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by Sandy Shaw
In Acts Chapter 4, Peter and John are in prison.
They were seized and incarcerated in this Jerusalem jail, simply because a man in his 40's who had never walked had been healed, and they explained that the Risen and Living Lord Jesus Christ was behind the healing.
They are brought in before the religious authorities - that is, before the same people who had been responsible for crucifying Jesus. Jesus had been in this court. These 'judges' were the wealthiest and most influential in the nation.
If JESUS were alive, and this is now some 8 or 9 weeks after the crucifixion, what were the implications for these men who had plotted and planned to have Jesus Christ silenced and killed?
When Peter open his mouth, the Holy Spirit fills him. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit. This does not make him say or do silly things. If people say or do silly things, let them not attribute it to the Holy Spirit.
Peter is reasonable, respectful, and he sticks to the facts. Peter is a good and faithful witness, when he is filled with the Holy Spirit, and while he is filled. He is rational, factual and non-emotional. He is also challenging, and pointing to Jesus, as he speaks about the need of salvation, and where salvation can be found.
These religious leaders recognised that before them stood two very courageous men. They had not been to college. They were quite ordinary men, but the authorities took note that they had been with Jesus. That is what made the difference.
That is the only way by which they could put the change in these men into words. They were not in a position to use concepts like Holy Spirit, but they were aware of a difference - a courage - a boldness - a power - a grace.
Are those around us aware that we are different? And, if so, do they know why?
Next to them stood the man who had been healed. He was present. His healing lasted. Two fishermen are in court on trial before a learned band of 70 lawyers.
They put out Peter and John, to confer in private.
What are we going to do? News had spread fast regarding the miracle, and "we cannot deny it"! What are we going to do to stop this thing from spreading? There's another question. Why did God not just intervene at that moment, to say, "Call My work 'this thing!" He didn't.
They decide. We will warn them. That will put the wind up them. Well, it did in a sense, as they received more and more of the wind of the Spirit.
Peter and John are called in, and commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John reply - "Judge for yourselves. We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Again, note the two elements - seeing and hearing.
They threatened them further, then released them. Remember Jesus was threatened too right at the very beginning of His Ministry.
This Jerusalem court wanted to punish Peter and John. Why? Because all the people were praising God! These religious leaders were more upset now than when Jesus had been physically going around Jerusalem.
Jesus had warned His disciples they would be hated and despised. From the earliest days, disciples of Jesus Christ have been social misfits. You will not fit in. You will be different. It is noticeable already.
Yet, when you follow Jesus you can go anywhere, and be used by God.
There are three groups represented here.
1. The Priests. They were the official teachers and would lead the services. When you are leading services with thousands present you can feel pretty important, but now there are thousands crowding around the disciples of Jesus. This rival growing group is a very real threat.2. The captain of the Temple guard. It was his job to keep the peace and keep everything calm, formal and religiously acceptable. 120 disciples had just interrupted one service, and now, this healed man has caused upset. "Why are you disturbing the peace? Why can't you go elsewhere?
These are not easy sentiments to hear, but see the Hand of God in this.
No man would try to start of a new religion in this manner. What a way to introduce a new movement.3. The Sadducees. They were the 'theologians'. They did not believe in the supernatural, in the resurrection, nor miracles. Peter and John had just wrecked their theology. This is something the Holy Spirit can do.
On being released, Peter and John go back to the Fellowship, and report what they had been through. There is no self-pity, or feeling sorry for themselves, and when the believers heard their story, they launched out in prayer.
You didn't have to say anything to motivate these people to pray. They did not need to be coaxed to pray. We have some words of that prayer, and they pray for great boldness. "Heal, perform miracles and wonders, through the Name of JESUS." The meeting place was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the Word of God boldly.
There are principles in this passage, which we need to know, and know with assurance.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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