By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
EMBOLDENED
Acts 4:8–21
Acts is the unfolding story of the people of God filled with the Spirit of God engaging in the mission of God. As we proclaim the gospel, we should expect to face opposition and persecution. Throughout its history, the Church has had uncounted
number of martyrs die with a calmness and serenity that unnerved their tormentors.
Brothers and sisters, we need to be emboldened by the Holy Spirit as we seek to advance the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Truth delivered (8–12)
Here a humble fisherman, unaccustomed to public speaking until just a few days earlier, courageously addressed the highest authorities in the land. Jesus had promised such power and boldness for occasions just like this (Luke 21:14–15).
Christians with courage never have to stand alone when they stand for the Lord. Consistently in Acts, believers “filled with the Holy Spirit” shared the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peter’s message had not changed. He was not proclaiming a message about the Church or a new therapeutic technique to improve one’s life. Peter was proclaiming salvation “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Luke used this phrase 33 times in Acts.
As we engage in the mission of God, we must be clear about what God has done in Christ to save sinners. Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Stone the builders rejected but that God established as the cornerstone.
There is no other name by which sinners can be saved. Religion doesn’t save. Philosophy doesn’t save. One’s eternal relationship with God doesn’t rest in the Sanhedrin or in Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Silence demanded (13–18)
The religious leaders were amazed at the boldness of Peter and John. These men had no official training from approved rabbis. These two fishermen who were rather rough characters stood before the Sanhedrin without fear and delivered the truth about Jesus with power and authority. Their powerful declaration surprised and angered the members of the Sanhedrin.
While Peter and John had not attended rabbinical schools, they had traveled with Jesus for over three years and experienced the best seminary training the world has ever seen. When they talked, they were so much like Jesus that the presence of Christ right then and there could not be denied.
The miracle also frustrated the Sanhedrin. They had no way of denying the miracle performed in the name of Jesus Christ while the healed man was standing with the apostles. His testimony was irrefutable. After conferring with themselves and admitting that an obvious sign had been performed that they could not deny, the Sanhedrin ordered the apostles “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”
Testimony given (19–21)
The apostles responded by declaring that they could not obey the command to keep silent about Jesus. This passage raises the question of civil disobedience. What should Christians do when a government’s laws contradict God’s laws?
We learn from this passage and others that there are times and circumstances when Christians must disobey their government (Dan. 3, Dan. 6, Acts 5:29).
And because they obeyed God rather than men, they were used by God in launching a movement that has extended throughout the world and continues to this day.
May God fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we will boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
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