December 24, 2022

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. Acts 5:12-14 (see also 6:8)

“It was the cross, that instrument of shame and torture, which brought hope and salvation to the world. The disciples were but humble men, without wealth, and with no weapon but the word of God; yet in Christ’s strength they went forth to tell the wonderful story of the manger and the cross, and to triumph over all opposition. Without earthly honor or recognition, they were heroes of the faith. From their lips came words of divine eloquence that shook the world.

“In Jerusalem, where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified as a malefactor, the disciples continued to speak with boldness the words of life, setting before the Jews the work and mission of Christ, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Priests and rulers heard with amazement the clear, bold testimony of the apostles. The power of the risen Savior had indeed fallen on the disciples, and their work was accompanied by signs and miracles that daily increased the number of believers.” THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES by Ellen G. White (p.77)

The lavish mercy of God upon His people was so very evident, even after the ascension of Jesus. The second half of the 70th week was gloriously fulfilled. His Holy Spirit enabled His followers to boldly continue in spreading the Good News. Even though the Jews—as a nation—had officially rejected the Gospel at the end of the seventy weeks, marked by the stoning of Stephen, there were multitudes of both men and women who personally claimed Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Mercy lingered well beyond the end of the 70th week. It was not until AD70 that the fulfillment of this prophecy was allowed to commence:

And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Daniel 9:26

Indeed, Roman soldiers leveled Jerusalem in AD70 following a terrible siege. Jesus knew that the religious leaders would rather hold on to their powerful positions than yield to the Lamb of God who would lay down His life for them. He wept over Jerusalem.

“If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:42-44

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27