Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament account of the spiritual body of the Lord Jesus Christ—the book of Acts—as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage begins with the twenty-third verse of the fourth chapter and continues through to the eleventh verse of the fifth chapter. “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever ye hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:23-31). “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of l ands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:24-36). “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, how is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things” (Acts 5:1-11). When you come to this particular passage of Scripture you will find the response of the apostles to the threatenings which were lobbied at and against them by the religious leaders during those days. It is actually quite unique and astounding when you consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for the response the apostles gave to the religious and political leaders during those days is actually one which you would not expect—particularly after they had just finished threatening them for preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is it’s important to note that the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ during the days of the apostles wasn’t merely that there was a man named Jesus from Nazareth. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ which the apostles themselves preached during the days of the Holy Spirit and of the early church was a gospel that Jesus suffered in the flesh, that He was crucified, that He was buried in the grave, that He was raised from death to life and that He was indeed coming back again for His disciples and followers. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it is for there is something truly captivating and astonishing about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture. Upon reading the words which are found in chapters two and three of this New Testament book of Acts we find the apostle Peter standing up on two different occasion and not only preaching about what had happened during those days but also preaching the Lord Jesus. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the response we must needs have within our own generation—particularly in response to the events which are taking place and have taken place among us within the days in which we are living. As I sit here and consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture I am incredibly gripped and captivated with the profound and powerful truth surrounding the word and message the apostle Peter preached during those days. It would be in the second chapter of this New Testament book we find the apostle Peter standing up before all those who gathered together in the midst of the city of Jerusalem after devout Jews from every nation under heaven heard the wonderful works of the living God being proclaimed in their own tongue by unlearned, uneducated and ignorant men and women from Galilee and Judaea. This is something we have a great need to recognize and pay attention to for there were many who thought and believed that those who were speaking with other tongues on the day of Pentecost were indeed and were in fact drunk with new wine. The apostle Peter—being full of the Holy Ghost—would stand up in the midst of the crowd which had gathered together there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and would not only declare that these weren’t drunk with new wine but also that what they were witnessing and experiencing was the direct fulfillment of that which was prophesied centuries and generations earlier by the Hebrew prophet Joel. The apostle Peter would begin by declaring unto the crowd and masses which had gathered together during those days that what they were witnessing and beholding in the midst of the city of Jerusalem was indeed and was in fact the fulfillment of the prophetic word which Joel spoke of concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What’s more is that we must needs recognize and understand that what took place during these days was also a direct fulfillment of the words which the Lord Jesus Himself had spoken before His passion and ultimate resurrection and ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention—both to the words which the apostle Peter proclaimed the ancient prophet Joel proclaimed as well as the words which Jesus of Nazareth Himself had proclaimed and had spoken during the days in which He walked and was present upon the earth. If you want to truly understand and recognize that which was taking place during those days there is a great need to recognize and consider the following words which were spoken by the Hebrew prophet Joel during his generation as well as the words which Jesus had spoken before His passion and ultimate resurrection from the grave and ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts, as well as the words which are found in the prophetic book of Joel, and also the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke and within the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. Consider if you will the following words which are found here within each of these passages beginning with those presented in the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts: “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:14-21). It is with these words the apostle Peter emphatically declared and proclaimed unto the men and brethren which had gathered together in the midst of the city of Jerusalem that what they were witnessing was not those who were drunk with wine for it was only the third hour of the day. That which they were witnessing and experiencing was in fact the direct fulfillment of that which was prophesied by Joel centuries and generations earlier. The apostle Peter—who at this time had been filled with the Holy Ghost—would stand up in the midst of the crowd which had gathered together in the midst of the city of Jerusalem having heard those in the upper room speaking with the tongues of the nations. It would be on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was indeed manifested as the sound of a mighty rushing wind filled the room where they were gathered together and cloven tongues of fire rested upon each of them. Moreover it would be there in the upper room when those who were gathered together would speak with the tongues of other nations as the Spirit gave them utterance. Those in the midst of the city of Jerusalem were in fact confused about what had happened and the only possible explanation many of them had was that they were drunk with new wine. It was the apostle Peter who stood up together with the other apostles and declared unto them that what they were witnessing and beholding was not men who were drunk with new wine but the direct fulfillment of the prophetic word which had been prophesied by the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which were written and recorded for us in the second chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Jose’s beginning with the twenty-seventh verse: “And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: For in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call” (Joel 2:27-32). We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth surrounding the day of Pentecost and the events which took place on this particular day. It would be on the day of Pentecost when that which the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel prophesied of generations earlier would in fact take place. The prophet Joel would prophesy according to the word of the Lord that the living and eternal God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh which He would begin doing on the day of Pentecost. It’s important to note that on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was not poured out upon all flesh but was poured out on those who were present in the upper room. