"Strong And Courageous"

By Zach Wood

Acts 4:18-21

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John replied, "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."  After further threats they let them go.  They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

 

 

What amazes me about Peter and John is their incredible urge to be courageous and bold with their faith.  Last week, I wrote about how God used them to go from ordinary to extraordinary.  In this passage, we read about how they are confronted and warned to not speak this news they keep talking about.  The Sanhedrin warns them sternly not to preach anymore about Jesus.  However, that does not stop them from pursuing their goal.  They cannot help but speak about the name of Christ!

 

What I like about them is their boldness.  Nothing was more important to them than reaching others for the cause of the Kingdom.  You want to understand boldness, just look at Peter and John and know they were on fire!  I am amazed at this passage each day that I read and re-read.  What amazes me is the power of God when the people of the Sanhedrin state they do not know how to punish the men because all the people were praising God.  Wow! 

 

Do you find yourself wishing that you had the same courage and boldness as Peter and John?  The truth is you and I both can.  It is just a matter of making the choice and believing enough in what you are doing and the truth you are speaking about.  Do you find yourself in situations where it gets tough and challenging to stick to your faith?  Do you find yourself getting nervous when you are in confrontations with other people and your faith is really being put to the test? 

 

What I love most about Peter and John in this passage is their statement about pleasing God rather than man.  They also state that they cannot help but speak about what they have seen and heard.  Their desire was nothing more than pleasing God and building the Kingdom.  Our desire should be nothing less. 

 

The next time you are in a situation where you have a chance to show your faith, be strong and remember how Peter and John were strong and courageous.  It can happen if we just believe and trust God will carry us through.