Tag: Acts of the Apostles

Acts 4:9-10 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, (10) let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.

For any normal-thinking person, this accusation of the leaders against the disciples would be seen as ridiculous. The leaders should have lauded and thanked the disciples for the good work that was done. The highest body of the Jews had gathered, to come up with such an outrageous accusation against His disciples.  This is happening today and these are the ways of the devil. 

This was what the Lord had to experience in His ministry.  John 7:22-24 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. (23) If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? (24) Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” The Lord told the leaders to learn what is righteous judgement and not judge by appearance. 

The Lord turned the table on the tables on the leaders and made them confront their own blindness.  John 10:32-33 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” (33) The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

The leaders then accepted that their real issue with Jesus was He, being a Man was making Himself to be God. Man’s problem is with His submission to God.

The good that the disciples had done and the good that we as His church are doing today, are known to everyone as good deeds.  Yet, the world is vehemently against us because they are being confronted with the God of heaven and earth, who is to be worshipped by submission to His will.  

The devil does not want anyone to submit to God.  The devil knows that he is destined to everlasting fire.  His intention is to take as many as he can with him to the same place of everlasting destruction.  The good work that we do is a clarion call for the people of the world to repent, surrender to the lordship of Christ and escape the eternal fire. The devil is preventing and causing people to resist God. 

Let us look at another matter regarding the healing of the lame man.  The lame man was made well.   The wellness that happened to this man was complete wellness. 

This man was lame on his feet but now he stood, walked, leapt, and was praising God.  Acts 3:6-8 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (7) And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (8) So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.

The strength that the man received in his legs and ankles bones was such that he stood, walked, and leapt. Not only was this a powerful physical healing.  The man was also reconciled with God, internally, for he entered the temple to worship God with praise. 

Later we see that this man stood alongside Peter and John, as a witness for the disciples, as they were being questioned by the leaders. Acts 4:14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

He was physically healed, he became a worshipper of God with praise, and he became a witness to Jesus.  This is the description of wellness.

When the Lord intervenes in a person’s life, He brings wellness.  He gives life in all its fullness.  Whereas, the devil’s agenda is to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 

This is why Jesus came.  He came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The leaders were questioning the disciples about the wellness that had happened to the lame man.  This is the same line of questioning that has been happening all through the centuries and is happening even today.

We as His church must be familiar with their line of questioning and be prepared.  Peter and John responded to their questioning appropriately.  The Holy Spirit will enable us also to respond to the questioning that we are being subjected to, appropriately.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Czh0oqt1Vnk7lW0J_Xf54L_SZUhXgZn/view?usp=share_link

We have begun looking at the response of Peter and John to the questioning of the leaders.  Acts 4:9-10 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, (10) let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.

Peter clarifies the accusation of the leaders, judging them for a good deed done to a helpless man. 

Peter and John saw the lame man, sitting and begging.  Their hearts were moved with concern and compassion for him.  The Lord used them as His instruments and the healing took place. Acts 3:6-8 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (7) And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (8) So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.

It was not Peter and John who caused the healing, it was the Lord.  When the healing took place, the lame man went walking, leaping, and praising God into the temple with Peter and John.  This caused no small stir among the people and they gathered on Solomon’s porch.

This was how Peter preached the message of Jesus being raised from the dead and how God has sent Him to bless them, in turning everyone from their iniquities.  Act 3:26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

Was any evil committed?  Was there any violence or any social disturbance that was caused?  All that happened was good for everyone.  Yet, the apostles were being judged by the leaders as though a serious evil and crime, against their religion, society, and nation, had been committed.  

This resonates with the accusation and allegation that is being placed against His church, especially in India. We are being charged for all the good deeds that the church has been doing for the people and for the nation over the centuries.  We are being accused that we are causing serious disturbance to the religion, society, culture, and nation.  The charge against the church, being that these ‘good works’ done by His church to people were an inducement and enticement to get people to come to faith in Jesus. 

Let us be certain that we are saved by God to produce good works, just as Peter and John had done.  We will always do good to people, society, and the nation.  This is who we are.  This is what Jesus causes to take place in us when we come into the habitat of God in Christ.

