Tag: Acts of the Apostles

Acts 4:21-22 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. (22) For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

The people were glorifying God for what had happened.  The Lord used His disciples and through them, a miraculous work had taken place.  It resulted in the people giving glory to God.

Giving glory to God is acknowledging God, which leads to submission to Him.  This is what the devil does not want to happen. 

In all that we do as His church, our focus is to give God glory.  When we give God the glory, we are going against the devil.  When we resist the devil, he must flee.  James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Submission to God, glorifying Him is the place where we tell the devil that he has no authority to rule.  We are resisting him. 

Our battle is in the heavenly realms. 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.

Jesus has been glorified because this is the place where the ruler of this world is cast out.  John 12:31-32 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. (32) And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

This position of Jesus and its cascading effect is given to His church.  Jesus has been raised from the dead to be above every rule and authority. I Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him._*

We, as His church, must know that we stand with Jesus, basking in His authority over all the rulers of darkness. When we give glory to God, the devil trembles and he must vacate that place. 

Ephesians 1:21-23 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

As His church, we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and we have been moved to the kingdom of the light of Jesus.  Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

The Lord is taking the fight into the enemy camp to chase out the devil in territories that he is occupying by deception.  This task has been given to His church as we give Jesus the glory. Ephesians 3:10 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,

We must therefore glorify God all the time for this is the spiritual battle against the enemy.  It is in God’s glory that we rest. I Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

The ministry that we do must bring glory to God. I Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We must glorify God in our body and in our spirit which is God’s.  I Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (20) For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

We as His church, in oneness, must participate with Jesus in His glory.  John 17:22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

The Lord longs to share His glory with His church.  In doing so we are lifting Jesus and the devil will have to flee.  Jesus is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think so that He may be glorified in His church.  Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

May we as His church glorify God.  The devil will flee.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DJFDFyk0gsnV2Rlf9iG4-Z_yQRRSGYrO/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:21-22 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. (22) For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Though the leaders threatened, beat, imprisoned, and punished the disciples, they could go no further, because of the people.  The people were glorifying God for the miraculous healing that had taken place.

This was what took place with Jesus, repeatedly. Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.  This was the reason why they arrested Jesus stealthily, and tried Him in the early hours when most people would be asleep. 

As the Gospel is shared and miraculous signs and wonders take place, it results in a people movement.  Large numbers of people are drawn to Christ and they worship God. 

The healing of blind Bartimaeus caused the people to give praise to God. Luke 18:42-43 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” (43) And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

We see this taking place again and again.  Matthew 9:32-33 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. (33) And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”

Great multitudes came to Jesus and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. (31) So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

What was the Lord doing?  He was drawing people to Himself.  He came to seek and save the lost.  He saw people in their true state of weariness and confusion. The Lord desires that people will turn to Him and find rest for their souls. 

Matthew 9:35-38 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (36) But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (37) Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. (38) Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

This is what happened with Jesus and now was beginning to happen through His disciples.  The leaders did not want this to take place and so they were threatening, beating, and imprisoning the disciples so that a ‘people movement’ toward Jesus should not take place. 

What took place then is what is happening today.  The leaders of our world, do not want people to turn to Christ and find peace, joy, and fulfilment in life.  Isn’t this strange?

The world talks of giving people a good life but when Christ gives man, the fullness of life, we see such strong resistance from the leaders.  Luke 19:47-48 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, (48) and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.

Why do leaders want to destroy what is good for everyone?  This is because the god of this age has blinded their minds.  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.

The Lord did not spare the leaders but He came down heavily on them.  Matthew 23:33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? How did the devil have such a grip on leaders?  It is because they gave a foothold to the devil and he has come in and taken control of their lives. John 12:43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

When we give room to ourselves or the appetites of the flesh then the devil will take control of us and he will cause us to go against the things of God.  Let us ensure not to give a foothold to the devil in any area of our lives.  Let us be yielded fully to the Lord for Him to have complete authority over us.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DHhjfrwyiX3jQgcnLkIkAlw1V7jPHWan/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:21-22 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. (22) For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed._

The Apostles were threatened, beaten, and imprisoned for speaking and teaching 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.

All of these trying encounters are the norm for a child of God, who is witnessing Christ.  This is what our Lord told us would happen in the end times.  Mark 13:9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.

Since this is to be expected at the end of the age, we must also be warned of deception during these times. Mark 13:5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you.

The deception will be that we will be saved from these threats, beatings, and imprisonments.  Matthew 10:17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. (18) You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

The Lord is permitting these experiences to His church because the Lord is causing us to be His witnesses to the nations.  The task of being His witness was given to His church as His commission.  