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit would indeed begin in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and it would be just the beginning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that would continue from that day forward. The remaining book of Acts which was written by the beloved physician Luke would indeed and would in fact describe how the living and eternal God would indeed and would in fact pour out His Spirit—first upon the Jew in Jerusalem, IN Judaea and in Galilee and then moving to Samaria. What’s more is that if you continue reading the New Testament book of Acts you will find that the promise of the Holy Spirit was not only for the Jews and their sons and daughters but it would be for those Gentiles who would believe as was evidence by Cornelius and his household being the first Gentiles who received the promise of the Holy Spirit. It would be through Cornelius and his household the living God would demonstrate that the promise of the Holy Spirit wasn’t merely for the Jews and their sons and daughters but for those Gentiles who would indeed believe in the Lord Jesus and who would receive Him as both the Christ and the Son of the living God. As you continue to think about the days which are written in this New Testament book of Acts you must needs recognize and understand that they were the days of the apostles, the days of the early church, and more importantly the days of the eternal Holy Spirit of the living God which was sent on the day of Pentecost. It would be on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was indeed and was in fact poured out upon those who were present in the midst of the upper room and the apostle Peter would stand up in the midst of the multitude which gathered together in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and would declare that what they were witnessing and beholding wasn’t men who were drunk with new wine but was instead the direct fulfillment of that which was prophesied and spoken by the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel. What’s more and what we must needs recognize and understand is that these days were also the direct fulfillment of what was spoken of by Jesus Himself while He was still present among them as the Word made flesh. It’s important for us to recognize and understand that while the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel did in fact prophesy of the last days in which the Holy Spirit would be poured out the Lord Jesus would also speak of these days in which the Holy Spirit would come and would be poured out. The Lord Jesus knew and recognized that He would ultimately and inevitably ascend and return unto the right hand of the father which was in heaven and that the Holy Spirit would indeed be poured out upon all flesh. It was Jesus Himself who declared unto His disciples that the Holy Spirit would indeed and would in fact be poured out during those days and would be received and experienced by those who were present during those days. With this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found—first in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke, secondly in the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts and finally in chapters fourteen through sixteen of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John as well as the seventh chapter of the same gospel: “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:44-49). “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:4-8). It was the beloved physician Luke who wrote in his gospel narrative how Jesus would declare unto His disciples and followers that they were witnesses of the suffering of the Christ, of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus from the grave, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. Luke would also record how Jesus declared unto them that they were witnesses of these things and that He would send the promise of His Father upon them. Moreover Jesus would instruct and command them to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they be endued with power from on high—a prelude and precursor to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Building upon this the Lord Jesus would continue to declare that they ought not to depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father which they had heard of Him. Jesus would declare unto them how John truly baptized with water but they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When Jesus was asked whether or not He would restore the kingdom again unto Israel He would not only declare that it was not unto them to know the times or the seasons which were appointed by the Father. While it was indeed true they were not to know the times or the seasons ordained and appointed by the Father they would receive power after that the Holy Ghost was come upon them and they would be witnesses unto Him both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John beginning with the seventh chapter of this New Testament book: “IN the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come un to me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-38). “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:15-18). “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:25-26). “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:26-27). “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: OF sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11). “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:12-16). Thus far we have seen that the events which took place beginning on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit began to be poured out was the direct fulfillment of the prophetic word which the prophet Joel spoke as well as the words which the Lord Jesus Himself had proclaimed while He was still present within and upon the earth. What’s more and what we must needs recognize is that there was another who also prophesied and spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit. If you read the four New Testament gospel narratives you will find that there was one more powerful witness who did indeed and did in fact speak of the coming and promise of the Father and of the Holy Spirit . As you read the four gospel narratives you will find it absolutely and incredibly significant that John the Baptist was another who prophesied and spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit—and not only of the coming of the Holy Spirit but also how men and women would be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire. It would be John the Baptist who would indeed emphatically declare that those who were indeed present during those days would be baptized with the Holy Ghost—and not only with the Holy Ghost but with fire. It is absolutely necessary we recognize and understand this and how incredibly vital it is for our own understanding of the events which took place during those days. