Simon Peter

He touched my mother-in-law’s hand and the fever went. Gone. Next minute she’s up and getting him food.

Storm on the lake, waves coming right over the boat, and he’s asleep. Asleep! We woke him up. Save us, we’re going to drown!

Replying to @simonpeter

He asked why we were so afraid. Such little faith, he said. Then he got up and told the wind and the waves off. Completely calm.

Replying to @pharisee.galilee

We were hungry, mate.

Thousands of people, getting late, middle of nowhere. We told him to send them off to the villages to buy food. He says, “You give them something to eat.” Right. We had five loaves and two fish.

Replying to @simonpeter

He gave thanks, broke the bread, we handed it out. Everyone ate. Twelve baskets left over.

Middle of the night, and he comes walking to us across the lake. We thought it was a ghost. “It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” So I said, if it’s you, tell me to come. He said, “Come.” I got out of the boat.

Replying to @simonpeter

And I walked. On the water. Honestly. Then I saw the wind and started to sink. Shouted for him to save me. He grabbed me. Asked why I doubted. Such little faith.

He asked us who we think he is. I said it: you’re the Christ. The Son of the living God.

He started saying he’d suffer in Jerusalem and be killed and raised on the third day. I took him aside. Told him no way, that’s never happening to you. He said, “Get behind me, Satan.”

Replying to @simonpeter

Not long after he’d called me the rock.

Up a high mountain with James and John. His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah were there, talking with him. I offered to put up three shelters. Seemed like the thing to say.

Replying to @johnzebedee

I know. I know.

Tax collectors asked me if our teacher pays the temple tax. I said yes. Then, I kid you not, he sends me fishing: take the first fish I catch, open its mouth, and there’ll be a coin in there. Enough for his tax and mine.

Asked him how many times I have to forgive someone who keeps wronging me. Up to seven times?

Not being funny, but we’ve left everything to follow him. So what do we get?

Replying to @jesus

He told this one straight after I asked what we’d get for leaving everything.

Told him that even if everyone else walks away, I never will. Even if I have to die with him.

He asked us to stay awake with him. Three times he came back and found us asleep.

Jesus@jesus · GethsemaneMy Father, if it’s possible, take this cup away from me. But not what I want. What you want.

He told me. The third time I cursed and swore I didn’t know the man. Then the rooster crowed. I went outside and cried my heart out.

Matthew@matthewJesus told you that before the rooster crows, you’ll deny him three times.

He walked up the beach and said “Follow me,” and he’d teach us to fish for people. So Andrew and I left the nets where they were and went. Just like that.

Still dark, and he’d slipped off on his own to pray. We went looking for him. Told him everyone’s after him. His answer: on to the next towns. That’s what he came for.

Replying to @mark

Also he calls me Peter now.

Storm on the lake. Waves coming over the side. Boat filling up. And he’s in the back, asleep on a cushion. Honestly.

Replying to @simonpeter

We woke him. Don’t you care that we’re drowning? He told the wind off, said to the sea, “Quiet. Be still.” Dead calm. Then asked why we were so afraid.

His clothes went whiter than anyone on earth could bleach them. I only offered to build the shelters because I didn’t know what else to say. We were terrified.

Simon Peter@simonpeter · A high mountainUp a high mountain with James and John. His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah were there, talking with him. I offered to put up three shelters. Seemed like the thing to say.

Walked past that fig tree this morning. Dead. Withered right down to the roots.

Mark@markHe’s hungry. A fig tree in leaf, but nothing on it except leaves. It wasn’t the season for figs. He tells it nobody will ever eat fruit from it again.

He was very specific. Before the rooster crows twice, I’d deny him three times. I kept insisting: never. Even if I had to die with him.

Matthew@matthewJesus told you that before the rooster crows, you’ll deny him three times.

Replying to @mark

He asked us to keep watch. We fell asleep. Three times. He asked me straight out if I couldn’t stay awake for one hour.

