“THE BOLD WITNESSING OF PETER AND JOHN” ACTS 4:23-31

As we continue our study in Acts 4, Peter and John remained steadfast in boldly proclaiming the message of Christ’s resurrection.  Although threatened by the Sanhedrin Council to desist in preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead (Acts 4:2, 18), Peter and John affirmed “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, Judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  These men stood strong for the cause of Christ, even in the face of being threatened!

Witnessing for Christ has both its risks and gains.  However, the gains are worth the pains.  As a result of their powerful witness, the church grew (Acts 4:4).  Witnessing for Christ can indeed be risky; however, God will bless the faithful witness of His children!

After Peter and John boldly asserted their unwillingness to comply with the orders of the high priest, the Jewish leaders continued their threat (v. 21), and released them.  Peter and John rehearsed their matter to other believers, who engaged in a prayer of thanksgiving, acknowledging the sovereign power of God (vv. 23-24).  In their petition, they did not ask God for deliverance from trouble, but that God’s servants would be bold in proclaiming the word (v. 29).

In analyzing the church’s prayer, it began with worship (v. 24); further, it was offered in accordance to God’s word (v. 25).   Quoting from Psalm 2, even the enemies of God, could not thwart God’s eternal plan!  Even though the enemies of Christ tried to thwart God’s plan, God’s will was tremendously accomplished (vv. 25-28)!  In the church’s petition, she only petitioned that God’s servants would speak fearlessly God’s word.  The church also requested that God’s word would be confirmed by His miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.

God certainly answered the petition of His saints by shaking the assembly of their gathering, with the result of them being filled with the Holy Spirit as they spoke the word with boldness (v. 31).

As believers today, we can also ask God for His boldness as we proclaim to the world that Jesus is the only hope for eternal life, for Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

May God Bless!