A Bold Witness

In Acts chapter four we observe that Peter and John have had an amazing transformation in their lives. Not only had they been with Jesus nearly everyday for the last three years, but they were now filled with the Holy Spirit which clearly made all the difference.

If you've read Acts chapter three then you will recall how Peter and John healed a crippled man of 40 years in the name of Jesus. This event drew an enormous crowd which created another great opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed. Peter gave all the glory to Christ and many believed. That day the church grew to about 5000 men, not including all the women and children. All this commotion stirred up the chief priest and teachers of religious law because Peter and John were glorifying Jesus and his resurrection. They arrested Peter and John and threw them into prison for the night.

The next day, "they had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 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. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:7-12)

Can you imagine saying these words to the very same men who had crucified Jesus? This is heavy stuff! Peter and John mean serious business. This is also a very different picture of the apostles who on the night Jesus was arrested fled the scene. They are living and acting with power and boldness.

I can feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins even as I write this. It sound much like the godly defiance spoken by three Hebrew teenagers to the mighty King Nebuchadnezzar, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)

Yes! Go for it! Proclaim it! Take the risk!

Today, as an act of worship, may we be emboldened to witness for Christ at all cost. May we hear the words of Christ resounding in our hearts, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5)