27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
As Peter and John pray following their release from jail, they outline their understanding of who was responsible for Jesus’ death. It is interesting that he says that both political and religious leaders were responsible. He also says that all races of people, Gentile and Jew, had their hand in it. In that day there were only two classes of people, Jews and non-Jews called Gentiles. I remember when the movie The Passion of the Christ
came out the international uproar that happened. No matter who you were you thought the movie blamed you for the killing. There were some Jewish folks who took it very personally, probably for historic reasons. It was also interesting how many Christians thought it would bring a great revival to this country and perhaps the world. Instead of living such a godly life that people are drawn to the Messiah, they wanted a movie to change lives. These early disciples knew that it was their lives that would make an impact for Jesus. People were looking at them and what Jesus was doing through them. They had a personal stake in the matter. They had just been thrown in jail and been threatened. Their very lives were at stake. In the coming months and years their earthly possessions would be taken. Their children and parents would be the objects of persecution. Some of them would be killed for refusing to deny who Jesus was. And yet at this moment they pray for boldness to proclaim the truth. They don’t center their prayer on getting out of persecution, but that the message of truth might be spread through them. They are resolved to carry what they have seen, heard, and experienced to everyone they meet. It doesn’t matter what their religious or cultural background is, they want to share Jesus with them. That is a pretty good goal for our lives as well. No boundaries. Share with everyone.
The Arnold Journey 