Peter’s leadership presents a challenge to the temple authorities on at least three levels. First, the Holy Spirit continues to empower the disciples with the ability to give testimony to Jesus, and this results in a boldness of speech the authorities are helpless to stand against (4:7, 13). The threats and accusations made against the disciples are no match for the Spirit that continues to grant the disciples boldness of speech even amidst persecution (4:29–31). Twice Luke portrays Peter as responding
Page 58