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| MORE THAN A GHOST |
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| distinguished religious leaders in the land, blasting them as murderers (chapter 3)? Something ignited Peter that would not easily be snuffed out. Response to a New Message When Jesus was on earth he mostly preached "the kingdom," sometimes even warning his followers not to mention he was the Messiah. In Acts, the word is out. Jesus is the theme of every speech, whether delivered in the temple square or in the luxurious setting of a royal palace, to working-class pagans or cultured Greek philosophers. Reports of his resurrection resound throughout Acts. To those who heard, the message sounded like the first note of music to people born deaf. Five thousand men believed (4:4), as did many priests (6:7) and many thousands of Jews (21:20). The scanty band of followers Jesus had left behind was soon organizing and electing officers to handle the needs of a growing church. Acts follows the core of leaders from place to place, as a remarkable drama unfolds. A few men, mostly unlearned, were setting into motion a worldwide outreach that would ultimately reshape civilization. A revolution was underway, but not one with weapons. This one was powered by the work of God in simple men who had seen a miracle. As Peter said, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (4:20). Life Questions: The disciples led mass movements to Christ. What made them such effective spokesmen? |