It Was Impossible For Him to Be Held in Its Power

This meditation is based on a passage for April 25, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Acts 2:14, 22-32

Reflection and Question: Peter tells those gathered on Pentecost what he witnessed on Easter: death was not able to hold Jesus, a man whose deeds of power, wonders and signs lead to execution at the hands of the Roman authorities. Quoting the authority of King David, Peter interprets Psalm 16:8-11 by suggesting that David clearly died and was buried, whereas God raised Jesus up out of the grave. Death simply had no power over Jesus whose claim to be the Son of God is sealed in this triumph over death. What do you make of Peter’s assertion that he and others witnessed resurrection?

Prayer: Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
He rose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
(Up From the Grave He Arose, Hymn 322, The United Methodist Hymnal)