He told me. I swore I didn’t know him. Then the rooster crowed the second time. I broke down and wept.

Simon Peter@simonpeterHe was very specific. Before the rooster crows twice, I’d deny him three times. I kept insisting: never. Even if I had to die with him.

“And Peter.” After everything.

Mark@mark · The tomb, JerusalemSunday, first light. The women walk to the tomb asking each other who’ll roll the stone away. It’s already rolled back. Inside, a young man in white tells them he’s risen, he isn’t here. Go and tell his disciples, and Peter.

Sabbath in Capernaum. Right, things that happened today: 1. Man with an evil spirit screaming in the synagogue. Not any more. 2. My mother-in-law's fever. Gone. She's up feeding everyone. 3. Sunset: all the sick brought to him. He laid hands on every one.

Fished all night, caught nothing. He tells me to go out into deep water and try again. I mean, fine. Because he says so. The nets started tearing.

Replying to @simonpeter

I fell at his knees and told him to get away from me. Lord, I'm a sinful man. He told me not to be afraid. From now on I'll be catching people.

That was me, by the way. Whole crowd shoving against him from every side, and he asks who touched him. So I said so. He said someone touched him. He'd felt power go out of him.

The believers@thebelieversThen he stops and asks who touched him. In a crowd that’s literally pushing against him.

What I didn't say before: he'd taken us up there to pray, and his face changed while he was praying. Moses and Elijah were talking with him about his departure, what was going to happen in Jerusalem. And we'd been fighting to stay awake.

Simon Peter@simonpeter · A high mountainUp a high mountain with James and John. His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah were there, talking with him. I offered to put up three shelters. Seemed like the thing to say.

He called me by name, twice. Said Satan's asked to sift all of us like wheat. But he's prayed for me.

Replying to @simonpeter

I told him I'm ready to go to prison with him. And to die. He said before the rooster crows today, I'll say three times that I don't know him.

Replying to @luke

He came back from praying and found us asleep. Worn out with grief, honestly. He asked why we were sleeping. Get up, he said, and pray, so you don't fall into temptation.

Replying to @courtyard.fire

I don't know what you're on about.

Liked by Jesus

That was me. Right as I said it, he turned round and looked straight at me. It wasn't until he did that I remembered what he'd told me: before the rooster crows today, you'll say three times you don't know me. I'd said I'd go to prison with him. Die with him. I went outside and cried my heart out.

Simon Peter@simonpeterI don't know what you're on about.

Replying to @joanna

I ran. Bent down and looked in. Just the strips of linen, lying there on their own. Went home wondering what had happened.

Replying to @thebelievers

Showed us his hands and feet. We were so happy we still couldn't believe it. Then he asked if we had anything to eat, and ate a piece of grilled fish right in front of us.

He'd only just met me and gave me a new name. Cephas. Rock. No pressure, then.

Andrew@andrewWent straight to my brother. “Simon. We've found the Messiah.”

Middle of the lake, middle of the night, wind against us. Then he's there. Walking on the water. “It's me. Don't be afraid.”

He asked if we wanted to leave too. Where else would we go? He has the words of eternal life.

Replying to @johnzebedee

Told him he was never washing my feet. He said unless he washes me, I have no part with him. Right, fine. Not just my feet, then. Hands and head as well.

Replying to @johnzebedee

I was the one signalling John to ask him who.

I'll give my life for him.

Replying to @johnzebedee

And I went in first.

Going fishing.

Replying to @simonpeter

All night. Nothing.

Replying to @johnzebedee

Put my coat on and jumped in.

A hundred and fifty-three fish. And the net didn't tear.

Three times he asked if I love him. Each time he told me to look after his sheep. The third time hurt. Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.

Simon Peter@simonpeterI'll give my life for him.

Saw John following us and asked: Lord, what about him?

They’re not drunk. It’s nine in the morning, for goodness’ sake. This is exactly what the prophet Joel said would happen: in the last days God would pour out his Spirit on all people.

