HIGHLIGHT
Acts 4:29 (ESV): 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,
EXPLAIN
The healing of the man lame from birth who begged outside the Temple caused a great stir. Many people came together and Peter and John recognized the opportunity to share the Good News.
The Sanhedrin heard of this and we’re greatly annoyed. They arrested them and put them in prison. On the next day, they put them on trial and asked by what authority they were healing people.
Peter responded by proclaiming Jesus to be the Messiah, that through him only we can receive salvation. The Sanhedrin were astonished, recognized that these were uneducated men, yet spoke with wisdom and authority.
They threatened the apostles not to speak in Jesus’ name any more and then sent them away. Afterwards, the apostles gathered all the church to pray. These words are part of their prayer.
After they prayed, the place was shaken, they were filled anew with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
APPLY
In various ways, people today will threaten and discourage us from living for Jesus and proclaiming him to be the only way of salvation.
We should respond by imitating the apostles’ example: pray, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, ask for Holy Spirit boldness, and continue to live and speak faithfully for Christ.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, you are God and you are in control. You see those who would oppose your will. May your kingdom come and your will be done. Help me to live faithfully, a pure and holy life before you. May I proclaim your truth boldly, for your glory. Amen.