This life of caring for people and doing good works for people is a fruit-bearing life. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

A tree does not consume its own fruit but a tree bears fruit, which is a blessing to others.   In bearing fruit, we are a blessing to the people, society, and nation where God has placed us.  Matthew 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

It is our relationship with Jesus that causes us to be fruit-bearing people. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Jesus has chosen us to be fruit-bearing.  John 15:16 *You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain*, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Fruit bearing is the mandate of a disciple of Jesus.  Matthew 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Who are we as the church of Jesus?

The following passage gives us a description of who we are.  Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, (12) teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, (13) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Peter and John were being judged for a good deed done to a helpless man.  This is the accusation of the world on His church.  Just because the world accuses us, charges us, condemns us, beats us, imprisons and even kills us, will the world be able to stop His church from doing good works to the people, society and nation?  We will not stop, and we cannot stop from doing good works, for this is who we are in Christ.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/180LHfBXNihCrRXVmL328murahIusWf2s/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:

The Lord prepared His disciples on how they must answer the questions of the leaders, for their faith in Jesus.  

Matthew 10:19-20 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; (20) for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

It is the leading and the enablement of His Holy Spirit that the disciples would experience in a powerful manner on these occasions.  Peter and John began their response to the leaders in the most collected and dignified manner.  There was no fear, they were not being defensive and definitely, there was no ranting and raving.  There was an air of calmness in the way Peter and John responded.

This can be contrasted with how Peter responded to the questioning of the maid and others during our Lord’s trial. Matthew 26:69-74 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” (70) But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” (71) And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” (72) But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” (73) And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” (74) Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.

This is no ordinary transformation.  This is the amazing work of His Holy Spirit in the life of a blundering, frightened man, who was now speaking effortlessly, with confidence and respect, to his detractors.  

The Lord is calling us as His church not to be angry and retaliate against those who attack us and hurt us.  Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. (20) Therefore “IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD.” (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

It is the Lord who will take vengeance on those who hurt His people.  It is for us to be civil and give a refined response to those who may foul mouth us and physically bully us.  

We are sons and daughters of our Father in heaven.  We belong to Him and we represent Him here on earth.  Our behaviour, therefore, has to be that of our heavenly Father.  Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

We must be like our Lord Jesus, who when He was reviled did not retaliate, but committed Himself to the Father. I Peter 2:19-23 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. (20) For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. (21) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (22) “WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH”; (23) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

We represent God and in doing so, we put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, I Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

Moreover, we are aware that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities in the heavenly realms, who have blinded their eyes. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. / II Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, (4) whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

We pray that the eyes of these people who hate us, will be opened and that they would come from darkness to light.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17jWXvBK_QsDuRcppEbrOXArGgamNfbPD/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:8-12 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: (9) If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, (10) let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (11) This is the ‘STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.’ (12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”_*

As we start considering the response of Peter and John, we must keep in our mind, the setting.  This was like standing before the Supreme Court of a country. It was a charged atmosphere and everyone gathered had already decided against the disciples.  

Peter begins in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.  It is in the fullness of His Holy Spirit that we must operate, all the time.  We live, move, and have our being in Christ. Acts 17:28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 

This is the new covenant relationship that was prophesied in the Old Testament. Isaiah 59:21 “As for Me,” says the LORD, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the LORD, “from this time and forevermore.”

This was the prophecy of Jesus. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest on Him. Isaiah 11:1-3 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. (2) The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. (3) His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;

Just as Christ was in the world, so are we. I John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

Peter and John were so full of this reality.  This is where many of us struggle.  *When we encounter similar situations, we are inclined to operate out of our own understanding and fears.  We are not being mindful that we are people on whom the Lord is longing to pour out His Holy Spirit. When we, consciously, welcome and yield to His Holy Spirit, we will be witnesses of our own powerful manner in handling difficult encounters.* 

The Lord has promised us that He will give us words of wisdom in these trying circumstances. Luke 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

Stephen had such an experience of God’s wisdom being poured from his lips, as he faced a hostile audience. Act 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Apostle Paul, on several occasions, as he stood before intimidating and aggressive audiences, was able to preach the Gospel.  II Timothy 4:16-17 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. (17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

We have read biographies of God’s saints, over history, how in the most daunting of circumstances, they experienced the calming presence of His Holy Spirit and how they were able to reply to their enemies, boldly and fittingly.