Luke 24:46-49 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, (47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (48) And you are witnesses of these things. (49) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

When His church becomes lackadaisical and lukewarm, the Lord will allow these difficulties to take place in order that the message of Jesus be given to the nations and those who are His elect will be saved. II Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

The Lord desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.  I Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  God does not want anyone to perish. II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Though the message of Jesus is ringing out across the earth, we know that many will still reject the love of God. Romans 1:18-19 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

Persecution against His church is on the rise, worldwide.  The Lord will hear the prayer of His elect and He will avenge but the Lord wants us as His people to continue in faith till the very end and not be troubled by these trials that we go through.  Luke 18:7-8 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? (8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?“

The Lord is building us up in the faith through these trials.  I Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls._*

Knowing all these things, let us not be dismayed but be more determined, in Christ, to share the message of Jesus unequivocally with the world.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D2e–JWooWxbQ6TdUGqhAAH6yoP8n1j5/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. (20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

It is His Holy Spirit who empowers us to speak His words.  Peter and John were so conscious of God’s work that was happening through them and they were full of the power of His Holy Spirit speaking and witnessing Christ through them.  Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Apostles were so full assurance as to who they were and to their witness.  I John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— (2) the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— (3) that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

The purpose of their witness was that those who were impacted through them should have the fullness of joy or experience the Shalom of God.  I John 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

What is the substance of our witness? 

It is His Holy Spirit who enables us to be His witnesses and we witness His resurrection power operating in us.  Romans 8:10-11 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Our witness is not by words alone but it is by power.  What is the power that we are witnessing?  We are witnessing the resurrection of Jesus in us, which His Holy Spirit makes into a reality in us.  

This work of His Holy Spirit operating in our mortal flesh is the reality of His righteousness that we witness to the world. Romans 8:4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  We, therefore, witness the righteousness of God revealed in mortal flesh through His Holy Spirit.  We cannot be made righteous by our flesh but this is possible only in His Holy Spirit and this is our witness.  

Constantly, we are witnesses of His resurrection.  The Apostles affirmed this repeatedly. Acts 2:32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. / Acts 3:15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. / Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

This witnessing in the power of His Holy Spirit, causes people to turn to Christ.  Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. / Acts 4:4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Not only is there the impact of people turning to Christ, but this witnessing in the power of His Holy Spirit also raises many others to be witnesses.  

Luke, the beloved physician, who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, was impacted by the powerful witness of the Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead, in the lives of many others.  He in turn raised many others, including Theophilus, to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.  

Luke 1:1-4 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, (2) just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, (3) it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, (4) that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed._

May the Lord make us just like Peter and John, who were so full of the confidence of their witness.   It was not about them but His Holy Spirit who was witnessing through them the resurrection of Jesus.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Co09v4CTD6arCXOySq4bH5Z4SB3KSR3Q/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. (20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Peter and John could not but speak of Jesus.  This was because they were the children of God.  As His children, they were led by His Holy Spirit.  Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

In being filled and led by the Spirit of God, they did and spoke as they were led by His Holy Spirit.  Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

It was the Acts of His Holy Spirit in the life of the Apostles. They were compelled and driven by His Holy Spirit. Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

For all of us as His people, ought to have the same testimony as that of the Psalmist. II Samuel 23:1-2 Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel: (2) “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.

Our tongue must be yielded to God so that the Holy Spirit can always communicate His message through our tongue.  We must ask the Lord to so bless us that we can continuously yield our tongues to His Holy Spirit.  

Imagine, if this would happen among us in His church.  Imagine the change in our conversation, our responses, our reactions, the views that we present and our sharing with one another.  The change would be so dramatic and phenomenal that all of us will experience God’s wonderful presence and ways amongst us.  

It is very important not to resist God when He chooses us and assigns us the task to speak. Jeremiah 1:5-7 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (6) Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” (7) But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

When the Lord places His message and His words we must obey.  Let us not look at our limitations.  The Lord does call us to speak but when we stay adamant and do not become God’s instruments to speak what He has given for us to speak, then the Lord will pass us by and choose another person to do His bidding.  

When we are led by His Holy Spirit and we speak out God’s word in every situation, let us be warned that there will be opposition to God’s word through us.  The Lord has promised that those who oppose us shall not prevail against us, for He is with us.  Jeremiah 1:17-19 “Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them. (18) For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land—Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land. (19) They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the LORD, “to deliver you.”

Jeremiah the prophet could not hold back God’s words which God had placed in His heart.  Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

We must know that when we speak out the words God has put in our hearts to speak, there is great strength in His words. Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, And of justice and might, To declare to Jacob his transgression And to Israel his sin.

Let us with boldness, speak the message that God has given us to speak as His church for our times.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ceg91iHwhUf4odOR7L8EV1_uC7XqS57n/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. (20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Peter and John’s position was very clear.  Their life had no meaning or relevance without Christ.  He was their all in all.  There was no option for negotiation here.  