Someone in the crowd at Pentecost@pentecost.crowdCalm down, everyone. They’ve had too much wine. That’s all this is.

David wrote that God wouldn’t leave him in the grave or let his Holy One rot. But David died. His tomb’s still here. He saw it coming, and he was talking about the Messiah rising.

David@davidYou won't abandon me to the grave. You won't let your holy one see decay. You've shown me the path of life.

So all of Israel needs to know this for sure: God has made this Jesus, the one you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.

Turn back to God and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, so your sins are forgiven. And you’ll receive the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you, for your children, and for everyone far away.

Three in the afternoon, prayer time, so John and I went up to the temple. There’s a man who gets carried to the Beautiful Gate every day to beg. Never walked in his life. He asked us for money. Right. I told him: I haven’t got silver or gold, but what I have got, I’ll give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.

Why are you staring at us like we did this? We didn’t. It’s the name of Jesus, and faith in him, that’s made this man strong. You all know him.

Moses said it: the Lord your God will raise up a prophet like me from among your own people. Listen to him.

Moses@mosesOne day the LORD your God will send you a prophet like me, one of your own. Listen to him.

And you’re heirs of the agreement God made with Abraham. He told Abraham every family on earth would be blessed through his offspring.

Moses@moses · HaranThen this. The LORD tells Abram to leave his country, his relatives and his father’s house, and go to a land he’ll show him. He’ll make him into a great nation, and every family on earth will be blessed through him.

Hauled up this morning in front of the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law. Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas. They asked by what power we’d done it. So we’re on trial for doing a kindness to a man who couldn’t walk. Fine. He was healed by the name of Jesus of Nazareth, who you crucified and God raised from the dead. There’s no other name under heaven we can be saved by.

Told the council: he’s the stone you builders threw out. The one that’s become the cornerstone.

A psalmist@apsalmistThe stone the builders threw out has become the cornerstone.

The high priest asked why we’re still teaching in this name when they told us not to. Same answer as last time. We have to obey God rather than people.

Flogged, told to stop again, and let go. And honestly? We walked out of there glad. Glad God thought us worth being disgraced for his name. Every day since: temple courts, house to house. Jesus is the Messiah.

Replying to @thegreatpower

You and your money can go to ruin together, if you think God’s gift can be bought. Your heart isn’t right with God.

Up on the roof to pray, hungry, lunch not ready. Then a vision: a sheet let down from heaven, full of animals our law says we never eat. “Kill and eat.” Not a chance, Lord. Then I’m told not to call anything unclean that God has made clean. Three times. I’m still trying to work out what it means when three men turn up at the gate asking for me, sent by a Roman officer.

Walked into a Roman officer’s house today, full of his family and friends. He fell at my feet. I got him up: stand up, I’m only a man. You all know it’s against our law for a Jew to go into a foreigner’s home. But God has shown me I shouldn’t call anyone unclean. So here I am.

I really get it now. God doesn’t have favourites. He accepts people from every nation who honour him and do what’s right.

Replying to @stricterside

You want the whole story? Right. Here it is, start to finish. The Holy Spirit came on them just like he came on us at the beginning. If God gave them the same gift he gave us, who was I to stand in God’s way?

Chained between two soldiers, asleep. An angel, a light, the chains fall off. Honestly thought I was dreaming. Past two guards, the iron gate opens on its own, and I’m standing in the street. It was real.

Replying to @rhoda

Meanwhile I’m still out there. Knocking.

Why put a weight on their necks that neither we nor our ancestors could carry? We believe we’re saved through the kindness of the Lord Jesus. Same as them.

Peter here. Yes, that Peter. Apostle of Jesus Christ. Writing to God’s chosen people living as exiles, scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. Grace and peace to you, and plenty of both.

Praise God. Because of his huge mercy he’s given us a new birth into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. And an inheritance that can’t rot, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for you.

