Healing for the Oppressed

Peter had a unique opportunity and mission: to introduce the Gospel to Gentiles. This earth-shattering moment meant that God had lifted the curtain and removed the old limits. It was a powerful revelation: The Gospel was for everyone—both Jews and Gentiles. In this critical moment, how would Peter describe the Gospel to these Gentiles?

After beginning with a brief overview of God’s interaction with His people, he described the special role that Jesus fulfilled, declaring that “He is Lord of all.”

Peter described how, central to the ministry of Jesus, He was “anointed…with the Holy Spirit and with power.” The focus of Jesus’ message was not on Jesus’ teaching, but rather His ministry of power.

Jesus demonstrated this anointing by “doing good” and by “healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” These Gentiles certainly knew what it meant to be “oppressed.” The Greek word here describes using power to control others, to be harsh and domineering. It was a word that described life in the Roman Empire for many people.

But Jesus came as a healer and a deliverer. He was able to set people free from any form of oppression, whether political or physical, emotional or financial. He could do this because “God was with Him.” Peter could confirm that all these things were true, for he was an eyewitness.

We learn much about the Gospel through this comprehensive but simple exposition. And we see how power and healing were central to the life and ministry of Jesus.

Today, the same principles are true. Remember that the Gospel is a Gospel of power. It is built on the continuing ministry of Jesus—through the lives of His followers, who also have been anointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Through us, Jesus is continuing to heal the sick and the oppressed.