For August 12, 2026
The Sin of Silent Witness by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
THE PETER WE SEE after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension is a far different Peter than the one who denied Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest not once, not twice, but three distinct times, wherein “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered. And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62) Neither is he the Peter that said, “I’m going out to fish,” influencing the rest of the apostles, who said, “We’ll go with you.” (John 21:3) Later, the spiritually maturing Peter, early in the Book of Acts, opens his mouth and speaks boldly, saying “I can tell you confidently, God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:29, 32, 36) He then presents the gospel in its purest form “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) And because of the power of the Holy Spirit working through both him and them, “about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41)