BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

In chapters three and four, Luke shows us how the power of God’s Spirit radically changes Jesus’ followers to share the Kingdom with boldness. He begins with a story about Jesus’ disciples, Peter and John, who heal a paralyzed man with the power of the Spirit. Those who see the miracle are amazed and begin to look at Peter as though he did all by himself. But Peter challenges the crowds to credit Jesus alone for this miracle and shares how Jesus died and rose again for the restoration of all people. 

Peter knows the people at the temple were the same ones who had Jesus executed, so he takes the opportunity to invite them to change their minds about Jesus and be forgiven. In response, thousands believe Peter’s message and begin to follow Jesus. But not everyone. The religious leaders are furious as they see that Peter is preaching and healing in Jesus’ name, and they arrest Peter and John right there. The religious leaders demand that Peter and John explain how the disabled man began to walk, and the Holy Spirit empowers Peter to share how Jesus is the only name that is able to save them. The religious leaders are baffled as they listen to Peter’s bold message and observe John’s confidence. They can see how much Peter and John have changed because of Jesus, and they cannot deny the miracle that was done. 

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Peter is a new person after witnessing Jesus’ resurrection and receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s amazing! See for yourself. Compare Peter’s response to his questioners before he received the Holy Spirit (see Luke 22:54-62) with his response after receiving the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:5-14). Pay attention to details. Note the similarities and the differences between the two scenes. What do you observe? 
• In what specific ways has Jesus changed you or someone you know?
• Let your reading and reflection prompt a prayer. Talk to God about what inspired amazement, be honest about what you need, and invite him to change your life.