“THE COURAGEOUS WITNESSING OF THE APOSTLES” ACTS 4:13-22

What we have in our passage is the bold witness of the once intimidated Apostles!  Before Christ’s crucifixion, all of His disciples took flight during the Lord’s impending arrest, trials and crucifixion (Matthew 26:56).  Now, after being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4, 4:8), the spokesman Peter, and his companion John, are taking a bold stance for the resurrected Lord.  Yes, Christian brethren, the power of the Holy Spirit will give you boldness to speak for Christ.  Jesus, being omniscient, knew that His disciples would face opposition from those who are against Him, for Mark 13:9 states, “They shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake.”

The warning of the Lord is brought to pass as Peter and John are now brought before the Sanhedrin – the supreme religious court of Israel.  Having healed the impotent man in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:1-10), they must stand trial, not for the healing of the man, but for preaching Christ and the resurrection.  They are on trial for the message that they were preaching (Acts 4:3).  Standing before these powerful religious dignitaries, the Apostles stood boldly for the truth.  These Apostles were so bold until the council marveled at the boldness and the scriptural understanding of Peter and John.  Peter and John were considered “unlearned and ignorant,” yet they had been with the Lord (v. 13).  Peter and John had not attended the rabbinic schools of their day, yet it was apparent that they had an awesome association with the Lord!

In our lives, can others detect that we have been with the Lord?  Can others see Christ radiating from us? (II Corinthians 3:18; I Peter 2:21).  There with Peter and John stood the lame man who had been healed.  What could the critics say (v. 14)?  They could not deny the miracle, for the miracle was standing before them!  Peter, John and the healed man were ordered “out of the council” (v. 15).  As this council conferred among themselves, they concluded that the miracle is indeed undeniable (v. 16); however, preaching and teaching in Jesus’ name must be suppressed (vv. 17-18).

Being warned and threatened not to teach and preach in Jesus’ name, did not weaken the determination of Peter and John, for Acts 4:19-20 says, “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than God, Judge ye.  For we cannot but speak things which we have seen and heard.”  Even in the face of being severely opposed, the Apostles faced opposition with tremendous boldness.

Our lesson concludes with the Apostles being released and the healed man served as a witness (vv. 21-22).  The message of a resurrected Saviour is a powerful message that we must advance, even when it causes us some displeasure!

May God Bless!