18 When they called Peter and John back, they demanded that they stop all speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John responded, “It’s up to you to determine whether it’s right before God to obey you rather than God. 20 As for us, we can’t stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 They threatened them further, then released them. Because of public support for Peter and John, they couldn’t find a way to punish them. Everyone was praising God for what had happened, 22 because the man who had experienced this sign of healing was over 40 years old.
Reflection
I had to look at what I wrote last week, (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) because it seemed like the very same theme. In looking back, I realized it was the very same theme—but with different characters.
Paul was the author of the Corinthian letters, and Peter and John were the folks on this week’s reading, which was authored by Luke. Both parties had trouble with the leaders of the Jews.
Acts 4 begins: While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them. I might have backed down because we’re told, “They were incensed that the apostles were teaching the people and announcing that the resurrection of the dead was happening because of Jesus.”
In was getting late so Peter and John were put in prison until the next day. But it backfired on the Jewish leaders because many who heard the word became believers, and their number grew to about five thousand. The leaders were in a quandary, what were they to do.
The story we read above is a continuation of verses 16-18: “They said, ‘What should we do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem is aware of the sign performed through them. It’s obvious to everyone and we can’t deny it. To keep it from spreading further among the people, we need to warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.’ When they called Peter and John back, they demanded that they stop all speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus.”
What would you do if you were Peter or John? They said they would continue to spread the name of Jesus, despite being threatened with punishment!
And the name of Jesus continued to spread.
by Rick Reed
For Pondering and Prayer
Once again, they relied on the power of God. Paul needed it, Peter and John needed it, and we need it now.
Prayer: Dear Lord, may you always provide a way to spread your name! We pray that we might always be found faithful in that work. Amen.
