Peter the Eloquent

One of the readings for the Daily Prayer of the Church is from the Acts of the Apostles where Peter speaks to the people of Jerusalem:

 

‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. … ‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, “He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.”

 

This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”

 

Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ (Acts 2:-36)

 

Peter, who was prone to speak before he thought and who denied even knowing Jesus, is now speaking with great eloquence in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus.  Peter and the rest of the apostles could only do this because the Holy Spirit enabled them to do so.  It is the same with us.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim Jesus crucified and risen for us.

 

Let us pray: Your Son, Jesus, gave his life for us so that we might live with you.  Send your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the Good News of salvation.  Amen.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550