Our scripture this morning is Acts of the Apostles 4:11-12.
For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
In this chapter of Acts Peter and John are brought before the ruling council. They had healed a man in Jesus’ name and were teaching salvation through Him in the temple court when they were arrested. Peter is no longer the sword wielding adversary from the garden where Jesus was arrested but now he speaks with the fire of the Holy Spirit they have received.
He tells them ”The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone“, a quote from Psalms 118:22. The council is amazed that these common men speak with knowledge and authority, but recognize them as followers of Jesus. They thought that Jesus’ death would end the movement He began.
The council is unsure of what to do with them, as the healed man is there for all to see. They forbid the disciples to preach in His name, to which they reply “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:19-20). May we have this strength and confidence as we witness to the world.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our savior and the way You have made for us to be saved. Bless us to be energetic bearers of the Good News. Amen.
