The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him at His right Hand as Leader and Savior that He might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:27-32

Jesus had said that the Gospel would go out first to Jerusalem and it is affirmed here. Gospel is God’s mercy and grace given to us, unmerited, as salvation in Christ is offered at all times to ones whose sins put Jesus on the tree. Jesus Christ Savior Resurrected is the true way to God. Christ opened the direct way to God for anyone who will humbly repent of their sins and take Him as Savior for life.

Peter speaks that Jesus was hung on a tree. This is correct for it was not nice straight timbers with a crossbar, it was a tree. From this tree of salvation God has exhaled Him at His right Hand. Positioned Him in authority and action, as Christ has always been and will always be perfect in Love– proven to you as He’s given His life on this tree willingly. You are to do all things with and in Christ. Jesus Christ our Lord is everything.

Jesus Christ completes the I AM … sentence spoken to Moses at the burning bush. I AM the RESURRECTION is your Savior and Lord. He breathes into you the Holy Spirit as you obey Him. Spirit is your strength, helper, and guide. Christ is alive forevermore and we cannot help but live for Him, speak up about Him, and rejoice together that we are His loved ones used by Him humbly in His service.