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the four New Testament gospel narratives beginning with the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able o these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the apex is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner: but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:1-12). “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:1-8). “And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with the water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people” (Luke 3:15-18). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh way the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest. To Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34). I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand the prophetic witness of the prophet Joel as well as John the Baptist for they would both speak of the days of the Holy Spirit being poured out. It would be the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel who would prophesy of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that the Spirit would be poured out upon all flesh in the last days. The prophet Joel would also speak of and proclaim the impact of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the sons and daughters as well as upon the old men and the handmaidens who would prophesy and dream dreams. It would be John the Baptist who would indeed speak of the days of the Holy Spirit, however, he would speak of it in terms of the one who would actually baptize with the Holy Ghost—and not only with the Holy Spirit but with fire. John the Baptist recognized and understood that he did in fact baptize with water unto repentance for the remission of sins but there was one coming after him who was mightier than He was who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. John the Baptist did indeed and did in fact recognize and understand there was coming one who was mightier than he who would in fact baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire and would see and understand that the one who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire would indeed be Jesus of Nazareth who was the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. What’s more is Jesus Himself would declare that His disciples and followers would be endued with power from on high and that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Jesus would indeed declare that it was expedient and necessary for Him to depart from this earth and return unto His Father which was in heaven for until and unless He ascended unto the Father the promise of the Father which was the Holy Spirit would not come. The more I think about and consider this and how absolutely incredibly it truly is the more I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the coming of the days of the Holy Spirit. It would be on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would indeed be released and poured out upon those who were present in the upper room. It would be as a direct result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that those in Jerusalem would think and suppose they were drunk with new wine. The apostle Peter would stand up together with the other eleven apostles and emphatically proclaim that these were not drunk with new wine as they had supposed for it was only the third hour of the day. What those in the midst of the city of Jerusalem were witnessing and beholding was indeed the direct fulfillment of that which was prophesied and spoken of by the ancient Hebrew prophet Joel. The apostle Peter would emphatically declare and proclaim unto those gathered together that what they were witnessing and beholding was in fact the outpouring of the Spirit which had been prophesied by one of God’s holy servants centuries and generations earlier. The Holy Spirit would indeed be poured out upon all flesh and that which they were witnessing during those days would indeed be the direct fulfillment of this for they would witness the beginning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—first upon the Jews and initially within the city of Jerusalem. It was Jesus Himself who declared that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would begin in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and those who were present in the upper room on the day of Pentecost would indeed experience the mighty manifestation and outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day. It would be the outpouring of the Holy Spirit who would indeed fill them—and not only fill them but also allow them to speak with other tongues as they were given utterance. With this being said it is also necessary and imperative we recognize and understand that while the apostle Peter did indeed and did in fact rise up on the day of Pentecost and declare that what was taking place among them and what they were witnessing was the fulfillment of the prophetic word spoken by the Hebrew prophet Joel he would also take the opportunity to preach Jesus. The days of the Spirit and the days of the apostles and of the early church were indeed days when the gospel concerning the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed be preached unto and among those who were present during those days—first unto the Jews and in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and then unto all those who were in Judaea, those who were in Galilee, those who were in Samaria and ultimately unto the Gentiles and unto the uttermost part of the earth. What we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found within chapters two and three of this New Testament book of Acts is that while the apostle Peter did in fact seek to speak unto the people concerning that which they were witnessing and beholding he would also take the opportunity to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you want to truly understand the words and language that is found within these passages of Scripture you must recognize the apostle Peter would in fact take both of these opportunities—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and the healing of the man who was lame from birth—to preach and proclaim Jesus. At the very heart of that which the apostle Peter would preach during those days would be the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact I would dare say that it is impossible to truly understand that which the apostle Peter preached during these without recognizing and understanding that at the very heart and center of it all was the person of Jesus of Nazareth who was indeed both the Christ and the Son of the living God. