Boldness for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Why were the religious leaders greatly disturbed? They were greatly disturbed because Peter and John were teaching and preaching that Jesus resurrects people from the dead. [1]

The religious leaders arrested and imprisoned Peter and John, but not before about 5,000 men believed in Jesus. [2]

During Peter and John’s trial, they were asked by what power and by what name they had healed a lame man. This was a loaded question because if they spoke the Name of Jesus, they were on trial before the same connivers who brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate to have Jesus crucified. [3]

Praise God! The Holy Spirit filled Peter and empowered him to testify, “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [4]

The religious were stunned. What could they say? The lame man that the Lord healed was standing with them. He was over 40 years old. He had been lame from birth. After being healed, he had walked, leaped and praised God throughout the temple. The leaders decided to severely threaten Peter and John against speaking about Jesus, and to let them go. [5]

After returning to their friends, they prayed, “Look [Lord] on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your Word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the Name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” [6]

“The place where they were assembled was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.” Then what? “With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” [7]

“Dear Heavenly Father, please grant that with such boldness and with such grace we will do likewise as they. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

[1] Acts 4:1-2
[2] Acts 4:3-4
[3] Acts 4:5-7
[4] Acts 4:8-12
[5] Acts 3:2, 8; 4:13-17
[6] Acts 4:23-24, 29-31
[7] Acts 4:31; Acts 4:33