bold... despite what we’re told

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 Jewish religious council of leaders, the Sanhedrin, the same body of religion that condemned Jesus to death, now menacingly warned the disciples of Jesus, who had amassed thousands of new followers in Jerusalem, to stop teaching in the name of their Master. They tried to use their power to stop the spread of the gospel. They threatened Christians.

But Peter and John would have none of it. The Sanhedrin said “Stop preaching!” The disciples responded, “No way.” They politely heard the leaders out. And with equal civility, refused their order, appealing to God and to scripture for the authority to preach the good news. And it all was complicated for the leaders by the undeniable reality that just like Jesus, these men had healed by the power of God... a man everyone recognized as a paralyzed temple beggar now walked, leaped, and laughed among them. The change that the gospel brings was publicly visible as the good news was publicly declared and believed by a growing crowd. The power of God at work was impossible to deny. And the Sanhedrin ultimately sat powerless to stop the work Jesus was doing through His disciples (Acts 4:21).

So Lord, we take courage right now when this world rejects and seeks to silence the gospel. The one thing it is powerless to stop is the healing change You bring! And lives transformed by the gospel are the most powerful witness to the truth! Let us trust You, mighty Savior! Let us be bold even when earthly authorities wish to silence the message of salvation and hope. We cannot stop speaking this good news.

Amen