the firm - the collective authority in Jerusalem is present for the pre-trial scrutiny which follows on the heels of such a bold action. Annas refers to an ensconced family line of priests that continued to be influential in Jerusalem politics; the scribes a privileged and educated group, while the elders enjoyed special social prominence.

filled . . . again - Luke clues us in to an intriguing insight: Peter was filled again with the Holy Spirit. Whatever follows, this homily will reflect a persuasive quality and effect a powerful response. Not that we’re cutting new ground; the sermon is essentially Acts 2’s sermon but with more polemic and forthrightness.

uneducated and ordinary - a strange phrase for post-modern ears, for people who so value the professionalism of their ministers and priests. But listen to NIB’s comments on this professionalism vis-à-vis laity issue that the text raises . . .

No one should deny the importance of education in the production of a thoughtful, competent Christian leadership. Yet this story in Acts reminds us that spiritual authority is primarily the result of the Spirit’s work in human life and is therefore subject to spiritual disciplines that make us more available to the Spirit’s filling. Peter was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things to influence thousands of people because he was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit.’ While talent and a fine education are worthy attributes of a Christian leader, there is simply no substitute for the spiritually mature believer whose leadership reflects the rule of the Spirit in her/his life. [1]

What threat brought you the most fear as a child?

When was the last time you had a run-in with an authority figure?

If you had been one of the authority figures, what might have been your reaction? How would Peter’s words have impacted you?

This text presents a fine opportunity to talk about professional vis-à-vis laity ministry in the church; raise questions about what ministry requires, about why you believe (or don’t believe) seminary education is important; the centrist position would try to bring a balance between the two-laity and professional clergy. But however you raise the question, beyond formal or informal education, there is the clear sense of spiritual qualification and the need to be filled with the Spirit.

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), pp. 92-93.