[:en]SCRIPTURE: ACTS 4
Bible Verses:
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)
“ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” (Acts 4:32-35)
PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN (vs. 1-22)
Because Peter and the apostles were proclaiming the resurrection of the dead to the people, the priests and captain of the temple guards and the Sadducees seized Peter and John and put them in jail in the evening until the next day. Then they questioned them by what power or what name were they doing this. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit told them: “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified by whom God raised from the dead, that his man stands before you healed” (v. 10). Since the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, they wanted to put a stop to the ministry of the apostles. This was the beginning of Christian persecution.
THE BELIEVER’S PRAYER (vs. 23-31)
After Peter and John were released, they reported all to the people. They raised their vows together in prayer to God. After they prayed, their meeting place was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
THE BELIEVERS SHARE THEIR POSSESSIONS (vs. 32-37)
All the believers were united in heart and mind. Those with possessions sold them and shared everything they had. There was no needy persons among them.
APPLICATION:
- BOLDNESS – Peter and John’s zeal for the Lord was very strong in spite of being threatened. They risked their lives to share God’s word. Let us pray that God can give us the courage to witness for him publicly.
- WISDOM – Peter and and John were unschooled, yet the council was amazed at their knowledge about the scripture and their ability to heal the beggar. One of the greatest testimony which can convince people of Christ’s power is the difference others see in our life and attitude as Christians.
- PRAYER – The believers prayed and told God about their problems. They did not ask God to remove the problem but to help them deal with it. When we pray, pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in dealing it.
- SHARING – There was no needy among the believers because they shared their possessions. May we learn to be generous and share to those who are in need.
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