I know you’re going through all sorts of trials right now, for a little while. Gold gets tested by fire, and gold doesn’t even last. Your faith is worth far more than gold.

You’ve never seen him, and you love him. You don’t see him now, and you believe in him, and you’re full of a joy you can’t even put into words.

The prophets searched and dug into this, trying to work out when it would all happen. It turns out they were serving you, not themselves. Even angels long to look into it.

The one who called you is holy, so be holy in everything you do. It’s written: be holy, because I am holy.

Moses@mosesWhy all of it? The LORD: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

You weren’t bought back with silver or gold, stuff that doesn’t last. It was with the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb with no flaw or mark on it.

People are like grass, and all their glory like wildflowers. The grass dries up and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord lasts for ever. And that word is the good news you were told.

Isaiah@isaiahA voice told me to shout. I asked, shout what? That people are like grass, all their beauty like wildflowers. The grass dries up and the flowers drop. The word of our God stands for ever.

Said this to the council in Jerusalem, and I’ll say it again. He’s the living stone. People threw him out; God chose him and values him. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. And you’re living stones too, being built into a house for God.

Simon Peter@simonpeterTold the council: he’s the stone you builders threw out. The one that’s become the cornerstone.

You’re a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s very own, to tell everyone about the one who called you out of the dark into his amazing light. Once you weren’t a people at all. Now you’re God’s people.

Moses@moses · Mount SinaiAt Sinai the LORD reminded us how he carried us on eagles’ wings and brought us to himself. Said if we keep his agreement, out of all the nations we’ll be his own treasure.

Replying to @cappadocia.believer

Live such good lives among them that even while they call you wrongdoers, they see the good you do and give God glory on the day he comes.

Respect everyone. Love your brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honour the king.

When they insulted him, he didn’t insult them back. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten anyone. He left it with the one who judges fairly. He carried our sins in his own body on the cross, so we could be done with sin and live for what’s right. By his wounds you’ve been healed.

Isaiah@isaiahHe was treated cruelly and didn’t say a word. Like a lamb led off to be killed. Like a sheep that stays silent while it’s sheared. They condemned him and took him away, and his life was cut short. They gave him a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man, though he’d never done anything violent or said anything false.

You were like sheep wandering off. Now you’ve come back to the Shepherd who looks after your souls.

Isaiah@isaiahWe’d all wandered off like sheep, every one of us going our own way. And the LORD put all our wrongdoing on him.

Don’t pay back evil with evil, or insult with insult. Bless instead. David had it right: whoever wants to love life and see good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from lies. Turn from evil, do good, go after peace.

David@davidWrote this one after pretending to be mad in front of the king in Gath. Scratching at the gate, spit running down my beard. He threw me out. Taste and see that the LORD is good.

Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks why you’ve got the hope you’ve got. But do it gently, and with respect.

In Noah’s day God waited patiently while the ark was being built, and eight people were brought safely through the water. That water is a picture of baptism, which saves you now. Not washing dirt off your body, but a clear conscience before God, through Jesus rising from the dead.

Noah@noahI was 600 when it started. The springs of the deep burst open, the windows of the sky opened, and it rained for forty days and forty nights. We went in, me, my wife, our sons and their wives, and the animals with us, two by two.

Replying to @cappadocia.believer

They’ll have to answer for it to the one who’s ready to judge the living and the dead.

Above everything, love each other deeply, because love covers over a whole lot of sins.

Solomon@solomonHatred stirs up fights. Love covers over every wrong.

Open your homes to each other. And no grumbling about it, please.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trial you’re going through, as if something strange were happening to you. If you’re insulted for the name of Christ, you’re blessed. If you suffer for being a Christian, don’t be ashamed. Praise God that you carry that name.

To the elders among you, from a fellow elder who saw what Christ suffered: be shepherds of God’s flock. Look after them because you want to, not because you have to. Not for the money. Not bossing people about. Be an example to them.

