Today’s Community Scripture – 5/16/2025

With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.” They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that? They sent them out of the room so they could work out a plan. They talked it over: “What can we do with these men? By now it’s known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that. But so that it doesn’t go any further, let’s silence them with threats so they won’t dare to use Jesus’ name ever again with anyone.” They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.” The religious leaders renewed their threats, but then released them. They couldn’t come up with a charge that would stick, that would keep them in jail. The people wouldn’t have stood for it—they were all praising God over what had happened. The man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Acts 4:8–22 (MSG)

– Reflection:

In Acts 4, we see uneducated, ordinary people doing amazing things to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and continue Christ’s ministry in the world. They preached with eloquence, healed the hopeless, and challenged the authorities that used power to stifle any opposition. When I consider the world around me, torn apart by division and turmoil, with problems that seem way too big, I feel helpless. I am ordinary. I don’t think I can make a difference. Yet the stories about the disciples in Acts 4 encourage me. Uneducated, ordinary men were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the Body of Christ at work in their world. Other people saw that transformation and knew that they were “companions of Jesus.” Reading this passage reminds me that you are the called and are equipped right where you stand. GOD gives us everything we need to complete the work He has for us.

– Where do we go from here?

I wonder if people observing us will conclude that we are “companions of Jesus.” Will they see something in us that reminds them of Jesus? Do we reveal his character of peace, compassion, and courage? Do we continue his ministry of justice, healing, and hospitality? May Christ use us as his Body in these days. May the Spirit transform us from ordinary individuals into companions of Jesus. Stay on your paths.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we entrust ourselves to You. Shape our lives to be more like Christ’s life. Empower us to live in Christ’s way. Use us, ordinary us, for Your kingdom. Through Christ we pray. Amen.