“BEFORE and AFTER”

AFTER JESUS’ RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION: When Peter and John taught, the Jews “…were astonished at the confidence with which they taught and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

BEFORE JESUS’ RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION: Following Jesus’ arrest, Peter followed ‘afar off’. One of the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” — (Matthew 26:73).

In both instances, Peter’s speech associated him as having been with Jesus. In both instances, we see ‘boldness’ in Peter’s speech. Yet, there is a glaring difference…FEAR OF DEATH. Note a change in Peter’s fear of dying…what prompted it?

Notice the change in Peter’s own reaction to his speech. In the “BEFORE” instance, Peter “…went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75) Why?

In the “AFTER” instance, when threatened, Peter rejoiced that he “… had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name…and…kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:41-42)

What about those whose speech associate them as ‘having been with Jesus’? Does your FEAR OF DEATH, dictate your speech

How can a change in your fear of dying take place? It will be the same as with Peter. He said, “…we must OBEY God…God of our fathers raised up Jesus…He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM.” (Acts 5:29-32).