Simon Peter@simonpeterThree times he asked if I love him. Each time he told me to look after his sheep. The third time hurt. Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.

Throw all your worries on him, because he cares about you.

Keep a clear head and stay alert. Your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, firm in your faith. Your brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same things.

Simon Peter again, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. To everyone who’s been given a faith as precious as ours: his power has given us everything we need to live a godly life.

Add to your faith: 1. Goodness 2. Knowledge 3. Self-control 4. Perseverance 5. Godliness 6. Kindness to each other 7. Love

I know I’ll be putting this tent of a body aside soon. The Lord Jesus Christ made that clear to me. So while I’m still here I’m going to keep reminding you, and make sure you can remember all this after I’ve gone.

John@johnzebedeeHe told Peter what kind of death he would die. Then: “Follow me.”

We didn’t follow clever made-up stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majesty with our own eyes. We heard the voice from heaven say he’s God’s Son, whom he loves, who delights him. We were there with him, on that holy mountain.

Simon Peter@simonpeter · A high mountainUp a high mountain with James and John. His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah were there, talking with him. I offered to put up three shelters. Seemed like the thing to say.

No prophecy in Scripture ever came from someone’s own ideas. People spoke from God, carried along by the Holy Spirit.

There were false prophets among God’s people back then, and there’ll be false teachers among you. They’ll slip in ideas that destroy people, even denying the Master who bought them. And out of greed they’ll use you, with made-up stories.

God didn’t spare the old world when the flood came, but he kept Noah safe, and seven others. He turned Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes, but he rescued Lot, a good man worn down day after day by what he saw and heard there. So the Lord knows how to rescue people who live his way, and how to hold the wicked for the day of judgement.

Lot@lot · SodomAt dawn they kept telling me to hurry. I hesitated. So they grabbed my hand, and my wife’s and my daughters’, and walked us out of the city. The LORD was being merciful to us.

They’ve gone Balaam’s way, the prophet who loved getting paid for doing wrong. Balaam got told off by a donkey. A donkey. Can’t talk, spoke in a human voice, and stopped the prophet’s madness.

Balaam’s donkey@balaams.donkeyThree times I got out of the way, three times he beat me. So I asked him. What have I done to you? Have I ever done this to you before?

The proverb’s spot on about them: a dog goes back to its own sick. And a pig that’s been washed goes straight back to rolling in the mud.

Solomon@solomonLike a dog going back to its vomit, a fool goes back to his foolishness.

What they conveniently forget: long ago God spoke and the heavens and the earth were made, out of water. And by water the world back then was flooded and destroyed. And don’t miss this, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day.

A scoffer@scofferSo where’s this coming he promised, exactly? Our fathers are dead and gone, and everything’s carrying on the same as it has since the world began. Just saying.

The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promise, the way some people think of slow. He’s being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to turn back to him.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. And in keeping with his promise, we’re looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where everything is right.

Isaiah@isaiahThe LORD is going to create new heavens and a new earth. Nobody will even remember the old ones. No more crying heard in Jerusalem. No more babies who only live a few days. People will build houses and live in them, plant vineyards and eat the grapes themselves. Before they call, he’ll answer.

Our dear brother Paul wrote to you about this too, with the wisdom God gave him. He does it in all his letters. Some of it’s honestly hard to follow, and people who don’t know any better twist it, the way they do the rest of the Scriptures.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Replying to @johnzebedee

I told him no chance, you’re never washing my feet. He said then I’ve got no part with him. Right. Not just my feet, then. Hands and head as well.

He just said one of us at this table is going to betray him.

Even if every one of them falls away, I won’t. I’ll go to prison with him. I’ll die with him.

Matthew@matthewSang a hymn and headed out to the Mount of Olives, same as every night this week. On the way he said all of us would fall away tonight. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep scatter.

Replying to @simonpeter

Even if I have to die with him, I’m never denying him. Never.

