When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart …
Summary: Paul’s instruction about the “sword of the Spirit” is not simply a metaphor. In this story from the Book of Acts we see an example of this sword in action.
From the moment Jesus called his disciples to follow him, their lives changed forever. Never again would they retreat into obscurity or fade into the background. The Lord had called them to help with the harvest, and that is what they did.
Their ministry began on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them in power (Acts 2). On that day, the Holy Spirit showed them how to use the sword of the Spirit. Let’s look at Luke’s written record of what happened.
Peter has just finished testifying about what the Scriptures say about Jesus and what the people had just done to Jesus a few short weeks earlier. Peter continues, showing us the “sword of the Spirit” in action:
“‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’”
(Acts 2:36-27)
Scripture says they were “cut to the heart.” Why? How did that happen?
Peter could have ranted at the crowd. He could have bluntly accused them of murdering God. He could have weighed them down with guilt and left them without hope.
Instead, he spoke to them in love, and he spoke with Scripture.
Remember, Paul tells us that “the sword of the Spirit, … is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Peter uses the Word of God and wields it with love. He could have lashed out with hatred, fear, or bitterness. Instead, filled with God’s Spirit, he reaches out in love (1 John 4:8).
And look what happens!
The power of God breaches the defenses of those in the crowds. People who mocked the disciples a few minutes earlier (Acts 2:13) were now “cut to the heart.”
I love what follows!
When the people in the crowd realize their guilt, they cry out, “Brothers, what shall we do?” They are overcome. The sword of the Spirit has done its work.
Now Peter’s job is to offer them the cure. “Repent and be baptized,” he says, “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)
Not only will the people in the crowd be forgiven for their sins and the sin of crucifying Jesus, but on top of that, God wants to give them gifts! All of this is possible because Peter was willing and able to wield the sword of the Spirit.
Brothers and sisters, what shall we do? Shall we, too, take up the sword of the Spirit?
Application: Make every effort to know God’s Word.
Food for Thought: Was it reason or God’s Spirit that cut people in Luke’s story “to the heart?” How can we tell the difference?
John 16:7-8 ESV
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:”
In this passage the word convict does not mean to be found guilty and sentenced as we use the word today. The word used was elenxei | ἐλέγξει which means to convince with solid, compelling evidence.
I can’t help but think of David and Nathan in 2 Samuel. Nathan really had to “go the long way around” because it was David’s reasoning that was an obstacle to the truth. But once David recognized the truth he knew what he had done. I don’t believe reasoning in itself is bad, but reasoning outside of the Spirit can lead us down a wrong path. The Bible tells us not to lean into our own understanding. We have to measure our reasoning against what glorifies God, serves Christ, edifies the church, and gives light to each other and to the world. I don’t believe that is possible without the Spirit’s guidance.
Chris
Perhaps that is why the sword of the Spirit is a “two edged” sword.
Thank you!
Yes. I agree with CH.
It should be noted that the Spirit’s guidance was logical and consistent with Scripture. But it was clearly the Spirit’s work to change a heart. Titus 3: 4 – 6.
Thank you, Brother.
“logical and consistent” – The Word of God is internally consistent with itself.
And yes, the Spirit of God is busy constantly.
11-06-2023, Was it reason or God’s Spirit that cut people in Luke’s story “to the heart?” How can we tell the difference?
The Holy Spirit was the power speaking and opening the hearts of the receptive to hearing the truths of God!
2:4, All the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled, (empowered) them.
2:6 A crowd came together and each one heard their own language being spoken.
2:8-11, people from at least 15 countries heard them speaking in their own language.
2:37-38 When the people heard his message, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “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.”
Ron,
Interesting point!
The Holy Spirit works through us to touch the hearts of those who need God.