What is our life?  Is not our life all about our walk with God?  We do not come to God to meet our ends.  We come to Him for without Him we can do nothing. 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.

We do not juggle between doing our will and the will of God.  Our life is entirely to fulfil His will. Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

It is in Him that we live and move and have our being. 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.’

God is our habitat.  Our breath and our sustenance are in God. Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Our relationship with God is a breath-to-breath relationship with God.  We are in constant breath-to-breath communion with God. 

Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

God has shown us what He requires of us.  Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? We walk in humility with God in doing so we become those who live justly and with mercy.  These are a part of us.  

The Lord has set before us life and death. Deuteronomy 30:15-18 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, (16) in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. (17) But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, (18) I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.

The leaders of this world may threaten us and may also take our lives as they have done in several cases.  What is our stand on these matters?  Our answer to all those who are against us is simply this, our life is in Christ.  II Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Though we live in this world, our eyes are not on the things of this world but are on our eternal abode with God. We are not permanent here.  Hebrews 13:14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.  

Therefore, we await and prepare ourselves for our eternal habitation with God.  Till this time, we declare the love of Jesus to people that they should not perish but have eternal life. Hebrews 11:10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Since we as His people are receiving an eternal kingdom, we serve God here on earth with freedom, reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (29) For our God is a consuming fire.

Let this be the singular voice of His church.  Our life is in Christ.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CYBcZf_2fjSVgDQxCwYyKjFBx1CTD7mx/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. (20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

The leaders had stated their final position and it seemed as though it was the end of the road for witnessing to Christ.  This is where we see an amazing declaration by Peter and John.

This is the Biblical basis for the church in responding to the threats, punishments and laws that are being passed to put an end to the witnessing to the name of Jesus. 

Peter and John were speaking with leaders who knew the law, so, Peter and John could call on the God of Moses, as the basis for their response to the decree.  These leaders could relate to the statement of Peter and John. 

In our circumstances, we may not have the privilege that Peter and John had.  Our audiences could be those who completely negate anything to do with the God of heaven and earth.  Yet, this is the basis on which we must respond to those who intend to act violently against our witness.  We take our stand on the God of heaven and earth, whether our audiences acknowledge Him or they do not. 

I Timothy 2:1-3 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

In this matter of fullness of life, of which God alone is the source, we must make our audiences know that we will obey God.  Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.  This must be the unified voice of His church. 

Right through the Bible, we see examples of God’s people who took a stand on issues and made their audience know that they will speak only what the Lord has given them to speak.  In doing so, they had to undergo much suffering. The suffering did not deter these people of God. 

I Kings 22:13-14 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement.” (14) And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever the LORD says to me, that I will speak.”

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego did not fear for their lives but they took their stand and made it known to Emperor Nebuchadnezzar that they would not bow to his golden image. Daniel 3:18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

The emperor was furious and had the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated.  Then these three young men were thrown into the blazing furnace but what took place? 

Daniel 3:24-26 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” (25) “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (26) Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire.

The Lord honoured the faith of these three men.  They were saved from the fire and they were also elevated in their rank in the government service. 

As we look at history we also know that it has not always been that when we take a stand for Jesus that matters will turn in our favour.  We know that many of God’s people who took a stand and refused to obey the authorities in not witnessing for Christ have had to lay down their lives. 

Hebrews 11:32-38 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:(33) who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (35) Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. (36) Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— (38) of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

Let us be encouraged that we are one with those who are the heroes of faith in Jesus.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CLbZc1OALn_yzpGVbEsG7HWSB5NsQxFR/view?usp=share_link

Acts 4:15-18 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, (16) saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (17) But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” (18) So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

The leaders were concerned that the message of Jesus should not spread further among the people. The leaders thought that this was only a human idea that could be stamped out. They were of the view that if they sufficiently threatened and punished the disciples of Jesus, then the message of Jesus would not spread.  

The leaders did not realise the power of the Gospel of Jesus. *It is impossible to contain the Gospel.* The Gospel is not just head knowledge, but *the Gospel so affects us that the Gospel cannot be separated from us*.  

When the Gospel reached Thessalonica through Apostle Paul and the team, we see the way the Gospel spread throughout the entire region.  

I Thessalonians 1:5-8 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (8) For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

The Gospel came, not only by words but by power and in the Holy Spirit and in great confidence. The Gospel could not be separated from the lives of those who went to Thessalonica to share the Gospel. The Gospel spread to every place.  

When the leaders of the world do their very best to stop the spread of the Gospel they are left shocked, for the Gospel cannot be separated from the lives of those who are impacted by it.  

What is it that happens in a person, because of the Gospel that makes the Gospel inseparable from the person?

