Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is
‘“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
In the last few days we considered the words behind an absolute statement made by Jesus about his character and who he really was. In the verses above, we hear Peter’s powerful testimony to the Jewish leadership (the Sanhedrin). The Holy Spirit is very clearly identified as the source of Peter’s ability to address these men with such boldness. We also know Peter was in that room to hear Jesus say, “I am the way and the truth and the life”. Peter spent three years in the presence of Jesus, saw Jesus led away to be crucified, and was a witness to the resurrected Jesus. And by these experiences he was forever changed.
Peter became a dynamic preacher, leading many to Christ after being filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. It’s obvious this poor, uneducated fisherman had seen and experienced the truth of Jesus’ claim. And clearly Peter was prepared to stand on his faith that what Jesus had said was true. Jesus stated he was the only way to the Father. Peter reinforces this in stating “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” This wasn’t a man who was grasping at straws. He knew the Sanhedrin had the authority to have him tortured and executed but he also knew the way, he believed the truth and he was assured of eternal life.
Allow your faith to be strengthened by Peter’s testimony and live a life of boldness in Christ. Let the Holy Spirit fill you as well and be forever changed.
