These words were spoken by Peter. He and John had healed a man (which caused a bit of a stir in Jerusalem), and so they were dragged before the authorities to tell what was going on. Think of something like the Salem witch trials. My advice is this: if you're ever being tried in something like that, don't yell back at the authorities. "This man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED." Why oh why did Peter have to throw that little jibe in there?
Of course, Peter's name has gone down in history and mine probably won't. We celebrate today as the festival of The Confession of Peter. We'll probably never have a Confession of Seth day. And I am struck with awe, at the depth of his faith and his courage. To speak boldly and passionately about what he had seen and heard and done and let the chips fall where they may. It has been said that God has given us the saints as examples of faithfulness to inspire us. Peter's boldness inspires me today. How can I live my confession?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
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