After performing a miraculous healing of the lame man, Peter and John were arrested as they stood on Solomon’s Portico, outside the Jerusalem temple, for preaching in the name of Jesus.
The apostles faced charges by the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court made of rulers, elders, scribes and the temple’s high priest. In their defense, Peter and John claimed they were being judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, then used the opportunity to minister to their peers about what they witnessed when Jesus was among them in the flesh.
“13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
The members of the Sanhedrin noticed the apostles were not educated as they were, as Jewish rabbis or via other form of higher education. In spite of this, the judging body admired the miracle and deducted Peter and John had to have some healing power beyond their own. Still, they refused to believe
“14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.” (Acts 4:14)
Because the healed man was known to them, no one could deny the miracle performed by Peter and John. While this should have served as proof the apostles were divinely gifted, instead the Sanhedrin doubted the means by which the man was healed, then threatened Peter and John.
“15 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.” (Acts 4:15-18)
Because they refused to believe the truth about Jesus, members of the Sanhedrin resorted to threats to prevent the apostles from spreading their testimony about the resurrected Christ.
“19 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.” (Acts 4:19-20)
Their calling coming from the Lord Himself, Peter and John rely on Jewish scripture and wisdom by which all children of God should obey the divine creator first and foremost, rather than earthly government. By placing the rulers’ judgment versus God’s calling, the apostles attempt to justify their forthcoming endeavors, to continue proclaiming Jesus as King of kings, and Lord of all.
“21 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.” (Acts 4:21-22)
Because they could not punish them, for fear those who witnessed the miracle would turn against them, the Sanhedrin resorted to threatening the apostles Peter and John, then let both men go free, as everyone within the judging body had to acknowledge the fact both Peter and John did indeed perform a miraculous healing as the man healed by the apostles had been lame for over forty years. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