He came back and found us asleep. Couldn’t we keep watch with him for one hour? The spirit is willing, he said, but the body is weak. Three times he came back. Three times, asleep.

Replying to @gatekeeper.courtyard

That wasn’t me. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Replying to @gatekeeper.courtyard

I’m not, mate. Leave it.

Replying to @gatekeeper.courtyard

May God curse me if I’m lying. I do not know the man.

Liked by Jesus

That was me. Right as I said it, he turned round and looked straight at me. It wasn’t until he did that I remembered what he’d told me: before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times. I went outside and cried like I’ve never cried.

Simon Peter@simonpeterMay God curse me if I’m lying. I do not know the man.

Replying to @johnzebedee

He stopped at the entrance, bless him. I went straight in.

Replying to @johnzebedee

He asked if we had anything to eat. We gave him a piece of grilled fish. He ate it. In front of us. Proper ate it.

Going fishing.

Replying to @simonpeter

All night. Nothing.

Replying to @johnzebedee

Put my coat back on and jumped in.

After breakfast he asked me: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Feed my lambs. Then again. Then a third time, and that one hurt. Lord, you know everything. You know I love you. Feed my sheep, he said.

Simon Peter@simonpeterEven if every one of them falls away, I won’t. I’ll go to prison with him. I’ll die with him.

Follow me, he said. Same as the first day, by the boats.

Simon Peter@simonpeter · Lake GalileeHe walked up the beach and said “Follow me,” and he’d teach us to fish for people. So Andrew and I left the nets where they were and went. Just like that.

Replying to @thebelievers

We just stood there staring at the sky. Then two men in white were standing next to us. Asked why we’re standing here looking up. He’ll come back, they said, the same way we saw him go.

He said “Follow me.” Said he’d make us fishers of people. So, yeah. We went. The nets are wherever we left them.

Replying to @capernaum.beach

People, apparently.

My mother-in-law’s in bed with a fever. Proper bad one. We told him about her as soon as we got in.

Replying to @simonsmotherinlaw

A minute ago she couldn’t get out of bed.

Anyone seen Jesus? Still dark, and he’s gone.

Replying to @capernaum.nextdoor

Course there is. We’re going out to find him.

Found him. Out on his own in a quiet place, praying. Told him everyone’s looking for him.

Replying to @simonpeter

His answer: let’s go on to the other towns nearby so he can preach there too. That’s what he came for.

Replying to @crowd.capernaum

He’ll be back. He lives here now.

Still true.

Simon Peter@simonpeterFound him. Out on his own in a quiet place, praying. Told him everyone’s looking for him.

All twelve of us back with him. Sent out in twos, and now we’re all telling him everything we did and said out there.

The believers@thebelieversUpdate: it worked. Evil spirits driven out, sick people anointed with oil and healed.

Replying to @andrew

He says come away with him, just us, somewhere quiet, and rest for a bit.

Pushing off. Him, us, one boat, and nobody else. Finally.

Replying to @ranroundthelake

You are joking. So much for quiet.

Replying to @thebelievers

His answer: “You give them something to eat.” Us.

Up the hill, down the hill. Row after row. Everybody’s getting some. Fish as well.

Replying to @thebelievers

Twelve of us. Twelve baskets. Just saying.

He’s made us get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side. Without him. He’s staying to send everyone home.

Replying to @thebelievers

Didn’t say.

Wind’s straight against us. Rowing hard and getting nowhere.

Shouted across to him: if it’s really you, tell me to come to you. On the water.

Liked by Jesus

Replying to @simonpeter

He said one word. “Come.”

Replying to @andrew

Getting out of the boat.

Saw the wind. Got scared. Started going under. Lord, save me!

Replying to @simonpeter

He said, “You’ve got so little faith. Why did you doubt?”

Replying to @andrew

For a bit.

Replying to @gennesaret

Haven’t slept. Here we go again.

Mark’s right. We’d watched him feed five thousand people that afternoon. And we still didn’t get it.

