Friday, June 20, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Acts 4:18–21, 23–33

So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened.

After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’ For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. (NRSV)

Reflection

Peter and John are in trouble. Just about everyone is angry with them — the leaders, elders, legal experts, the high priest, and his entire family are united in their opposition to Peter and John. Why? Word is getting out that they are performing miracles in Jesus’ name and they’re gathering way too much support. So the local leaders insist the disciples stop speaking, teaching, and healing in the name of Jesus. Rather than that discouraging the disciples, Luke tells us that “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”

The Holy Spirit is on a tear! Her energy is palpable, and everyone who experiences it is transformed. They completely understand God — Jesus — and are confident that divine leadership overshadows even powerful government officials like King Herod or Governor Pilate. This confidence frees them to live boldly and joyfully, calling on Jesus to work wonders.

I wish we could all experience this kind of Spirit-filled energy every day. It makes me wonder — does the Spirit still operate at full power and we simply don’t notice? Or was the period following Jesus’ resurrection simply a brief “heyday” of the Holy Spirit? Perhaps the Spirit shows up just as regularly, but with some discretion — no more tongues of fire — and we must work a little harder to notice.

If we just assumed that the Spirit would show up for us, would we have the confidence to do and say more? Would we speak truth to power, advocate for our neighbors, actively care for the most vulnerable among us? Would our deepened capacity for love permit us to love the “unlovable”? And would the assurance of our own belovedness permit us to simply relish God’s love, overcoming our insecurities and self-judgments?

What would you attempt if you knew the Holy Spirit was fully present in your life and world? Give it a try.

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit! Amen. 

Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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