Acts Bible Study: Day 7
Today’s passage: Acts 4:23–31
Focus verse: After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:31)
If they didn’t already know it, Peter and John now realize that following Jesus can have consequences. They have done the right thing, for the right reasons, in healing the man who couldn’t walk.
But they’re in trouble with the religious elite. They face punishment, even execution. This time they avoid both. This time the religious council releases them unharmed. Though they spent the night in jail, they’re now free to leave.
They go straight to their people, who are worried about the fate of their leaders. Though Luke doesn’t mention this, I envision a massive prayer meeting, urgently interceding for the safe release of Peter and John.
The freed disciples tell everyone what happened at the religious council. They relate what the Jewish leaders said to them, warning them to never speak of Jesus again, before releasing them.
This report encourages everyone. They respond by praising God in prayer, even quoting part of a Psalm.
Had it been me, I would have wrapped up my prayer thanking God for my safety and asking him for protection from my enemies.
Fortunately, the early church doesn’t think the way I do. Their faith is stronger, and their kingdom vision is greater.
Considering the threats of the religious leaders and seeing the future risks of telling others about Jesus, they don’t ask for safety or protection. They ask for power to speak with even greater boldness.
Knowing that healing people in Jesus’s name gives them a platform to tell others about him, they ask God to empower them to heal and perform more miracles.
When they finish praying, the building they’re meeting in shakes, just like at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit fills everyone present, just like at Pentecost. They speak about God with great boldness, just like at Pentecost.
In this way, God affirms their heart’s desire to perform supernatural signs, heal others in Jesus’s name, and tell people about him with boldness. They’re ready and willing to suffer to advance the cause of Jesus.
Questions:
- How much are we willing to suffer for following Jesus?
- Do we worry about suffering?
[Discover more about suffering for Jesus in John 21:18–19, 2 Corinthians 11:24–27, and 1 Peter 3:14–17.]
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Read more about the book of Acts in Acts Bible Study: Discover How the Early Church Can Inform What We Do Today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Revitalize your faith with Acts Bible Study by Peter DeHaan. This 40-day journey through the early church reveals timeless lessons on community, perseverance, and Holy Spirit power.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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