Persecution
Acts 4 … First, the silence of the accusers, v. 13 … “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”
The courage to stand. The freedom to speak. The miracle couldn’t be denied: “they could say nothing against it.” (14) and “we cannot deny it.” (16) The accused spoke with courage and freedom, while the accusers sat in profound silence. Second, the deliverance of the Lord, v. 16 … “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” They had no charge against them, and the apostles were popular because of the healing. All the religious leaders could do was threaten them, “that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” (17). Third, the boldness of the Spirit, v. 19 … “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.’” I believe the threat was for future use if they find reason to charge them again. Why? See Acts 5:28 … “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?” Fourth, the frustration of the accusers, vv. 21 … “So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people. The apostles had to defy the religious court order. Why? It stood between them and God’s call. When we trust the Holy Spirit to speak through us in a time of opposition, God is glorified in two ways: People can see Jesus in your life, and you are empowered to minister with boldness.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
