Peter Being Used by God

In Acts 1 Luke describes when Jesus was talking to the disciples before he was taken up into Heaven. Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you which was a pivotal moment. I believe this was all astonishing to the disciples but also transformative. After Jesus was taken up into heaven the disciples began to anticipate the Holy Spirit that Jesus spoke of. I believe God was doing a work in the heart of Peter and that He had repented in his heart for denying Jesus three times. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks [a]at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. It is the condition of the heart that determines how or if the Lord will use you. I believe Peter had a repented heart and because of that God used him to preach on the Day of Pentecost.

You're spot on Vanessa! I believe Peter's heart was good; but he needed the Holy Spirit's help! Paul said in Romans 7:21, that I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. All our intentions are no good without Holy Spirit's help! Scripture says in John 14:26, But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. We must depend on Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit will do the work. Sometimes we try to hard to do things in this flesh and fail in our attempts. Peter did some great things for the Lord, but after Christ's ascension, he was empowered by Holy Spirit. Not only was he able to keep his flesh in tact, but he was able to do the same things that Christ did while on earth.

That's a beautiful and insightful reflection. You're absolutely right—Acts 1:8 is such a pivotal verse, not just for the disciples in that moment, but for the entire unfolding of the early Church. Jesus was preparing them for a complete transformation, not just in power and boldness, but in identity and mission.

Your point about Peter is especially powerful. He went from denying Jesus three times in fear and shame to boldly standing up in Acts 2 and preaching to thousands. That transformation didn't come from his own strength—it was the work of the Holy Spirit and a heart that had been humbled, broken, and restored. When you referenced 1 Samuel 16:7, it really ties it all together: God saw Peter's heart, not just his past mistakes.