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Witnesses for the Cross, June 5
And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of
my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be
endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:48, 49
.
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the disciples, clothed with the
divine panoply, went forth as witnesses to tell the wonderful story of the
manger and the cross. They were humble men, but they went forth with
the truth. After the death of their Lord, they were a helpless, disappointed,
discouraged company—as sheep without a shepherd: but now they go forth
as witnesses for the truth, with no weapons but the Word and Spirit of God, to
triumph over all opposition. Their Saviour had been rejected and condemned
and nailed to the ignominious cross. The Jewish priests and rulers had
declared in scorn, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the king
of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him”
(
Matthew 27:42
).
But that cross, that instrument of shame and torture, brought hope and
salvation to the world. The believers rallied; their hopelessness and conscious
helplessness had left them. They were transformed in character, and united
in the bonds of Christian love. Although without wealth, though counted by
the world as mere ignorant fishermen, they were made by the Holy Spirit
witnesses for Christ. Without earthly honor or recognition, they were heroes
of faith. From their lips came words of divine eloquence and power that shook
the world.
The third, fourth, and fifth chapters of Acts give an account of their
witnessing. Those who had rejected and crucified the Saviour expected to find
His disciples discouraged, crestfallen, and ready to disown their Lord. With
amazement they heard the clear, bold testimony given under the power of
the Holy Spirit. The words and works of the disciples represented the words
and works of their Teacher; and all who heard them said, They have learned
of Jesus, they talk as He talked. “And with great power gave the apostles
witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them
all” (
Acts 4:33
).—
Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1543
.
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