In Today’s reading form the Book of Acts, Chapter 4, Peter and John are jailed and confronted by some influential religious leaders.  The Bible says the leaders were ‘greatly disturbed’ because after healing a crippled man (Chapter 3), Peter and John were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.  After Peter and John spend the night in jail the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem and questioned Peter and John asking , “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Peter responded, filled with the Holy Spirit, that the crippled man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  He also said, “Salvation is found in no one else (but Jesus), for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  And that leads us to a thought for today.  In verse 13 the Bible says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ”  Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Those opposed to Peter and John were astonished by their courage and boldness.  They recognized this strength as coming from spending time with Jesus.  Have you spent time with Jesus lately?  Are others astonished by your boldness and courage to speak the truth?  We all face those opposed to the message of Jesus but it doesn’t change our responsibility to spread the gospel.  Spend time with Jesus and be bold in your testimony to others- To God be the glory!

Blessings,

Pastor Jim