Acts 4, Peter is speaking in broad daylight after having spent the night in jail along with John. Perhaps most significant, he is speaking before a large group that includes the rulers and elders, the teachers of the law, the High Priest and his family as well as many others.

They carried (or so they believed) all the power in Jerusalem!

Peter boldly and without reservation minces no words when he tells all of them that what was done by him and John was done in and through the Name of Jesus Christ whom they crucified!

What a turnaround testimony.

The denier is now the defender.

What a wonderful before and after picture of Peter following being filled with power from the Holy Spirit.

That same power is available to all of us...