ACTS 2:14a, 36-41

THE BACKGROUND

During the season after Easter Sunday and before Pentecost, the first readings are not taken from the Old Testament; they come from the book of Acts.  We read about the work of the Holy Spirit, helping the apostles to form the early church.  The scene for today’s passage takes place on that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled the room with her presence, causing the apostles to prophesy in foreign languages before a large crowd.  Last week and this week’s readings comprise Peter’s explanation to the crowd of what was happening.  No longer do we see the denying Peter.  We now hear the sermon of a spirit-filled Peter, boldly proclaiming the Good News to the crowd, many of whom played an active role in crucifying Jesus.  If you have the time, I suggest that you read his entire sermon and the results, beginning with verse 14, and going to verse 41.

THE DETAIL

• Today’s passage begins with Peter pointing the finger directly at the Israelites present, saying that they were the ones who crucified the Messiah.  This is the second time he has pointed the accusing finger, the first being in verse 23.  Peter is no longer fearful, but filled with the Holy Spirit.  He now has the power, courage, and wisdom to preach the gospel. (v.36)
• He must have been a persuasive speaker, because the crowd did not get angry, but asked what they should do.  (v. 37)
• Peter is quick with the answer—repent, and be baptized.  If you do, you, too, will receive the Holy Spirit!  (v. 38)
• This next verse is a sweet one for me.  Peter tells them that the promise is not just for them, but for everyone; even those who are far away (like us).  (v. 39)
• He did some more preaching, for which we don’t have many details.  But the end result was astounding.  With the Holy Spirit’s help, over three thousand people did what Peter told them—they repented, were baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. (vv. 40-41)

THE TAKEAWAY

Not too long ago, Peter was a coward.  Fearing for his life, he denied Jesus three times.  Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he speaks the Good News with bold conviction. 

We, too, have the Holy Spirit to help us.  We should not be like the fearful, timid Peter, but stand up and boldly share the Good News knowing that the Holy Spirit is by our side.

1 PETER 1:17-23

THE BACKGROUND

For the next several weeks, we will work our way through 1 Peter for the second lesson.  It may help a little to understand some of the background for this letter. 

It is believed that the apostle Peter wrote this letter from Rome.  He was originally based in Jerusalem, but at some unknown time moved to Rome to be the head of the church there.  He was martyred in Rome, probably under the reign of Nero in 64-68AD. 

Peter wrote this letter to the churches of Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey.  This letter was intended to be circulated throughout those churches, and used as instruction.  It is believed that most of the believers in Asia Minor were Gentile Christians, rather than like the Jewish Christians we read about in the first reading.

THE DETAIL

• This verse starts with the word “if” in this translation.  Many others use the word “since”, which I like better.  Since we as Christians invoke (call) on the name of the Lord, we should live in fear (awesome respect) for the power of God.  (v. 17)
• Peter reminds us that we were ransomed—bought with the blood of Christ on the cross.  From what were we ransomed?  According to this verse, we were ransomed from our former “futile ways”.  To me, this means that because of Jesus, I should step away from my former, self-serving life and actions, and live as a Child of the Light.  (vv. 18-19)
• It was God’s plan to do this from the very beginning—to ransom us through the gift of his Son.  (v. 20)
• Now, the focus turns from what God has done for us.  Now, we read about what we should do in response.  Verse 21 is the transition from God’s action to what our reactions should be.  What our response should be is the focus of the remainder of Peter’s letter.
• Our souls have been purified—not by what we have done but by God’s ransoming us through Jesus. Because of this, we must have mutual love for each other from the heart.  We are reminded that we are born anew, and live our lives through the enduring word of God.  (vv. 22-23)

THE TAKEAWAY

We often talk about loving God, but rarely about fearing Him.  It may seem odd to have both feelings about the same being.  But while we certainly love Him for all that He does for us, we must also be aware of His awesome power.  It is much like the love and fear that we once had for our parents.  Mine were both loving parents, yet I also feared their power.  Both feelings were justifiable, at least in my childhood!

We are about to receive some detailed advice from Peter on how to live our lives.  But first, he lays the foundation.  He reminds us that what saves us is God’s gracious and loving act. We are ransomed.  We are His.  Number one on our list of instructions it to love one another from the heart.

LUKE 24:13-35

THE BACKGROUND

It is still that first Easter Sunday.  Two disciples have decided to leave Jerusalem, and go to the town of Emmaus. Emmaus was a seven mile walk downhill from Jerusalem, much like walking down to Tryon from Saluda.  (They did not take the Interstate.)

THE DETAIL

• As they walked along, they discussed that incredible day, and all that had happened.  Jesus approaches, and eavesdrops, but they do not recognize him.  Jesus says “Whatcha talking about?”  They stop dead in their tracks.  One of them, Cleopas, says (in my translation) “Where have you been—under a rock? Haven’t you heard about all the things that have gone on in Jerusalem?”  Jesus plays dumb, and says “What things?”  (vv. 13-19a)
• They give him a Readers’ Digest version of the past three days, at least the way they understood it.  But they are still confused about the empty grave, and are still trying to process it all. (vv. 19b-24)
• Jesus seems to say “Oh you silly boys!”, and proceeds to explain why it all happened this way. (vv. 25-27)
• As they reach Emmaus, they still don’t realize it is Jesus.  They invite him to dinner, which he does.  (vv. 28-29)
• As he broke the bread, their eyes were opened!  Then, Poof! Jesus was gone.  (vv. 30-31)
• They told each other about how their hearts were burning as they walked the road with Jesus explaining everything to them.  (v. 32)
• That very hour, they hoofed it back up the mountain to share this remarkable thing with their Christian brothers. (vv. 33-35)

THE TAKEAWAY

During this Easter season, the Good News of God’s saving act should also burn within our hearts.  Let us rekindle this flame by studying Holy Scripture.