No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I don’t like this particular saying, no good deed goes unpunished.  It seems profoundly unfair.  And it is.  Maybe it’s not true in general.  It is in this week’s lessons, though.

Peter and John had healed a lame man, someone who had habitually begged from people as they entered the temple.  The powers that be were not pleased. 

The rulers, elders, and scribes, along with the High Priest and the high priestly family, demanded an answer about this.  “By what power and by what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7)

Peter answered.  “[I]f we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.”  (Verses 9-10)

That rather turned the tables.  We’re used to passing the buck in the face of blame for doing something not so good.  Peter and John, though, pass along the credit rather than the blame.  No one knew quite what to do about that. 

If you’ve got a problem with good deeds, take it up with Jesus.  If you don’t, well, then what’s all the fuss about?

Peace,