As men and leaders of the church we are always being watched. We are watched by our co-workers, our neighbors, our friends, and most of all the ladies and younger ones of the church. There are times when things will come against us and eyes will watch to see what our reaction will be and the direction we will take. Let us remember Peter and John. Let us remember our cause, which is to do the work of God. Let our first reaction be to get alone with God in prayer. Most of all let our Genuine, BOLD, and Godly actions show to everyone that we have been in the presence of JESUS CHRIST!
Chase Potter
This chapter starts mid-story of Peter and John teaching in the Temple after the lame man was healed in chapter 3, where Peter and John began to tell that through the Name of Jesus Christ this man was healed. Imagine the victory that Peter and John felt when this man was healed, which opened up the door for the Gospel to be preached! A revival of 5,000 believed.
After a great victory, then opposition came.
Verses 1-3 states that the captain of the Temple guard and Sadducees were greatly disturbed that Peter and John were teaching and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. And they placed Peter and John into prison. "Then being brought before the high priest, they were asked (I love this part) by what power or what name did you do this?" Peter said "It is by the Name of Jesus Christ whom you crucified and God raised from the dead that this man stands before you healed." Then Peter boldly schooled the high priest and preached the Gospel. "Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given unto men by whom we must be saved."
Surprised by these unschooled ordinary men, the high priest considered that these men had been with Jesus. When we pray and read His Word, people can tell that we have spent time with Jesus. Our walk and talk and the way we respond to situations will show it.
Though the high priest tried to squelch the fire of revival that was birthed, due to this miracle, by commanding Peter and John not to speak or teach in the Name of Jesus, it was too late. For they admitted themselves that everybody living in Jerusalem knows that an outstanding miracle had happened. But Peter and John again boldly said "we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard".
After being released, they witnessed to their own people of what had happened...which started a mighty prayer/praise meeting! They prayed that God would enable them to speak with great boldness.
Men of God, may the spirit of this story embolden us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person that God opens the door and puts in our path. For we have the message that the whole world needs. Let us not be ashamed or intimidated by anything. Sometimes we want to just blend in with everybody around us. But Jesus said "Ye are the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden." So men let your light shine for Jesus.
I think of those that have gone through great persecution for Jesus' Name sake. Even today people in other countries risk their lives for Him. So let us be bold and tell others as Peter and John did here in Acts 4 about God's saving grace.
God bless,
Cecil E. Houston, II
