And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NAS95)
Captured, jailed, tried and released. Nothing could stop them. Peter, John and now their companions begin to speak the word with boldness. What? Peter and John had already boldly proclaimed Christ to the people of Jerusalem as an explanation for healing a lame man. Actually Jesus did the healing, using Peter and John as the instruments on their way to the temple to pray. The authorities of the day didn’t like that Peter and John had done this in Jesus name. Since the time of the resurrection, the authorities had tried to squelch the reality of a risen Jesus. They had to do something so they jailed them. Then tried them. Left with no better solution, they had to release them. Peter and John ran to share with their companions all that had happened.
Then they prayed. What a prayer! The experience Peter and John had and then their report must have driven home to all of their hearts (companions included), who really ruled. God and His risen Christ ruled. They cite scripture in the prayer that underscores the insanity of anyone who would challenge what God wants to do. The focus of their prayer concerned confidence to proclaim Jesus. God granted their desire. His Spirit empowered everyone there and the results were supernatural. Boldness prevailed despite existing threat. Oh that my prayer and life would express such deep trust that God really rules.
For Reflection:
“For the kingdom is the LORD’S and He rules over the nations.” (Psalms 22:28 NAS95)
- How easy is it for you to trust God? In what situations does fear or anxiety arise making it difficult to trust Him?
- What areas of your life do you sense the need to grow in confidence or trust with God?
