Our Daily Dose
Day 223 of 365 · Week 32 · The Proverbs of Solomon
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The Apostles Face Opposition
Acts 4:1-22
Scripture · Acts 4:1-22
1While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day. 4But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family. 7They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, 10then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: 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. 11This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” 13When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response. 15So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it. 17But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” 18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. 20For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened. 22For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
As the early Church continues to grow, the apostles begin to face opposition from the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, where they boldly testify to the power of Jesus and the reality of His resurrection, despite the threats and intimidation they face.
Exegesis and Study
- Boldness in the Face of Persecution: Peter and John’s response to the threats of the Sanhedrin demonstrates their unwavering commitment to Christ and their boldness in the face of persecution. They make it clear that their allegiance is to God above all else and that they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard. This boldness is a hallmark of the early Church and a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working in them.
- The Power of Testimony: The apostles’ testimony about Jesus is rooted in their personal experience of His resurrection and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Their willingness to suffer for the sake of this testimony underscores the reality of what they proclaim and challenges others to consider the truth of their message.
Practical Application
- Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition: The apostles’ example challenges us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or persecution. In our own lives, this might involve standing up for our beliefs in the workplace, at school, or in our communities, even when it is unpopular or comes with a cost. Practically, this means being prepared to face criticism, rejection, or even legal consequences for our faith, trusting that God will sustain us.
- Sharing Our Testimony: Like Peter and John, we are called to share our testimony of what God has done in our lives, even when it is difficult. This might involve sharing our story with someone who is skeptical or hostile to the gospel, or simply being open about our faith in everyday conversations. Our testimony is a powerful tool that God can use to draw others to Himself.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for Courage to Stand Firm: Ask God to give you the courage to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of opposition. Pray for the strength to remain faithful to Christ, no matter the cost, and for the boldness to continue speaking the truth in love.
- Pray for Opportunities to Share Your Testimony: Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life. Pray for opportunities to share your testimony with others, trusting that God will use your story to impact those around you.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.