Growth Despite Opposition

Peter and John just healed a lame man in the Name of Jesus. The number of men who believed in Christ grew to about five thousand. “They [The religious leaders] were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.” [1]

The same guys who executed Jesus (Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family) began to interrogate Peter and John. [2]

The Holy Spirit filled Peter and he boldly declared in, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead that this man stands before you healed.” He added, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” [3]

Here’s how the trial ended, “They 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.’ After further threats they let them go.” [4]

After being released, Peter and John went back to their own people and they raised their voices together in prayer to God. They concluded their prayer by saying, “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.” [5]

“They [those in the prayer meeting] were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.” [6]

There is One God and One Lord. Who is any government or person that he or she can silence God? God created and sustains the universe. Jesus Christ is Lord of all!

[1] Acts 3:6; 4:3-4
[2] Acts 4:5-6
[3] Acts 4:10, 12
[4] Acts 4:18-21
[5] Acts 4:29-30
[6] Acts 4:31, 33