Not only does the Lord gives us His presence, wisdom and strength in these situations, the Lord is calling us not to be defensive but to be bold and be prepared to answer those who oppose the Gospel. I Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED.” (15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

The Holy Spirit also empowers us to demolish all their arguments that stand against God. II Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (6) and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Let us be bold in the Lord.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17atHqmOqbxoq7e2K9ZFJaoWTXyQ_Aa-v/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

What were the leaders referring to, when they questioned Peter and John?

There were three items on the agenda.  One was the healing of the lame man, the second was the teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, and the third, many people had come to faith in Jesus. 

These three matters are to be kept in mind as we fulfil our task as His church here on earth. 

One side of the ministry of His church is to meet the people’s physical, mental, social, and economic needs. Acts 3:6-7 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (7) And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

The second side is to present Christ to people and for people to repent and submit to the lordship of Christ, by faith in Him. Acts 3:19-20 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (20) and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, / Acts 3:25-26 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.’ (26) To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

The third side of the ministry of His church is to work with those who receive Jesus as their Lord.  This is the discipleship function of His church.  Acts 4:4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

These three sides of the ministry of His church are inseparable.  This was how the Lord did His ministry. 

Jesus explained His ministry to John the Baptist. Matthew11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: (5) The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (6) And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

This holistic ministry of our Lord is the Gospel of His kingdom.  Luke 4:40-44 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. (41) And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. (42) Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; (43) but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (44) And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. 

Sadly, we have confused ourselves by separating these three aspects of the ministry of His church and we have given emphasis on one side over the other. 

Do we not see oppression, corruption, injustice, lying and cheating? As the church will we only ask people to repent of their sins and surrender their lives to Christ?  As we do so, are we not also building and equipping the body of Christ to be conformed to Christ, who is our head?  Are we not bringing people and nations into the kingdom of Jesus, as Jesus had done?

Ephesians 4:11-13 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

It was for this holistic ministry that they had done that Peter and John were being questioned. 

We must ensure that our ministry is holistic.  When we are questioned, for the ministry that we do, we must consider their questioning as a beautiful opportunity for the growth of the Gospel.

Let us, with great joy, fulfil the ministry to which the Lord has called His church.  If we are questioned and persecuted for the work that we do, let us not be discouraged, for so they did to those who have gone ahead of us.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17NBZLtos4Wcq-EE8rB8HxxPfZyquzHdT/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

We will now, consider this matter of authority about which the leaders of this world are deeply anxious. 

In Acts chapter 4, we see that the leaders commanded the disciples not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. This was a total ban on taking the name of Jesus.  Acts 4:18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

In Acts chapter five, the command not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus was reiterated with greater intensity. Acts 5:28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

In between Acts chapters four and five, did the teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, stop?  No, it did not.  The disciples decided to clearly and openly disobey the command placed on them.

After imprisoning and beating the Apostles they were once again threatened with further punishment and told not to speak in the name of Jesus.  Acts 5:40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

What began with the early church, has continued across cultures over centuries and has become even shriller and harsher by the day.  Has all the authorities of different nations and governments and all their commands and edicts, over time, been able to stop the teaching and preaching of the name of Jesus?

Authority is all about the power and position to rule over people.  John 11:47-48 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. (48) If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

This remark made by the leaders gives us an insight into the heart of man.  We want people to have a good opinion of us.  We, therefore, seek to gain the favour of people.  Man also wants position and the power that flows from the position over people.  This is deep inside every man. 

The Lord taught His disciples how to deal with this issue of authority.  Luke 22:25-26 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ (26) But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.

The Lord taught us not to be worried about winning the favour of people or seeking for position and power that comes with the position.  The method to counter this itch for authority is by becoming a servant.  The Lord served His disciples and demonstrated that we too must each serve our respective communities.   

Leaders desire to create an impression on their people.  Matthew 6:1-2 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. (2) Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Whereas, the Lord taught us to do our good deeds in secret.  Matthew 6:3-4 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Jesus demonstrated this life of meekness, which is not weakness. He called us as His church to be meek and thereby inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Jesus was a serious threat to the leaders since He was deflating their ultimate goal in life.  Jesus, therefore, had to be eliminated.  The leaders were able to take Jesus to the cross, and have Him killed and buried.  This was in their power to execute.  They were even worried about His resurrection and so they did what they could to prevent even a notion of His resurrection to spread. 

