June 16, 2021 - Acts 4:1- 22

As a young boy, my brothers and I would attempt to walk across metal water pipe crossing the creek by our house. The span was probably about 100 feet and if we fell off it was only 4-5 feet into the mud and swampy quagmire beneath. A misstep or unseen obstacle created a feeling of apprehension.

Changes are difficult to navigate at times. As the scenario unfolds in this passage and the miraculous occurs, the uncertainty of the unique, new challenges arise to the temple leaders. The Jewish officials, who were accustomed to clearly defined order and liturgy, suddenly were faced with a situation that was caused by an unfamiliar power they could not control. As a result, they had arrested Peter, probably John and perhaps the lame man and threw them in jail. The next morning the ruling body of religious leaders convened a hearing to determine the uproar of the previous day (v.5).

What the rulers saw were uneducated, untrained men that had been with Jesus (v.13) and now those men were boldly proclaiming Christ’s name and power! Peter quotes Psalm 118 to the rulers and pronounces that salvation is only available through Jesus Christ, the one they had crucified, and God raised from the dead! The evidence of the miracle, the power of the communication and the presence of the multitude made the rulers hesitant to act forcefully.

Rather than accept and take part of this new phenomenon, the rulers rejected even more the truth of what Peter was teaching. Yet, the disciples continued to fulfill the command given them by Christ and speak regardless of the threats or imprisonment that could come to them. We are in a period of time where many changes are occurring and like the early disciples, we need to be prayerful and prepared for resistance. May we speak boldly the reality of the resurrected Savior we serve.