The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 69

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AT THE TEMPLE GATE 63 Those present who remembered the part that Peter had acted at the trial of his Master, flattered themselves that he could now be intimidated by the threat of imprisonment and death. Bnt the Peter who denied Christ in the hour of His greatest need was impulsive and self-confident, differing widely from the Peter who was brought before the Sanhedrim for examination. Since his fall he had been converted. He was no longer proud and boastful, but modest and self -distrustful. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and by the help of this power he was resolved to remove the stain of his apostasy by honoring the name he had once disowned. Hitherto the priests had avoided mentioning the crucifixion or the resurrection of Jesus. But now, in fulfilment of their purpose, they were forced to inquire of the accused how the cure of the impotent man had been accomplished. ^'By what power, or loj what name, have ye done this?" they asked. With holy boldness and in the power of the Spirit Peter fearlessly declared: ''Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." This courageous defense appalled the Jewish leaders. They had supposed that the disciples would be overcome with fear and confusion when brought 5 - — • Acts