“And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ “ –Acts 4:18-20 (NKJV).
The book of Acts reveals a fast-paced and Spirit-filled account of the early church, the faithfulness of the disciples, and the fearlessness of God-empowered followers. It also records opposition and efforts to stop God’s work. God moved in a mighty and mysterious way His wonders to perform.
In the verses cited above, “they” were the Sanhedrin, the rulers, elders and scribes, and the high priests named in Acts 4:6—Annas, Caiaphas, John and Alexander and members of the family of the high priest. The disciples, especially the leader bold Peter, were commanded not to teach or preach any more in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders feared the people and their reactions.
A man about forty years of age, crippled from birth, had been healed of his infirmities. When the people saw this man who had begged near the temple gate walking and rejoicing, they feared what might happen. The foundations upon which the Sanhedrin had depended for years were being shaken. The “unlearned men,” Peter and the others, were preaching boldly. Many people were gathering to hear them. The ruling body of the Jews no doubt were jealous and certainly they were astounded. They had instigated Jesus’ death. And here were his followers doing a mighty act of healing right before their eyes. Silence them! Forbid them to cease their teaching. If they would not desist from telling about Jesus of Nazareth, then put them into prison. That was the mind-set of the established religious leaders.
But Peter had another answer: “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). And so has it been since the early days of the church, despite grave persecution, imprisonment, and death, sometimes in the most terrible manner. The message of Jesus the Lord could not be silenced then or since. Jesus’ followers have a higher allegiance than to mere men. Praise be to God! Let us remember to pray for missionaries and others who, despite persecution, fail not to speak forth the Word of God in power and in might. And may we, too, be bold and faithful in spreading the Word where we are. To Whom is our allegiance?
In the verses cited above, “they” were the Sanhedrin, the rulers, elders and scribes, and the high priests named in Acts 4:6—Annas, Caiaphas, John and Alexander and members of the family of the high priest. The disciples, especially the leader bold Peter, were commanded not to teach or preach any more in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders feared the people and their reactions.
A man about forty years of age, crippled from birth, had been healed of his infirmities. When the people saw this man who had begged near the temple gate walking and rejoicing, they feared what might happen. The foundations upon which the Sanhedrin had depended for years were being shaken. The “unlearned men,” Peter and the others, were preaching boldly. Many people were gathering to hear them. The ruling body of the Jews no doubt were jealous and certainly they were astounded. They had instigated Jesus’ death. And here were his followers doing a mighty act of healing right before their eyes. Silence them! Forbid them to cease their teaching. If they would not desist from telling about Jesus of Nazareth, then put them into prison. That was the mind-set of the established religious leaders.
But Peter had another answer: “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). And so has it been since the early days of the church, despite grave persecution, imprisonment, and death, sometimes in the most terrible manner. The message of Jesus the Lord could not be silenced then or since. Jesus’ followers have a higher allegiance than to mere men. Praise be to God! Let us remember to pray for missionaries and others who, despite persecution, fail not to speak forth the Word of God in power and in might. And may we, too, be bold and faithful in spreading the Word where we are. To Whom is our allegiance?
c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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