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in these two chapters for within the second and third chapter of this New Testament book we find the apostle Peter preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus. What’s more is the apostle Peter didn’t merely preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus but that gospel did indeed and did in fact proclaim that He suffered in the flesh and was crucified and put to death. Moreover the apostle Peter would declare unto the Jews and their rulers and leaders that it was they who delivered Jesus up unto Pilate and unto sinners to be crucified. In addition to this Jesus would declare that not only did they deliver Jesus unto sinners and unto Pilate to be crucified but they also denied Him in the presence of Pilate desiring a murderer being release instead of Him. The apostle Peter would place the blame and the responsibility of the death of the Lord Jesus squarely and solely at the feet and in the hands of the Jews together with their rulers. With this being said, however, it is absolutely necessary for us to recognize and understand that although Jesus was delivered up to be crucified and put to death and although He was in fact put to death He would be raised from death to life on the third day as he said and proclaimed He would. Moreover Jesus would also ascend unto the right hand of the Father and would be glorified in the presence of the Father as He would in fact ascend unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven after descending and departing from this earth. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in both the second and third chapters of this New Testament book concerning the words the apostle Peter preached concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ in response to the events of the day of Pentecost as well as the healing of the man who was lame from his mother’s womb: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did bay him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be Holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall reset in hope: because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which. Ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:22-36). “And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look yhe so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorant ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts 3:11-26). Consider also the words which are found in the fourth chapter of this same New Testament book when the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon the apostles when they stood in the midst of the Temple in the city of Jerusalem. Luke writes how the religious leaders of that day were grieved that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. These rulers and leaders would lay hands on them and would put them in the holy until the next day for it was the evening. Luke also goes on to write and record how many of them which heard the word believed and the number of the men was about five thousand. On the following day the rulers, the elders, the scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest were gathered together at Jerusalem. It would be in this context they would send and call for the apostles to be brought before and unto them that they might examine them concerning the miracle which had taken place among them. Luke writes and records how when they had set them in the midst they asked them by what power or by what name they had performed this miracle. Peter—being filled with the Holy Ghost—said and spake unto them, “Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:8-12). It would be the apostle Peter who would emphatically declare unto that it would be by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom they crucified but whom God raised from the dead that this man stood before them completely and utterly whole of that infirmity which he had from the time of his birth. What I find absolutely incredible about the words which are present within the fourth chapter of this New Testament is what was written concerning the apostle Peter as well as what was written of the apostles themselves. It would be in the eighth verse of this chapter Luke would write how Peter—being filled with the Holy Ghost—would speak to and address the rulers which sought to examine and question them concerning the miracle of healing which had taken place in the life of this man who was lame from birth. In the thirteenth verse we find Luke writing how the rulers saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men. What’s more is that in the thirteenth verse of this passage of Scripture we find that they took knowledge of them “that they had been with Jesus.” This is something we must needs recognize and understand for if we want to effect true change that comes not by might, nor by power but by the Spirit of the living God we must needs two distinct evidences within us. It is in this passage of Scripture where we first read of Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost but where we also read of the rulers which sought to examine them taking note that they had been with Jesus. I am absolutely and completely convinced that if we truly desire to effect lasting change within our generation we must not only be filled with the Holy Ghost but we must also spend time walking with and following the person of the Lord Jesus. The rulers which were present during those days could not deny that a notable miracle took place among them but there was something else they could not deny nor refute. That which the rulers of this day could not deny nor refute was that the apostles had indeed been with Jesus. Oh while it is indeed true that they took note of the miracle which had taken place among them and while it was indeed true they could not deny the miracle which took place during those days they also could not deny the fact that these men had indeed been with Jesus. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and how absolutely wonderful it truly is when you take the time to reflect upon and examine it. Luke writes and records how the apostle Peter—being filled with the Holy Ghost—would stand up in the midst of the rulers which were present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and would speak unto them with all boldness. In all reality there is something truly captivating about this for if you read the words which are found in this passage you will find the rulers of that generation taking notice of three distinct realities concerning the apostle Peter—and not only concerning the apostle Peter but also concerning the apostles themselves. First and foremost there was the notable miracle which did indeed and did in fact take place during those days as the rulers could not deny the fact that a miracle of great power had indeed taken place among them that day. Neither the rulers nor the people could deny the fact that a notable miracle had indeed taken place among them for the man who was lame from birth and who used to be laid at the gate called Beautiful on a daily basis was now standing, walking and leaping in the presence of the apostles Peter and John. Those who were in the midst of the city of Jerusalem knew that a miracle had taken place for they could not deny the fact that this man who was not only lame from birth but also who was healed and completely whole in their midst. