November 24, 2022
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
The people wanted an explanation of the shocking events in the upper room so Peter, as leader of the disciples, stepped up. He abandoned himself to the Word of God and allowed that which is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword to do its powerful work of piercing hearts. The Words of God, not Peter-generated words, spoke to the people and changed them. They were pierced to the heart and ready to take action.
Three thousand people came to Christ that day after an impromptu sermon composed mostly of Scripture quotes.
As if to prove the first sermon wasn’t a fluke, Peter preached a second impromptu sermon in which he quoted Genesis 22:18, and Deuteronomy 18:15, 18. He also referenced passages in Exodus 3 and Deuteronomy 18. Again, he quoted the verses because he already knew them.
The priests, captain of the guard, and the Sadducees heard him speak. Fear and astonishment gripped them because of the power with which he delivered his message. The word of God rocked Jerusalem as thousands responded to its power. When the priests and guards arrested Peter and John and carried them before the rulers, elders, and scribes, Peter once again used scripture, this time to defend himself.
