Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was on them all. Let us consider some of the reasons why the apostles attached such importance to the resurrection. It proved: I. THAT CHRIST WAS STILL LIVING AND HAD RETURNED TO HIS CHURCH. His death had struck them with confusion and dismay, and their first feeling was one of profound loss. The resurrection was the return of their beloved Master. So we do not worship a dead Christ. He is not a memory but a presence. II. THAT CHRIST HAD NOT FAILED IN HIS WORK. This was once their impression (Luke 24:21). But after the resurrection all was changed. Here was — 1. Triumph over death. 2. The proof that God had accepted the great sacrifice. 3. The evidence that what seemed a hindrance was the very means by which the Saviour effected His work of redemption. III. THAT CHRIST WAS MORE THAN MAN. It was a triumphant refutation of Jewish error. They had mocked at His claims (Luke 23:35). Here was the vindication of them. Accordingly the apostles pressed this fact with great persistency (Acts 3:15). He could be no mere man that could break the bars of the grave. IV. THE SUPERNATURAL CHARACTER OF CHRISTIANITY. If this is granted it is vain to cavil at lesser miracles. Admit this, and all anti-Christian objection crumbles to dust. V. THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR MAN TO BE RAISED FROM THE DEAD (1 Corinthians 15:20). (W. F. Adeney, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. |
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