The Shadow of Peter
It appears that immediately after Jesus returned to heaven, Peter took the role of leader among the believers, about 120 people. In the book of Acts he is usually named first in lists of the apostles, and he led the believers in choosing an apostle to replace Judas. As we saw last week, however, it is not until after Pentecost, when he stands up and preaches powerfully to the crowd, that we fully see the amazing transformation in Peter's life (Acts 2:14-41). As a result of the Holy Spirit's working through his preaching, 3,000 people accept Jesus and are baptized.
The next time we see Peter, he is walking with his fellow apostle and longtime friend John up to the temple to pray. Peter then performs the first healing miracle recorded in Acts, as he heals a man crippled from birth (Acts 3:6-8).
Compare Acts 3:6, 12, 13; 4:10. What common theme runs through Peter's words?
Peter had a long and bitter experience of trying to do things in his own strength. He would never forget sinking into the dark waters after he took his eyes off Jesus. He would never forget betraying his Master after His arrest. He would never forget Jesus rebuking him for trying to do things his own way. Peter, apparently having learned his lessons, was leaning on the power of the Lord. He would need to.
Read Acts 5:15; 10:25. What was going on in these two accounts? What kind of incredible pressure was being placed on Peter here? What great danger would he, or anyone, face in the same situation?
People wanting only to have "the shadow of Peter" touch them? In many ways now, Peter, filled with power from on high, would face his greatest spiritual challenges. What would it do to you if people responded to you the way they did to Peter? What is the only way you could keep yourself from spiritual pride of the most damaging kind?
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