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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
Hitherto the priests had avoided having the crucifixion or resurrec-
tion of Jesus mentioned; but now, in fulfillment of their purpose, they
were forced to inquire of the accused by what power they had accom-
plished the remarkable cure of the impotent man. Then Peter, filled
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with the Holy Ghost, addressed the priests and elders respectfully, and
declared: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that
by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom
God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before
you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in
any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we may be saved.”
The seal of Christ was on the words of Peter, and his countenance
was illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Close beside him, as a convincing
witness, stood the man who had been so miraculously cured. The
appearance of this man, who but a few hours before was a helpless
cripple, now restored to soundness of body, and being enlightened
concerning Jesus of Nazareth, added a weight of testimony to the
words of Peter. Priests, rulers, and people were silent. The rulers had
no power to refute his statement. They had been obliged to hear that
which they most desired not to hear: the fact of the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, and his power in Heaven to perform miracles through the
medium of his apostles on earth.
The crowning miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead had sealed
the determination of the priests to rid the world of Jesus and his won-
derful works, which were fast destroying their own influence with the
people. But here was a convincing proof that the death of Jesus had not
a stop to the working of miracles in his name, nor to the promulgation
of the doctrine he had taught. Already the news of the miracle, and
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the preaching of the apostles, had filled all Jerusalem with excitement.
The defense of Peter, in which he boldly avowed from whence his
strength was obtained, appalled them. He had referred to the stone set
at naught by the builders,—meaning the authorities of the church, who
should have perceived the value of Him whom they rejected,—but
which had nevertheless become the head of the corner. In those words
he directly referred to Christ, who was the foundation-stone of the
church.