Opening: Have you ever been required to make a presentation
before a board, review committee, or council? Were you nervous? Confident?
Prepared? Spend the night before in jail?
Scripture: Read Acts 4:13-22.
Insights:
- The council was familiar with Jesus’ disciples; they knew that Peter and John were common fisherman from Galilee. But they were amazed at not only what they said, but their grasp on Scripture. Jesus promised they would receive power from the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:8) and the words to speak when testifying before the authorities (see Luke 21:12-15).
- The council is stuck. They have a growing movement on their hands, a movement that blames them for condemning not just an innocent man, but God’s own representative to the world. It is hard to refute these fishermen’s words when the former lame man was standing in their midst.
- Though they are told to keep quiet about Jesus and threatened with punishment, Peter and John state that they will obey God rather than the religious leaders. Jesus also stood against the religious leaders and their teachings. It sounds like another case of “Like father, like son.”
Life Questions:
- Jesus has changed Peter and John; it was evident even to their accusers. A changed life convinces people of Christ's power. One of your greatest testimonies is the difference others see in your life and attitudes since you have believed in Christ. How has Christ changed you?
- There is considerable pressure to compromise one’s beliefs and principles. Just like Peter and John, we are told not to be obedient to God. When have you faced opposition for your faith?
Prayer Focus: That our lives would be transformed, our
witness be bold, and our courage indelible.
