Peter and John had just been arrested and imprisoned and threatened by the rulers of the Jews for healing a lame man and for their boldness in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that they were released the next day because the council could find no way of punishing them because it was evident to all that a miracle had been performed.
17 But to keep it from spreading further among the people and the nation, let us [sternly] warn them not to speak again to anyone in this name." 18 So they sent for them, and commanded them not to speak [as His representatives] or teach at all in the name of Jesus [using Him as their authority]. 19 But Peter and John replied to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must judge [for yourselves]; 20 for we, on our part, cannot stop telling [people] about what we have seen and heard." 21 When the rulers and Council members had threatened them further, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because [of their fear] of the people, for they were all praising and glorifying and honoring God for what had happened; 22 for the man to whom this sign (attesting miracle) of healing had happened was more than forty years old.—Acts 4:17-22 AMP
I love that Peter and John by the power of the Spirit of God were not cowed or discouraged by the High Council’s threats, but emboldened and their companions with them. Read the next verses with me:
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
'Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the LORD and against His Christ.'
27 "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
SO ENCOURAGING!! SO EMBOLDENING!! SO UNIFYING!! SO COMFORTING!!
“And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.—Psalm 39:7
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.—Psalm 33:11
I am just gonna rest here today. As Spurgeon is apt to say, I am gonna lay my head down on the pillow of my God’s sovereignty and immutability.
Praising Him right now not only for His sovereign control over all but also for the comfort that always comes to our hearts as we look into and see the truth of His word. Oh Father!