Mark@markThey were completely stunned. They still hadn’t understood about the loaves. Their hearts had gone hard.

That was me. I asked him to tell me to come, and he did. I walked on the water. Then I saw the wind, got scared and sank. He caught me.

Simon Peter@simonpeterShouted across to him: if it’s really you, tell me to come to you. On the water.

Stood up in front of everyone today. There are about a hundred and twenty of us now. Judas was one of us. He had his share in this work. The Psalms said someone else would take his place, and someone has to. It needs to be one of the men who were with us the whole way, from John baptising at the river to the day Jesus was taken up. Someone who saw him alive.

We’re not drunk, mate. It’s nine in the morning.

Someone in the crowd at Pentecost@pentecost.crowdIt means they’ve been at the new wine.

What you’re seeing is what the prophet Joel talked about. God said that in the last days he’d pour out his Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will speak his words. Young men will see visions, old men will dream dreams. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Jesus of Nazareth. You know who he was. You saw the miracles God did through him, right here among you. He was handed over, just as God had planned, and you had him nailed to a cross. God raised him. Death couldn’t keep hold of him.

David wrote this, that God wouldn’t let his holy one rot in the grave. But David died. His tomb is just down the road. He saw ahead and was talking about the Messiah rising. God has raised Jesus, and every one of us standing up here saw him.

David@davidYou won't abandon me to the grave. You won't let your holy one see decay. You've shown me the path of life.

David never went up to heaven either, and he still wrote this. Jesus is at God’s right hand now. He’s received the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him out. That’s what you’re seeing and hearing.

David@davidThe LORD tells my Lord to sit at his right hand until he makes his enemies a footstool for his feet.

So be sure of this, all of Israel. God has made this Jesus, the one you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.

Replying to @simonpeter

Turn back to God, and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, so your sins are forgiven. And you’ll receive the Holy Spirit too. This promise is for you and your children, and for everyone far away. Everyone the Lord our God calls.

Seven weeks ago, by a fire in the high priest’s courtyard, I swore I didn’t know him. Today I stood up in front of thousands of people and told them God has made him Lord and Messiah.

Simon Peter@simonpeterMay God curse me if I’m lying. I do not know the man.

Replying to @walkingandjumping

I didn’t have any silver or gold. Told him I’d give him what I did have. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth: get up and walk.

Why is everyone staring at us like we made him walk? We didn’t. It’s the name of Jesus, and trusting him, that’s made this man strong. You all know him. You’ve seen him at that gate.

Pilate had decided to let Jesus go. You said no. You asked for a murderer instead, and you killed the one who gives life. God raised him from the dead. We saw it.

I know you didn’t understand what you were doing. Your leaders didn’t either. So turn back to God, and your sins will be wiped away.

Moses said it. Listen to him.

Moses@mosesOne day the LORD your God will send you a prophet like me, one of your own. Listen to him.

So we’re on trial for doing a kindness to a man who couldn’t walk. Right. Fine. Everyone should hear this. He was healed by the name of Jesus of Nazareth. You crucified him. God raised him from the dead. And there’s no other name under heaven that can save us.

Told them: he’s the stone you builders threw out. Now he’s the cornerstone.

A psalmist@apsalmistThe stone the builders threw out has become the cornerstone.

In the night an angel of the Lord opened the jail doors and brought us out. Told us to go and stand in the temple courts and tell the people everything about this new life. So here we are. Temple courts. Sun’s just coming up.

Replying to @thesanhedrin

We have to obey God, not people. You killed Jesus by hanging him on a wooden cross. God raised him and put him at his right hand, so Israel could turn back and be forgiven. We saw it happen. So did the Holy Spirit.

He told us it would be courts and floggings. Today it was. We walked out of there glad. Glad that God thought us worth being disgraced for his name.

The believers@thebelieversHe didn’t make it sound easy. Courts, floggings, being hated. He said all of it.