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and understand for when and as you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will indeed note that the rulers which were present during those days could not deny the notable miracle which had indeed and had in fact taken place during those days—a miracle in the which a man who was lame from birth and whom men knew to be laid outside the Temple at the gate called Beautiful had indeed been healed and made whole. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will notice that not only could they not deny that a notable miracle had taken place among them and needed to take note of it but they also saw the boldness of Peter and John. It was one thing for them to witness and observe the clear and obvious miracle which was present and manifested among them during those days, however, there was something else which they saw and observed—namely, the boldness of the apostles Peter and John—despite them being unlearned and ignorant men. Although the apostles Peter and John were ignorant and unlearned men and had not learned from any of the scribes, teachers of the Law, nor even the Pharisees and the religious leaders of that day they could not deny the boldness which they exhibited during those days. In addition to their witnessing and observing the notable miracle which had taken place during those days they also took note of and observed the boldness of the apostles Peter and John as they appeared to be in afraid, unmoved, unshaken and unashamed of this Jesus of Nazareth whom the rulers of that generation undoubtedly remembered well. As surely and as much as they could not deny nor dispute the miracle of the healing of the man who was lame from birth they could also not refute nor ignore the boldness of the apostles Peter and John. Undoubtedly they were amazed and marveled at the boldness they exercised during those days for these weren’t men who had the formal education and teaching which they themselves had. These were men who were simply Galilaean—and not only Galilaeans but who were unlearned and ignorant fisherman. Oh pause and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is for these Galilaean fishermen who were unlearned and ignorant were filled with the Holy Ghost who gave them undeniable boldness which they would indeed exhibit as they stood before and in the midst of the rulers of that generation unmoved, unshaken and unashamed of this person Jesus of Nazareth. These apostles weren’t afraid to stand among them and publicly proclaim the name of the Lord Jesus—and not only the name of the Lord Jesus but also that He had suffered in the flesh, that He had been delivered up to be crucified, that He had been raised from death to life and that He had ascended unto the right hand of the Father and had been glorified. If you continue reading the words which are found in the fourth chapter of this New Testament book you will find that in addition to the chief priests, the elders, the Sadducees and the rulers of that day observing the miracle which had taken place as well as the boldness of the apostles Peter and John there was something else they took notice of and observed. As you continue reading the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that they also took knowledge of them “that they had been with Jesus.” This is something we must needs recognize and understand for there is not a doubt in my mind that the religious leaders which were present at this time were still very familiar with the Lord Jesus. Undoubtedly the thought and idea of this Jesus of Nazareth was still fresh in their mind and perhaps even Jesus’ apparent disregard for their traditions, the sabbath, their rules and the like. What’s more is that as you read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you will find that Annas and Caiaphas were both present at this particular time and it was in the palace of Caiaphas where Jesus stood trial before the religious leaders and those who would bear false witness against Him. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for there is not a doubt in my mind that they remembered Jesus being delivered up into the hands of Pontius Pilate and how Pilate had Him scourged and a crown of thorns plated upon His brow before ultimately having Him crucified. What’s more is I would dare say that they were also very much aware of the report of what happened at the tomb and that which the soldiers who stood guard reported the first day of the week. What’s more is that they would have been very much aware of how there was a report and rumor that Jesus had indeed risen from the grave precisely and exactly as He declared He would. On this particular day the chief priests, the Sadducees, the captain of the Temple and others would come upon the apostles and would put them in the hold until the following day when they could question and examine them. I sit here today thinking about and considering this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth that not only were the chief priests, the scribes, the elders, the rulers, the high priest and even Caiaphas and Annas fully aware of this Jesus of Nazareth whom they had crucified but now they were aware of something entirely different. That which the religious leaders of that day were very much aware of was that the apostles Peter and John had indeed and had in fact been with Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth was removed from the picture and they were completely and entirely unaware of what had truly happened to Him but now there was something entirely different they did not anticipate or expect. Perhaps one of the greatest truths surrounding this passage is that when the chief priests, the scribes, the elders and the rulers of the Jews delivered Jesus up to be crucified they did not anticipate—much less expect—that Jesus would rise from the grave, that he would ascend unto the right hand of the Father, that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on the day of Pentecost, that the apostles and the believers would be filled with the Holy Spirit and that miracles would begin to take place. As if it weren’t enough to have to contend with the words and works of Jesus now the religious leaders had to contend with a new gospel that would be preached during those days—namely that although Jesus had suffered in the flesh and been crucified he would be raised from death to life. There is something incredibly powerful when you take the time to think about this for during the days of the early church, during the days of the apostles and during the days of Holy Spirit there was a gospel concerning the Lord Jesus that would take place and would be preached—namely that