Daily Devotional Friday 21st February 2020

by William Moody

Acts 4:13–22

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 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, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

(ESV)

The Jewish leaders are astonished at how Peter and John spoke (v13). They recognised that they were ‘unschooled, ordinary men’. Praise God that He chooses to use the weak and foolish things of this world (see 1 Cor. 1 v27).

The key thing about Peter and John was that they had spent time with Jesus (v13). It is by spending regular time with Jesus in the place of worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship that makes us the most effective witnesses.

The Jewish leaders were perplexed (v14-17). The man healed was probably well known sitting at the temple gate daily. The fact that he was healed was undeniable, but they had to stop these apostles from speaking.

In response to the command not to speak about Jesus Peter and John give their now famous reply, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (v19-20)

Pray that God will give you such courage day by day in your work place, place of study, among your family and friends to speak so boldly for Christ no matter how others would seek to silence you.

Be honest before God about ant fears that hinder you speaking for Jesus.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.