Say It

​Say It  
 
Acts 5:30-32 “The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead – whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
 
WE can’t imagine how radical these words were to the Sanhedrin. Many of them were Sadducees, legal experts, of the law. But these experts lacked true expertise in the law. They did not believe in the resurrection plainly written in Exodus 3:15 “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” Apparently the Sadducees had forgotten God’s words. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were dead in their bodies. God said they are alive with him. The unschooled apostles confirmed to the Sadducees the LORD, the God of your fathers is the One who raised Jesus to life.
   Even though the ruling Jews had hung Jesus in shame on the cross, the LORD turned the shame into glory. Jesus is not only raised from the dead, he is ascended to heaven to sit at the LORD’s right hand. He is Prince – the Son of God. He is Savior – the One who has come to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
   Yes, at the cost of his life, Jesus came to give salvation to those who believe. He will ultimately conquer all evil and establish his rule in Jerusalem forever. The rabbi from Nazareth is much more than any human can know because he now sits with and rules with the LORD – the eternal I AM.
   The apostles confirm they are witnesses. They have seen and know the truth. The Holy Spirit has helped them understand. He is their co-witness to prove who Jesus is. The Father, Son and Spirit have given them the knowledge and the voice to testify, “Jesus is Savior.”  
   The same is true for each Christian. We have received the Father’s Word through the Holy Bible. His book testifies of his eternal existence. We learn Jesus is Savior through the gospels and epistles. The Spirit has inspired men to record God’s truth. He has removed obstacles in our hearts to believe Jesus is Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to all who believe.
   The apostles were firm to say it. No earthly authority stopped them. They are our examples.