The healing of the lame man drew a big crowd, and Peter preached Jesus to them. The religious leaders were upset. They arrested Peter and John and put them in jail overnight. The next day, the same council that had condemned Jesus questioned them. Many believers around the world still face pressure like this, and even in Texas we can feel the pull to keep quiet about our faith at school or work. This chapter shows us where true courage comes from and how a praying church responds to threats.
No Other Name
The leaders asked by what power or name they had healed the man. Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, answered plainly. The man stood whole because of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified and whom God raised from the dead. Then Peter said there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. That is a bold claim in any age. Jesus Himself said He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by Him (John 14:6). There is one mediator between God and people, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Even while the leaders were angry, about five thousand men had already believed (Acts 4:4). Prison could not stop the message. Pressure often shows how strong the gospel really is.
In what conversation this week might you be tempted to say all paths lead to God, and how will you kindly point to Jesus instead?
They Had Been With Jesus
The council saw the boldness of Peter and John and noticed that they were unlearned and ignorant men. In other words, they had no special training. Then the leaders took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. That is the best explanation for courage. God loves to use people the world overlooks, choosing the foolish things to put the wise to shame (1 Corinthians 1:27). The leaders threatened them and told them not to speak in Jesus’ name at all. Peter and John answered that they could not stop speaking what they had seen and heard. They respected the council, but they feared God more. Like the three Hebrew men in Babylon, they would obey God even if it cost them (Daniel 3:17-18). Time with Jesus produces a quiet, steady courage that threats cannot erase.
How much time did you spend alone with Jesus last week, and what change will you make so that others can tell you have been with Him?
A Prayer for Boldness
When they were let go, Peter and John went back to their own company and reported everything. The church did not panic or plan revenge. They lifted their voice to God with one accord. They called Him Lord, the Maker of heaven, earth and sea. They quoted the second psalm, where the nations rage against the Lord and His Anointed (Psalm 2:1-2). Then they made a surprising request. They did not ask God to remove the threats. They asked Him to grant His servants boldness to speak His word, and to stretch out His hand to heal. Paul later asked for the same thing (Ephesians 6:19). When they had prayed, the place was shaken, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word with boldness. Prayer turns fear into faith (Philippians 4:6-7).
What pressure are you facing right now, and who in the church will you call this week to pray with you for boldness rather than escape?
Conclusion
Peter and John stood before powerful men and proclaimed that salvation is found in Jesus alone. Their courage did not come from education or position but from time with Jesus and the filling of the Holy Spirit. When threatened, the church prayed, and God answered with fresh boldness. The same Lord who stood with them stands with us. We do not have to be loud or harsh. We only need to be faithful, prayerful and full of the Spirit, pointing people to the one name that saves.
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