Acts 4: Without A Doubt

Can you imagine standing in front of a high court waiting for a reason for what you did “wrong”, you know... the “laws” you broke. Where all the officials want to hear anything but the truth. The pressure is tremendous, but you can’t possibly tell anything  other than what’s unmistakable and completely and totally undeniable. Peter and John were in a similar situation in front of the Sanhedrin( The rulers, elders, and teachers of the law). They were being tried for preaching the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,  they had growing concerns because many were hearing, and many were believing. They tried to find a reason to put them away, but the miracle with the crippled man proved an amazing act of kindness that no one could deny the man was healed in the name of Jesus. The community was astonished at this act, they were simply in awe of what had occurred especially since the man was older. When they were brought before the court, Peter and John were being accused of breaking the law, but what they had done was amazing. The religious leaders had no other choice but to believe what had happened, the proof was there, everyone knew the man could walk. The court commanded them to stop using the name of Jesus and they responded not by they’re own, but being led by the holy spirit. They spoke of how it would not be possible to hold in their knowledge of a risen savior and the power in his name. They even used references of what had occurred with Jesus’ life and earlier prophecy proving even more the validity of their case. One of the most profound references was of,
 
Psalms 118:22  
 
“the stone you builders rejected,
   which has become the cornerstone”
 
Seeing they were normal uneducated men, the Sanhedrin had to release them because of the knowledge that was expressed through the holy spirit. After this trial Peter and John went back to their people and told them all that had occurred. They began to pray that God would enable his servants to speak his word with great BOLDNESS, and for God to perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. The whole place was shaken(can you imagine) and they were filled with the holy spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
 
Peter and John had such a hold on God, that nothing could trip them. They were living a life with no regrets. They had an undeniable faith in Jesus that could not be snuffed out. The only way we can possible live a life with this kind of power is to be filled with the holy spirit. It’s this same infilling that brings us together to be in one mind and one accord living lives with no regrets and certainly no doubts in the word of God. The word says they asked God for boldness, and he certainly empowered them. In that same way, we should constantly be seeking God to empower us with the holy spirt to preach, testify, and speak his word boldly.
 
 
Peace out,
-Gabe