Yet, the Lord rose from the dead. The disciples, who earlier were so full of fear, were now bold and were not afraid to teach and preach in the name of Jesus. 

As we face fierce opposition to the name of Jesus, let us be encouraged that we are part of history. Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. (12) Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Let us be assured that whatever the courts or governments may command, the name of Jesus will be taught and preached and the elect will be saved.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17DVKKGvvaaopp_5zzftl2WI3hzXadbqy/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

Authority is a big and fundamental issue.  A person who knows his authority will also know his identity, and his purpose and consequently will be secure. 

This was the same question that the leaders asked Jesus.  Matthew 21:23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

Since the leaders questioned the authority of Jesus, they did not believe in Him and since they did not believe in Him, they remained in death. John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

The Jews questioned the authority of Jesus in cleansing the temple, by asking Him for a sign.  John 2:18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”

If Jesus were to have obliged them with a sign, then they could confine Jesus to being a miracle worker and would consider His cleansing of the temple as only an aberration.  Whereas, if He was the Messiah, then they would need to surrender and submit to Him. 

The world does not want to submit to the lordship of Christ.  Therefore, they question our authority to teach and preach in the name of Jesus. 

Whereas, the Lord has given us His authority to teach and preach Jesus, to the people of the world and bring them to faith in Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Man was given authority to have dominion and rule over all of God’s creation in the image of God. Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

When we sinned against God, we came under the control of the devil to do his will.  II Timothy 2:25-26 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, (26) and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

The devil tempted Jesus, to acknowledge that he, the devil, had the authority over all the earth, by bowing to him. Jesus refused.  Luke 4:5-8 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (6) And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. (7) Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours*.” (8) And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND HIM ONLY YOU SHALL SERVE.’ “

The devil was never given authority over God’s creation.  It is to man that authority was given, in creation, and to His church under the New Covenant.  Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

We were prisoners of the devil but Jesus delivered us. Hebrews 2:14-15 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, (15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Not only has Jesus delivered us from the clutches of the devil, but He has also put the devil to open shame. Colossians 2:14-15 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (15) Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

The Lord has raised His church to be the ones who have authority over the evil one and bring about the wisdom of God. Ephesians 3:9-11 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (10) to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, (11) according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

When we are questioned by our leaders, we must know our authority.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16umkBkPqp2mvKkSNY14XdFCMV3WFWc7l/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:5-7 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, (6) as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. (7) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

The next day, a great amount of activity took place to put an end to the teaching and preaching of the Apostles.  A galaxy of leaders was brought together in a very quick time.  The then entire leadership body of the Jews was brought together.  This was not easy.  This tells us that the leaders of the Jews were serious to put a stop to the work of His Gospel and His church. 

We have already said that the state and ‘church’, in the Jewish dispensation, were inseparable.  As we take a close look at the list of leaders, who gathered to crush the work of His disciples, we see that none of the groups within the Jewish community was left out.  All these leaders saw the ministry of the early church, as a threat that must be squashed.

Is this not familiar to us, in our present context too?  Every group, that has its own portfolios and differences have congregated to stamp out His church. 

Micah 2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity, And work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, Because it is in the power of their hand. 

God is angry with those who trouble His church.  II Thessalonians 1:5-10 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; (6) since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, (7) and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, (8) in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (10) when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

The Bible tells us that it is a reality that the nations will rage against His church.  The kings of the earth set themselves and they counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed.  Psalms 2:1-6 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, (3) “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” (4) He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. (5) Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: (6) “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”

When even the smallest group of Christ’s disciples, is attacked by those who are furious against His church, they are attacking Christ, who lives and reigns forever.

Acts 22:4-8 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, (5) as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished. (6) “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. (7) And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ (8) So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

As the early church prayed, they brought all of these matters into focus.  Their prayer was not a survival prayer rather it was a prayer that came from a place of strength and power. 

Acts 4:25-30 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.”

Let us be strong in the Lord.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16mpIMrAyFDf02B8KM4dWdbWfkNFsGFNZ/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand._*

The leaders of the temple came and arrested Peter and John. They were arrested because they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. We have already seen that what Peter and John taught was what the prophets had said. This was the heritage of the Jews.    

Though their arrest, seemed to be against God, we see that the Gospel was not restricted. 