Jesus had in fact been raised from the dead. What’s more is that not only was it being preached that Jesus rose from the grave but it was also being preached that faith in His name miracles and healing could take place. The apostles emphatically declared that it was in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and faith in His name that would enable this man who was lame from birth to be healed on this particular day. If there is one thing I can’t help but think about when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s how the religious leaders of that day took notice that they had been with Jesus. This is something we as the disciples and followers must needs recognize concerning our own selves during this generation for the question must needs be asked whether or not others can take note and have taken notice that we have been with Jesus. Perhaps two of the greatest realities which were manifested during the days of the early church and the days of the early church was that the apostles had not only been filled with the Spirit but they had also walked with Jesus. I am absolutely convinced that if you and I want to truly effect change within our generation and in this nation we cannot think and/or even expect to do it without these two realities being manifested within our lives. If you want to truly make an impact within this generation and if you truly want to enact change within your city, within your streets, within this nation, within your home, within your church then you must needs be one who is not only filled with and baptized by the Holy Spirit but you must also have walked with Jesus. What’s more is that it is not enough to have walked with Jesus but it is also necessary to walk with and follow the Lord Jesus. Although the apostles had walked with and followed Jesus for three and a half years in the flesh while He was upon the earth they could no longer do so as He had ascended unto the right hand of the Father. They were now living during the days of the Holy Spirit and it would be during those days they would be able to continue to walk with and follow the person of the Lord Jesus as they would do so through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. It was Jesus Himself who declared that He would not leave them comfortless but would come unto them. It was Jesus who declared that He and the Father would come unto them and the person of the Holy Spirit was a wonderful and powerful symbol of the fellowship they would have with the Father and the Son during those days. As I sit here today thinking about and considering the words presented in this passage of Scripture I find myself asking whether or not it can be said of me that I have been with Jesus. When people look at and speak with me can they in fact take notice that I have been with Jesus? When people listen to and hear me speak can they in fact know and take notice that I have been with and have been in the presence of the Lord Jesus? Oh I’m reminded of the narrative and account of Moses when He was in the presence of the living God atop the mountain for forty days and forty nights and how there was evidence and proof of his having been in the presence of the living God. When Moses came down from the mountain after having spent forty days and forty nights in the presence of the living God his face shone with the radiance and reflection of the glory of the living God and so much so that when he was in the presence of the people he had to cover his face with a veil. When, however, he went into the tent of meeting or whenever he stood in the presence of the living he could take the veil which covered his face off and speak freely with the living God. This is something we must needs recognize when thinking about and considering our own lives for we must needs ask ourselves whether or not it is evidenced and evident that we have been in the presence of the living God. The account of Moses in the presence of the living God is both recounted in the Old Testament Pentateuch as well as in the third chapter of the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to not only have the witness and testimony that we have been in the presence of Jesus but there is also a great need for us to have the witness and testimony that we have been with Jesus. Pause for a moment and ask yourself whether or not this can be said of you—that you have stood in the presence of the Lord Jesus and that you have been with Jesus. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the twenty-third chapter of the prophetic book of Jeremiah as well as the third chapter of the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints: “Do we began again to commend yourselves? Or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killers, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken way in the reading of the Old Testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:1-18). “Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: They make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, NO evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? Who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD shall not return until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed,I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him dream a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? Saith the LORD. Is not my word like as a fire? Saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:15-32). I conclude this writing with that which is presented in this passage of Scripture for after the apostles were let go they went to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. Immediately after and as a result of this the apostles and brethren lifted up their voice to God with one accord. What makes this truly astonishing and intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you find that they entrusted this into the hands of the living God. The apostles and the brethren didn’t take up arms against the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of Israel and committed everything to the one true and living God in prayer. What’s more is what they would ask for was boldness that they might speak the word of God by stretching forth His hand to heal and that signs and wonders might be done in the name of Jesus. How absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it and how faced with threatenings the only thing they were concerned with is boldness to continue preaching, power in prayer and that God would heal and confirm His word with signs, wonders and miracles. What’s more is that when you read this passage you will find that when they had prayed the place where I prayed was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. I find this to be truly incredible for it begs the question—not only of whether or not it can be said that we’ve been with Jesus, not only whether or not it can be said that we are filled with the Spirit and not only whether or not we have stood in the presence of Jesus but whether or not the place(s) we pray gathered together with one accord with others is and can be shaken and our being filled with the Holy Spirit.