Acts 4 - 4.16.25
Scripture
“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)
Observation
God had performed a huge miracle through Peter and John, and healed a man who was lame from his birth. This was a miracle that no one could refute, when they saw the man “walking and jumping and praising God” (Acts 3:8). The Jewish authorities arrested Peter and John and questioned them on how they were able to do this. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly declared that it was faith in the name of Jesus that made this man whole, and that there is no other name given under heaven by which men might be saved, besides the name of Jesus (Acts 4:11,12). The Jewish leaders threatened them and warned them not to speak in Jesus name ever again.
Peter and John replied that they could not help speaking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:20). By making this bold statement in front of the people who crucified Jesus just a few weeks prior to that time, they were declaring that they did not consider their life more important than obeying Jesus. They were truly taking their cross and following him (Matthew 16:24). We know from reliable church history and tradition that Peter was crucified upside down, and that John died while in solitary exile in the island of Patmos. Both of them considered their faith and their witness more important than their life.
Application
All of us who have accepted the Lord in our lives have tasted and known that He is good (Psalms 34:8). We have “seen” his goodness, we have “heard” our shepherd’s voice. Can we say like Peter and John, that we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard? Or do we choose to be silent about our faith to gain the approval of others?
“Woe unto me if I do not preach the gospel”, said Apostle Paul (1 Cor 9:17). Being a witness is not an option, but a commandment. The last commandment Jesus gave before ascending into heaven after resurrection was that we should be a witness for Him in Jerusalem, Samaria and the ends of the world (Acts 1:8). This is a commandment to witness Jesus in our immediate surroundings/workplace (Jerusalem), our extended environment like our social circles (Samaria) and all opportunities beyond our comfort zone (the ends of the world).
Let us also remember the words of Jesus, “If you are ashamed of me and of my teaching, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26). Let us do our best to present ourselves to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for choosing me to be your child. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to taste and see that you are good. Help me Lord, to obey your great commission. Help me to be a faithful witness of what you have done for me. Help me to share the good news of your salvation to all you lead me to. Help me to be faithful and obedient. I know I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me (Phil 4:13). In Jesus name. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
