PODCAST
Peter, The Bold
July 30th, 2022
Acts 4:13-22
This cannot be the same Peter who denied Jesus three times the night Jesus was arrested! Now, before the Sanhedrin, this Peter stated boldly, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (v. 20). This is the same Peter, transformed by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, preaching, healing, and speaking courageously in the name of Jesus. The charges against him were not because the lame man was healed, but that the man was healed in the name of Jesus.
The men of the Sanhedrin were amazed. They knew Peter had been with Jesus, they saw the healed man standing there with them, and they heard the people praising God. They were afraid of the people. They could not risk the people turning on them. There was nothing left to do but release them with threats.
The Church answered threats with praises. They were not intimidated by fear or anger. There was no thought of returning threats, but shouts of praise to God for His power.
What about us? In some occupations, even for clergy, praying in the name of Jesus is unacceptable. Do we have boldness to speak out in the name of Jesus and praise Him?
Author: Lynda Boardman
Tags: Praise. Persecution
