Scripture: Acts 4:1-31
SHOW NOTES:
In Acts 3 and 4, Luke describes Peter’s bold testimony for Jesus after he heals a crippled man at the Beautiful Gate. That afternoon at the temple, thousands of people heard the message and believed in the name of Jesus. Peter and John were arrested and kept in prison overnight before being brought before the Sanhedrin early the next morning.
They were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
- Acts 4:2-4
As Peter addressed the religious leaders, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke truth. Peter experiences a special moment of inspiration that clearly highlights the person of Jesus Christ and the work of God’s Spirit. The Sanhedrin warned Peter and John “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
- Acts 4:19-20
The church’s response to the apostles’ release was an immediate outpouring of praise and prayer. Most importantly, these early Christians were not praying for relief from oppression but for the ability “to speak Your word with great boldness” amid persecution and for God to act with mighty power.
The focus of these new believers was on spreading God’s word and glorifying Christ’s name. Luke clearly made sure to include this prayer so that it can serve as a pattern for us to follow in our own prayers.
But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, all because of my name. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand about how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
- Luke 21:12-15
Song: I Speak Jesus -
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