Scripture Basis: Acts 4:1-20, NIV
After Jesus rose from the dead, Peter and John were filled with joy and a burning desire to tell everyone the good news. They went from town to town, boldly proclaiming that Jesus was alive and offering forgiveness and hope to all who believed in Him. Many people listened and decided to follow Jesus because of their message.
One day Peter and John healed a man who had been unable to walk since birth. The man was overjoyed and began walking, jumping, and praising God. This miraculous healing attracted a large crowd. Peter seized the opportunity to explain that it was not their own power that had healed the man, but the power of Jesus Christ, who had risen from the dead.
The religious leaders, however, were not happy about what Peter and John were doing. They were upset because people were starting to believe in Jesus, and they felt their authority was being challenged. These leaders had Peter and John arrested and brought before the high council, called the Sanhedrin. The council asked them sternly, “By what power or in whose name have you done this?”
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered boldly, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands healed. Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
The leaders were amazed at Peter and John’s courage. They knew these men were ordinary, uneducated fishermen, yet they spoke with great confidence and wisdom. The leaders realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Even though they wanted to punish them, they couldn’t deny the miracle, as the healed man was standing right there with them. So they warned Peter and John to stop speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John replied firmly, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
The leaders, frustrated but unable to find a reason to keep them imprisoned, let them go. Peter and John immediately returned to their friends and shared everything that had happened. Together they prayed for even more courage to continue speaking about Jesus boldly.
Despite the dangers they faced, Peter and John kept sharing the good news. They knew that telling others about Jesus was far more important than their own safety. Their bravery and faith inspired many others to believe in Jesus.
You can be brave like Peter and John when you talk about Jesus. It might feel scary at times, but remember that God is with you, just as He was with Peter and John. You could invite a friend to church, share a story about Jesus, or simply explain why you love Him. Even small acts of courage can make a big difference in someone’s life. Trust God to give you the words and the bravery you need!
Something to Think About
What do you think it means to listen to God rather than people when making tough decisions?
