Contemplative Bible Reading

Acts 4:8-10 (New International Version)

⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, ¹⁰then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Peter and John have just healed a crippled man. The rulers and elders of the people are not happy about this (not a good comment about the rulers and elders). They call Peter and John to explain what has happened.

Peter opens with the simple statement, “If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness…”

Imagine, having to explain an act of kindness. I guess this isn’t so unusual. Acts of kindness are unusual in some respects. In many situations, kindness draws suspicion. Why are you being so nice? What are you after? What is the catch? Things haven’t changed much in 2,000 years.