It is the life of Christ that manifests from the person’s life. The life of Christ is displayed in the fruit of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of grace and He makes it possible for a person who earlier lived a self-centred life to now become fully concerned for the well-being of others.  

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

These are the graces that are demonstrated in the life of a person transformed by the Gospel. By these attributes, a person transformed by the Gospel becomes a blessing to others. This then is infectious and those impacted are also drawn to the Gospel. Thus, there is the spread of the Gospel.  

There can be no law that can be passed that prevents the beautiful qualities of the Holy Spirit to be displayed in a person. The leaders could pass a law saying that there should be no speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus but they could not pass a law preventing the display of the character of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the disciples of Jesus.  

This is what we as His church must be assured. The leaders of the world cannot stop the spread of the Gospel because we are a part of the Gospel and the Gospel, is a part of us. Even if they put us to death, they cannot stop the spread of the Gospel. All of Jesus’ disciples, except for John, were martyred and the church has been established all over the world.  

A beautiful example of the impact of the Gospel in a person’s life is the life of Zacchaeus. He was an evil man who was selfish. Look at what happened to him because of the Gospel.  

Luke 19:8-10 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (9) And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; (10) for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

This is God’s purpose in the life of each person through His Gospel. The devil’s agenda is to destroy lives. Whereas, the Gospel is about abundant life. 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.

The Gospel will spread, whatever the world may do to His church.

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Acts 4:15-18 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, (16) saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (17) But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” (18) So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Though this was considered as a finality to the whole matter of witnessing in the name of Jesus, did the work of the Gospel stop?  Has the growth of His kingdom been curtailed over time?  It has not. 

Yes, leaders and governments must be respected and their laws must be obeyed.  Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. As we read this passage till the 7th verse, we see that Scripture has instructed us to be subject to the governing authorities, for they are God’s ministers for the good of the people. 

Yet, when it comes to the matter of witnessing to Christ and bringing people to faith in Jesus, we must obey God.

Why is this so? 

This is because governments and authorities are only responsible for the things pertaining to this life but the matter of eternity and relationship with God is beyond the purview of rulers, authorities, and governments. 

Unless a person receives Christ into his life as Lord, that person will perish.  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. This is why we must share the good news with a world that is perishing without surrendering to God. 

Therefore, though the leaders took an extreme position, passing a law, preventing the teaching, or preaching in the name of Jesus, the disciples continued to witness the name of Jesus. Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

They were arrested again but the Lord encouraged them to continue to teach and preach in the name of Jesus.  Acts 5:19-20 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, (20) “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

Yet again the leaders reiterated their final position that there should be no teaching or preaching in the name of Jesus.  Act 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.

The witnessing did not stop but continued. 

What took place then and what has been taking place all through the centuries is the fulfilment of what the Lord told His disciples.  Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This was the great commission that the Lord gave His disciples, which is being fulfilled.  Luke 24:46-49 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, (47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (48) And you are witnesses of these things. (49) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

As His disciples did then, let us also praise the Lord that we are counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Acts 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

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Acts 4:15-18 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, (16) saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (17) But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” (18) So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

This healing that had taken place and other similar miracles were the opportunities, where the resurrection of Jesus was made known to everyone. 

Remember, when the Lord rose from the dead, the leaders capped the lid on the resurrection of Christ.  Matthew 28:11-15 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. (12) When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, (13) saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ (14) And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” (15) So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The leaders thought that they had effectively negated, the resurrection of Jesus but it was now coming back to haunt them. 

Peter and John were attributing the healing of the lame man to the resurrection of Jesus. Acts 4:10 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.

Witnessing was all about the resurrection of Jesus.

Leaders may try to blank out the truth of history but the truth will stay the test of time.  Jesus has risen from the dead and the work of the church has marched on. 

History tells us that those who took violent positions against His church have had to suffer terribly.  We do not want them to suffer but they should come to their senses, their minds should be opened and they repent and surrender to Christ. 

I Thessalonians 2:15-16 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, (16) forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

God’s wrath has come on the people of Israel for centuries.  We have seen how they have suffered.  This is because of all that Israel has done against God, His prophets, His Son and His church. 

The warning is to the nations of the world who intend to go against God and His church.  Psalms 2:1-5 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:

What is the Lord doing all over the globe in these last days?  The Lord is causing people to come to faith in Jesus.*  The sound of God’s people is going out and the persecution that is taking place in different ways is causing the message of the gospel to be heard. 

People come to faith by hearing and hearing is by the word of God Romans 10:17-18 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (18) But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “THEIR SOUND HAS GONE OUT TO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD.”

This was the testimony of Apostle Paul. Romans 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— (19) in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

It is when the gospel is preached in all the world as a witness that the end will come.  Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Keeping these things in mind, let us as His church, not be discouraged, but strengthen ourselves in the Lord to be His bold and wise witnesses.

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