Rejected Stone, October 15

“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’”—Acts 4:11JNN 304.1

With holy boldness and in the power of the Spirit, Peter fearlessly declared: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”JNN 304.2

This courageous defense, in which Peter boldly avowed whence his strength was obtained, appalled the Jewish leaders. They had supposed that the disciples, being only ignorant fishermen, would be overcome with fear and confusion when brought before the Sanhedrin. But instead, the disciples spoke as Christ had spoken, with a convincing power that silenced their adversaries. There was no trace of fear in Peter’s voice as he declared of Christ, “This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.”JNN 304.3

Peter here used a figure of speech familiar to the priests. The prophets had spoken of the rejected stone, and Christ Himself, speaking on one occasion to the priests and elders, said, “Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”JNN 304.4

As the priests listened to Peter’s fearless words, “they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Of the disciples after the transfiguration of Christ, it is written that at the close of this wonderful scene, they “saw no man, save Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8). “Jesus only”—in these words is contained the secret of the life and power that marked the history of the early church. When the disciples first heard the words of Christ, they felt their need of Him.—The Acts of the Apostles, 63, 64.JNN 304.5

Further Reflection: How can I make “Jesus only” the guiding principle of my life?JNN 304.6