Today, Rikk Watts takes us through Peter's second sermon, following the healing of the man lame from birth. Even though weve heard of the apostles doing many signs and wonders, theres something about this one that greatly rouses the city.

Ancient historiographies characteristically use speeches of the main participants to explain key transitions. How in the world did we get from this wonderfully affirming beginning in Acts 2, to a movement that causes trouble wherever it goes? Its Peters Spirit-filled refusal to let his hearers off that hook that initiates the first official fracture in this second speech. Those early happy days simply could not last.