Thursday, June 6

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013

1 Kings 1:1–53

Acts 4:1–37

Psalm 124:1–8

Proverbs 16:24

 

 

Aside from recording the early history of the Church, Acts provides some wonderfully practical counsel on how to follow Christ in daily life.  In today’s passage, the Apostles give clear examples on how to introduce a skeptical world to the Lord Jesus.  I will focus on several verses and offer brief commentary on what this passage has stirred in me.

 

 

“They [the Sanhedrin] were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” (4:2)

 

The Sanhedrin grew wary of this “new” teaching.  Pointing to the promise of resurrection that Jesus had fulfilled, the Sanhedrin recognized that, due to this evidence and the healing power of His Name, their opposition would prove fruitless.  Please note that the Apostles highlighted basic realities and facts to ground their presentations of Christ.  We too may stand on the power of God’s Word and the truth of history to proclaim the glory of Jesus Christ.

 

 

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them:  ‘Rulers and elders of the people!  If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 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.’” (4:8–11)

 

The Apostles could not have proceeded into this courtroom environment without the grace of God, poured out through the Holy Spirit.  As I consider sharing the Gospel, it feels frightening, most likely due to Satan’s attempts to counteract the advance of God’s Kingdom.  Still, like Peter, we will receive all the strength we need to reveal the triumphant Lord Jesus.  The Apostles would likely not take glory for themselves, but would instead hold up the Name to receive His very appropriate glory.

 

 

“’Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.’” (4:12)

 

In the Scriptures, the “Name” stands as an endorsement and fill-in for an individual’s character.  Many proverbs speak about the value of maintaining a clean reputation or “name.”  The Apostles clearly do not shy away from the exclusivity of the Gospel.  Everyone may receive salvation through the one Name of Jesus Christ.

 

 

“When they [the Sanhedrin] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  But, since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.” (4:13,14)

 

Through the Holy Spirit and the Gospel itself, God had used very ordinary people to accomplish His purposes.  With His grace, anyone may become a great warrior.  While we may doubt our own abilities, we can never overestimate His transformative power in us and through us.

 

 

“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.’” (4:19,20)

 

Peter and John’s civil disobedience stands in stark contrast to the rather milquetoast image with which our culture would wish to paint Christians.  The Apostles would not stand down in the face of the Sanhedrin’s threats.  They would not abandoning the truth in order to avoid persecution; it would cause them to block the truth of “what we have seen and heard.”

 

 

“’Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’” (4:29,30)

 

“With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” (4:33)

 

The Apostles would not give up on the Great Commission to “make disciples.”  They would join together in prayer, trusting for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  God amply supplied their needs as they remained faithful to Him.

 

 

Lord Jesus, we are grateful for the example that You have provided through Acts 4.  We wish to testify to Your majestic glory and Your overcoming the power of the grave through Your resurrection.  Strengthen us through the filling of Your Holy Spirit so that we may be bold and truthful in proclaiming Your Name.  Thwart and destroy the work of the Evil One who wishes to counteract the great work of the Gospel.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, Amen.

 

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