He had not always been as sure and confident. He was prone to rash statements and actions. At times he could be inspired and at other times he would reveal his own flaws and failings.
Yet he was with his good friend John. They had boldly declared the gospel of Jesus Christ and been arrested for it. Now they faced the authorities of the day. The same authorities who had the power to exclude them from respectable society. The same authorities who had seen Jesus as a threat to the status quo. and were significant in ensuring he was crucified.
It would be understandable if Peter would have expressed timidity. It would be reasonable to expect a degree of anxiety about facing these men of great influence and authority. It would be, but Peter is now a man who relies on the Holy Spirit. He is now a man who knows what it is to be restored into the work of the Lord. Now his perspective is not about bending to the will of man.
So when Peter and John are told in no uncertain terms to stop talking about Jesus. Peter offer an insight that should challenge us all when it comes to attempts to shut down efforts at telling others about Jesus.
Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:19-20)
(Photo by Cullan Smith on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 