By Andrew Williams
Acts 4:1-4 (NLT) “While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them, and since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.”
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this passage, we see Peter and John facing opposition while boldly sharing the message of Jesus’ resurrection. Despite being arrested and confronted by powerful religious leaders, they did not shy away from their calling as disciples. Their boldness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, resulted in thousands of people believing in Jesus. The focus of Peter and John was not on their personal safety or the approval of others but on proclaiming the truth of Christ. This teaches us that being a disciple requires courage and an unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel, even in the face of resistance.
Peter and John’s example reminds us that as disciples of Jesus, we are called to boldly share our faith, no matter the circumstances. It can be intimidating to stand firm when others challenge us, but the same Holy Spirit who empowered Peter and John is with us today. Their story encourages us to redirect our focus from fear or discomfort to the mission of spreading the good news. God can use our witness, even in difficult situations, to bring people into His kingdom.
This week, look for opportunities to share your faith with someone, even if it feels uncomfortable. Perhaps it’s a coworker, a friend, or a family member who needs to hear about the hope found in Jesus. Redirect your focus from worrying about how others might respond and instead trust the Holy Spirit to give you boldness and the right words to say. Pray for the courage to be a faithful witness, just like Peter and John, knowing that God can work through you to change lives.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the courage and faithfulness of Peter and John, who boldly shared the message of Jesus despite opposition. I confess that I sometimes let fear or discomfort stop me from speaking about You. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to redirect my focus from fear to faith. Give me boldness to share the Gospel and trust that You will use my witness to touch hearts and change lives. I commit to being a faithful disciple, proclaiming Your name with courage and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