Apostle Paul says that all that happened to him, referring to his imprisonment, had actually turned out for the furtherance of the Gospel. Philippians 1:12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (13) so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; (14) and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

What we see happening currently, as we enter 2023, is precisely a repetition of all that happened with the early church. We must take heart. The Lord is permitting these violent attacks against His church and His Gospel to take place, for they actually result in the growth of the Gospel.

We must, therefore, not be ashamed of the Gospel or be apologetic before those who oppose the Gospel. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

We see here that about 5000 people came to faith in Jesus. These were the elect of God, whom God had chosen. As His church, we are responsible for those who are the elect of God in every context. We do not know who they are but as we present Jesus, as Lord and King, the elect will be saved.  

Apostle Paul was sure of one thing in his life, which was chains and tribulations. Chains and tribulations did not bother him in any way. This is how it ought to be for us as His church in the 21st century. Acts 20:23-24 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. (24) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul did not count his life dear to himself. As His church, we are still operating in the safety and security mode, in our relationship with God. We are praying for the Lord to protect us and save us from those who treat us violently. This is understandable as this was how the early church too measured their situation. 

Yet, the apostles, set the pace for the church that the focus ought to be on the growth of the Gospel, not for our safety. II Timothy 2:9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. ‘The word of God not being chained’, was the focus of Paul.  

Even his imprisonment, Paul saw as being arranged by God for the fulfilment of the ministry that the Lord had entrusted to him, which was to minister to the Gentiles. Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—

So, friends, let us take heart that God is in control and we must be faithful to Him.  

Paul did ask for the church to pray for him, while he was in chains. As we look at his prayer request, we see that he is not asking the church to pray for his early release but that utterance may be given to him, to make known the mysteries of the Gospel with boldness. Ephesians 6:19-20 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

This was how the church prayed, while they were being mistreated. Acts 4:29-31 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.

Will we as His church, enter 2023 asking the Lord to give us boldness to face the hardship that awaits us, knowing that these are permitted by God for the extension of the Gospel?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16d7lQKuPGZNGDaqKURk2cRmJ3r1AmL-J/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:1-3 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (3) And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

We just concluded the study of the powerful message of Peter and John to a Jewish audience.  This was a wake-up call for the Jews.  This message had deep applications for them as a people and as a nation. Let us always keep in mind that under the Jewish dispensation, “church” and state were identical. No one could be a member of one without also being a member of the other.

The message of Peter and John was a spiritual message calling for repentance, return and restoration with God.  At the same time, it was also a political message for the nation.  God calls us to be both kings and priests. 

Considering the significance of the message, the leaders should have been glad that they were now warned and that people were turning to God.  Instead, they were indignant and arrested Peter and John, placing them in custody.

This is a phenomenon that has existed from the very beginning of time when Cain killed Abel.  What is the root of this reality?  It is the problem of faith. This is what the Lord warned His disciples against.  Matthew 16:11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?— but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.“_

What is the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees?  The Lord reprimanded His disciples for their lack of faith. It was this matter of lack of faith that Jesus referred to as the leaven of Pharisees and Sadducees.  Matthew 16:8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? The sin of unbelief is the leaven of the leaders.

The Lord was put to death on the cross by the leaders because of their unbelief.  Matthew 26:3-4 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, (4) and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.

Throughout His teaching, the Lord had prepared His disciples that the leaders would do them much harm, because of their unbelief.  Matthew 10:16-17 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (17) But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

He had prayed for them, as He sent them into the world.  John 17:15-18 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (16) They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (17) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (18) As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

The Lord Jesus is praying for us that we will remain true to our faith in Him.

Apostle Paul, before his conversion and as a leader of the Jews, did much harm to the church of Jesus Christ. Paul, who was Saul, had not yet come to faith in Jesus.  Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

Paul and his co-workers were hauled before the leaders, several times.  On each of these occasions, they testified to Christ and to His resurrection from the dead.  Acts 24:14-15 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. (15) I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.

The Lord had also told us that on these occasions when we as His disciples are dragged before the leaders, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to testify to Christ.  Luke 21:12-15 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. (13) But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. (14) Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; (15) for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

Let us be prepared that in 2023, we can expect that we as His church will be pulled up before leaders because of their unbelief.  Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

Let us continue in the faith.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16QMtNRTQqnTQ5H2kBcUaCPuugDOMbeiM/view?usp=share_link