Where did Peter and John's power come from?

Peter and John had changed. There was something different about them. They had spent the last three years with Jesus, but were relatively weak with in their faith during that time. They questioned Jesus numerous times. Jesus often rebuked them for lack of faith (i.g. Matt. 8:26). But in Acts we see different men. They were powerful. They were bold and full of faith. They seemed almost...fearless. What had changed?

Two words. Holy Spirit. They had been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Peter and John's power and boldness didn't come from themselves, but came from them being "filled with the Spirit." Look with me at the emphasis of being filled with the Holy Spirit in the Acts:

Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."

Acts 4:8 "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit," spoke to the rulers of the people. And they saw the boldness with which he spoke (v. 13).

Acts 4:31, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken and they were all filled with the Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness."

Acts 6:5, 10, Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and faith and the Jews could not withstand the wisdom with which he spoke.

Acts 7:55, "Stephen filled with Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."

Acts 11:24, Barnabas was full of the Holy Spirit and faith; and a large company was added to the Lord.

Acts 13:9, "Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at Elymas and said."

Do you see the importance of the Holy Spirit in the work of God's people? Without him we have zero power to proclaim the riches of God's grace.

There is so much more that can be said about the Holy Spirit and his power in our lives, so I would encourage you to spend some time looking at the following verses:

Ephesians 3:14-18, 5:18, and 6:17.
Romans 15:13

Praise be to our Creator that he did not leave us to live for him on our own power! Have a great week.