Acts Chapter 4 -- Persecution Begins

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

 Peter and John’s day in court

The true test of “The Way” begins. Here is the interrogative by the judicial officials [Sanhedrin] with Peter’s response as directed by Holy Spirit.

“They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” Acts 4:7-10 (NIV)

The judicial meted out this one sentence:

“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18 (NIV)

Peter and John’s response?

“But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”” Acts 4:19-20 (NIV)

Conclusion of this trial:

“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. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.” Acts 4:21-22 (NIV)

Preponderance of Evidence

We know, this same court adjudicated Jesus as a blasphemer and demanded the Romans execute him. They had far more evidence of Jesus’ miracles and wisdom. Yet, the Sanhedrin, unwilling with their hard necks, to see the source of the miracles -- in fact attributing them falsely to demons and Beelzebub -- were not dissuaded then from their intentional deception of the people and the Romans.

A few months later the evidence before them has convicted the hearts of thousands of their citizens in a short period of time and they are perplexed as to how to deal with the collateral damage to the reign by the hierarchy of the Jews.

Notice how Peter weaves their guilt into a new reality in his response the same court: “Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:11-12 (NIV)

If you recall the depression and moroseness of the disciples/Apostles after Jesus died was dashed to pieces with Jesus’ resurrection and the time spent with HIS closest prior to ascension. Read now how differently the disciples and Apostles responded to this latest inquisition by the Sanhedrin.

“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.” Acts 4:23-24 (NIV) [Emphasis added]

The result?

“31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

The action taken as a result?

Read for yourself the fabulous and unifying effect of the Holy Spirit’s direction during the trial.

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:32-37 (NIV) [Emphasis added]

In our time, we sometimes note that persecution of Christians unifies the body to some extent and as a body they respond with sharing their own belongings whether it is material, financial or prayerful. We are not called to a ‘one and done’ response however. We should continue to share as the Spirit directs us and in all things prayerfully!

Please read the Acts of the Apostles and muse over the ways their experiences can influence us today. †

 Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

©Lightwritingmatters 2015