Acts 1:15, 2:14

The next time we see Peter is after the ascension of Jesus when the disciples had gathered together to appoint a twelfth apostle to replace Judas. (Acts 1:15). From being a disciple who failed the Lord so much, Peter stood up and took the lead. Very often, before one can lead, one must experience failure.

Before Moses led, he experienced failure, as did most of the great servants of God. What we perceive as failure is often the very thing God uses to build character in us. This should encourage us. Peter stood in the Lord’s strength, not his own. Perhaps this is the secret, to stand despite our weakness. The last words Jesus spoke to Peter were that he should feed his sheep, and Peter took them to heart. On this occasion, the disciples needed direction, and he gave it.

The next time we see Peter is on the Day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit had come to the 120 disciples. (Acts 2:14). A large crowd had gathered, and once again, Peter stood up, but this time with the eleven other disciples. What is significant about this is that he did not stand alone but with others. Some things we need to do on our own, but there is much more we can do united with others. Together, the disciples had witnessed the truth of Christ, and now, together, they called people to respond to their message.

The content of the message Peter declared is of great importance. Peter preached a message leading to repentance, which brought the hearers to confess their sins and obey baptism. It was followed by steadfast continuing in the “apostles doctrine” (Bible teaching), fellowship, “breaking of bread” (communion), and prayers, together with generosity and care for all believers. (Acts 2:38-43).

The next time we see Peter he is with John as they went together into the temple at the hour of prayer. (Acts 3:1). Once again they were united in prayer. Without prayer we can do nothing and when we pray together our prayers are stronger. Jesus said, “If two or three agree I will do it.” (Matthew 18:19).

The man who sat at the gate asked them for alms but had a greater need which Peter and John discerned. Peter still had no wealth of his own but he had faith and they said to him, “Look at us”. A miracle took place without any money at all.

Sometimes people today, especially in the West, ask for money but the Gospel is without cost and cannot be bought. We may have expenses but God gives miracles when the Gospel is declared, especially in poorer needy communities. Many people were impacted by this miracle.  (Acts 4:4).

Next, we see Peter facing severe opposition. We should expect opposition for it is inevitable whenever God reveals his grace and power. Peter’s sermon is one of the finest presentations of the Gospel delivered to the highest officials in Israel many of whom were hostile. Peter spoke with respect and did not water down the truth and there was an angry reaction and Peter and John were put in custody.

The following day they were brought before the entire hierarchy whose families also came along to hear the message so that many more people were able to hear about Jesus. (Acts 4:1-12). God works in mysterious and sometimes testing ways to fulfil his purpose. Undaunted Peter and John boldly declared the Gospel to all of them and it was apparent to the hearers that they were men who “had been with Jesus”. They were not doing it in their strength but because they trusted in Jesus. (Acts 4:13). 

The leaders threatened them to no longer preach in the name of Jesus, but both men answered that they would be obedient to the Lord and not to men. (Acts 4:19). They did not cower but prayed. When released, they returned to the other believers, and together, they cried out in prayer, and the Holy Spirit gave them even more boldness. This was followed by a season when God poured out on many people great grace and great power as the church was purged and strengthened. (Acts 4:4, 23-37).

Other miraculous events took place, and God’s healing power came upon many people when just the shadow of Peter fell upon them. This caused many to be healed. (Acts 5:11-16). They were once again thrown in prison, but this time, there was an angelic intervention, and they were miraculously released and continued to publicly declare the “words of life”. (Acts 5:17-42). Once again, they were threatened, and once again, they replied that they would only “obey God rather than men”. 

Many more believed and their numbers grew. (Acts 4:32). This is still the pattern that God follows, and there are certain “keys” that are still valid for God to move in his power.

1/ As followers of Jesus, difficulties will come, but we should not be discouraged but continue to trust the Lord. Our faith in Jesus may offend some, but blessings will come out of it.

2/ We need to rely on the Holy Spirit and not ourselves because in every situation we face, the Lord can do miracles, and others will be blessed by our faith.

3/ We should seek the fellowship of other believers and stand together. We are not meant to be isolated but to support one another.

Peter, among others, led the first great Holy Spirit move of God in the newly established church. He was as human as we are, yet the Lord used him in a wonderful way. He had a genuine heart for people and encouraged those who were new or weak.  

We can believe for God to use us despite our weaknesses and frailty. We may not be apostles, but we can care for others and speak to people in need.

What is your prayer for God to use you, bearing in mind that we do not have to be great preachers or apostles for God to use us?