After the death and resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter became a very different man. You might say he had an extreme makeover. Jesus forgave Peter for denying Him and gently restored him (John 21:15–17), and God’s Spirit controlled Peter’s actions. Let’s look at two scenes after Peter’s transformation.
Scene 1: Peter heals many
Now instead of acting on impulse to cut off someone’s ear, Peter shows quiet strength. He cares about others and heals people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 5:12, 14–15 we read:
The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”
In Acts 3:1–10, we read the exciting story of Peter healing the crippled beggar. His words to the beggar were: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (verse 6). And he did!
Scene 2: Peter preaches the gospel with power
Although Peter cowered and denied Jesus before Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, he later preached with boldness to the crowd who had killed Jesus. When he preached his first sermon (Acts 2:14–41), 3,000 came to know Jesus. What a revival!
God used Peter and his mouth, now self-controlled, to become a powerful leader of the church. Don’t you love the beauty of Peter’s transformed rough character? Acts 4:13 says, When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
How could God use our weak traits or unique characteristics when we surrender them to Him? The fruitfulness of our yield will be determined by how much we yield to the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Lord, for the Holy Spirit. I’m grateful that when we submit to His leading, we have true self-control.
Lydia Harris. This post is adapted from Lydia’s Bible study for grandparents, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting. Lydia and her husband Milt, of 46 years, are grateful for their children and grandchildren, from three to high-school age.
Reading God’s Story Schedule today, 7/09/13: Isaiah 5-8.
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About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
