Compare Peter's denial in Mark 14:70 with his later boldness in Acts 2. The Night of Fear: Peter’s Denial (Mark 14:70) “Again he denied it. After a little while those standing nearby said to Peter, ‘Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean.’” (Mark 14:70) • Setting: A cold courtyard outside the high priest’s house, late at night, Jesus under arrest. • Peter’s posture: lurking in the shadows, overwhelmed by anxiety, trying to blend in. • Tone of his words: defensive, self-preserving, panicked. • Spiritual climate: no open reliance on God, no remembrance of Jesus’ earlier warnings (Mark 14:29-31). • Result: failure, grief, weeping (Mark 14:72). The Morning of Power: Peter’s Boldness (Acts 2:14-36) “But Peter, standing up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them…” (Acts 2:14) • Setting: Jerusalem, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), broad daylight, thousands gathered. • Peter’s posture: standing tall, publicly aligned with the risen Christ. • Tone of his words: confident, authoritative, Spirit-filled. • Message highlights: – Explains the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32). – Proclaims Jesus’ death “by God’s set plan and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). – Affirms the resurrection: “God raised Him up” (Acts 2:24, 32). – Declares Jesus “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). • Result: about three thousand repent and are baptized (Acts 2:41). Tracing the Transformation • From hiding to heralding. • From denying any knowledge of Jesus to declaring Jesus as Lord. • From cursing to calling for repentance. • From fear of a servant girl (Mark 14:69) to fearless confrontation of the very crowd that had demanded Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:22-23). What Made the Difference? 1. The Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:5 notes Peter (Cephas) among the first eyewitnesses. – Seeing the risen Christ turned despair into certainty (Luke 24:34). 2. Restoration and Commissioning – On the shore of Galilee, Jesus thrice asks, “Do you love Me?” and commands, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17). – Personal forgiveness removed shame, replacing it with purpose. 3. The Holy Spirit – Jesus promised: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). – Pentecost fulfilled that promise, equipping Peter to speak with supernatural courage (Acts 2:4). 4. Prayer and Unity – Before Pentecost, Peter was in the upper room “constantly in prayer” with the believers (Acts 1:14). – Corporate dependence on God nurtured boldness (cf. Proverbs 28:1). 5. A Renewed Mind – Remembered Scripture now illuminated by the Spirit (Acts 2:17-21, 25-28, 34-35). – Peter models 1 Peter 3:15, later urging believers to share their hope with gentleness and respect. Bringing It Home • Past failure does not disqualify future usefulness; grace restores and empowers. • Boldness grows when conviction about Christ’s resurrection outweighs fear of people. • The same Spirit who emboldened Peter indwells every believer (Romans 8:11), enabling faithful witness today. |
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