As we continue from yesterday, Peter continues his rightful response to the high priest. He explains what happened in a distinct, short message. Peter is merely explaining why he and the other apostles must continue to preach the gospel to the people.
Peter states only the facts. Though it may seem as though he is accusing the high priest, he is really stating a fact—one the high priest knows all too well. As part of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council of leaders), the high priest was there when they condemned Jesus.
Peter goes on to state what he and the other apostles know—that Jesus was exalted and is at the right hand of God the Father. He states that because of Jesus’ sacrifice and exaltation, He is our Savior, and we have forgiveness through Him. To the high priest, this would have been blasphemy. The only way the Jews knew to be forgiven was through sacrifices on the altar in the temple.
Peter turns the high priest’s world upside down, much like Jesus turned the world upside down. It is through the humble that God works. Jesus was a humble servant who obeyed the Father’s will, went to the cross for the redemption of the world, and through Him all people may be forgiven. But Peter says Jesus came to call Israel into repentance. Unfortunately, their leaders did not repent and would not follow Jesus.
Peter wraps up his response by stating they were witnesses to it all. They saw Him arrested. Peter saw the sham trial. They saw Jesus taken away to be beaten. They saw Him trudging down the street with the cross. They saw Him die. They saw the empty tomb. They saw Him in His resurrected body. They talked to Him after He was resurrected. They saw Him taken up to heaven. They were the best witnesses.
Ultimately, Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, convinced the high priest to let them go. His reasoning was this—if it is of human origin, it will die; if it is from God, it cannot be stopped. Imagine what we could do if we worked within God’s will, obeying him in all we do.
Acts 5:30-32 “The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Marty Pressey 