When Jesus was arrested by the chief priests and a band of soldiers, the Apostle Peter ran. While Jesus stood trial before the Jewish authorities, Peter stood outside in the courtyard and denied even knowing Him to the bystanders and servant girls questioning him there.
Yet, just a few weeks later, that same Peter stood before those same Jewish authorities and boldly declared Jesus to be the Christ whom they had rejected. He defied their authority, insisting that God wanted him to continue speaking of what he had seen and heard. He later traveled to the city where the region’s Roman officials and soldiers were stationed, stepped into a Roman commander’s home, and declared, “Jesus is Lord” – an explosive claim because everyone there had been taught “Caesar is Lord” and anyone who disagreed should be executed.
How did a man who crumbled under the casual questioning of a servant girl come to boldly stand up to the Jewish rulers? How could a man who fled a small band of soldiers walk into the home of a man who personally commanded 100 of them and not only pledge allegiance to a different King but try to recruit them to do the same? What happened between those events to produce so profound a change?
The resurrection happened. Three days after his shameful denial of Jesus, Peter ran into His tomb and found it empty. Peter rejoiced when later that day Jesus appeared right there with him and the other disciples in the middle of a locked room. For weeks, he saw Jesus, touched Jesus, heard Jesus teach, and even ate with Jesus. He reversed his earlier denial by declaring three times to Jesus that he loved Him and that he would follow Him – even at the cost of his own life. Then Peter watched that risen and very much alive Jesus be taken into heaven to reign over God’s kingdom – with a promise to return. And that changed everything.
So did the Spirit. Because after Jesus ascended into heaven, He poured out God’s Spirit, baptizing them with fire as promised. Peter’s boldness, clarity, devotion, and strength was the result of the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in him. When he was insulted or suffered for Jesus, he was blessed by that Spirit of glory resting on him even more. And when the time for his own departure came, Peter knew he had his own resurrection to eternal life in the new heavens and a new earth awaiting him.
The resurrection changed everything for Peter. It can for us, too.
Experience a hope that will change your life - now and forever - through our series Hope of the Resurrection.