In one mind

“When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.” Peter and John after their release, went to their companions and shard everything. This is both a privilege and a wisdom for believers. Upon hearing the report, the believers prayed together in unity. “Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them.” This is a call based on Psalm 146:6. (1) “Lord” here in Greek is not “Kyrios” but “Despotes,” which expresses a relationship between master and slave, meaning “perfect master.” (2) The object of the believers’ prayer is God, the Creator of heaven and earth. “Why were the nations insolent, and the peoples plotting in vain? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.” This is a prayer quoting Psalm 2:1-2. (1) This scripture prophesies what will happen when Christ establishes His Messianic Kingdom. It says that rulers will rise to disrupt God’s plan. (2) The early believers applied the content of this prophecy to their current circumstances (not that this prophecy was fulfilled). “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel.” The Jews and the Romans collaborated to oppose the holy servant Jesus. (1) Herod represented the Jews, while Pontius Pilate represented the Romans. (2) This includes the imagery of the “Suffering Servat” from Isaiah 53. (3) God had decided to send the Suffering Servant. Although the Jews and Romans committed evil, it was part of God’s plan. The believers prayed for three things: (1) Please take note of the threats from our enemies. (2) Allow us to speak Your word with boldness. (3) Perform miracles in the name of Jesus. The response to their prayer was immediate. (4) The place where they were gathered was shaken. This was a physical manifestation of the spiritual power present there (ref. Ex. 19:18). (5) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly. The filling of the Holy Spirit was renewed, and they became bolder than before. This is a clear example of how trials can lead to a renewal of the filling of the Holy Spirit. Blessed are those who experience growth in faith through trials.