Day 4

Read: Acts 4

Introduction: Do you have that one friend or family member that will always spill any secret that you entrust to them? Or maybe you are that person and you just NEED to tell someone the good news you heard. I don’t know about you, but when I buy a gift for someone that I think is just superb, I have this deep urge to show almost everyone, sometimes including the one to whom the gift is going to. Just this last Christmas, I got a gift for my brother and I was stoked! As soon as it was delivered to the house, I asked him if he wanted to see what I got him for Christmas and completely spoiled the surprise. It was barely November! I couldn’t wait because I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy to give him his gift.

In Acts 4, we are going to see that same type of excitement from the disciples as they can’t remain silent for the love of the gospel. They are being questioned by the council about the lame man that was healed in Acts 3. The council brings them forth and instructs them not to speak the name of Jesus anymore. The disciples leave them with this great response.

Acts 4:16-20

The counsel said, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone of this name. So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Think about it: “For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heart.” They are telling some of the most powerful people in all of Israel that they have a message and it comes from an authority greater than their council. Peter and John have this great boldness before the council, all the while not being rude about it, but they boldly speak in truth and grace. They have seen the resurrected Jesus Christ, they have heard his Great Commission, and they have decided that they are going to live a life for Christ rather than man. Peter and John are filled with the Holy Spirit and God gave them the boldness and wisdom in this conversation. At the end of this story in verse 31 it says, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” The boldness they spoke with was not from their own power but from the Spirit.

Take away: The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to proclaim his message.