This is a fulfillment of what Jesus predicted and promised. Mt 10:17 predicted “Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues” but Jesus also promised the Holy Spirit will speak through them (Mt 10:19-20). This is what happened in Acts 4:8, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.
When we walk according to God’s will, the world will stand against us but we don’t have to worry because God will provide what we need. God is just and the one who controls history. He is able to protect us. May we follow the apostles’ example asking God to “look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29)
After I read Acts 1, I prayed to God to give me opportunity to share the gospel. Two days later, one Vietnamese student asked me why I became a pastor. Because of that, I had an opportunity to share the gospel to her.
Mike
The book of Acts recorded the history of the spread of the Gospel. Chapter 4 is an important time of this history. Both the high officials of the Jews (Acts 4:1,5)and Gentiles (Acts 4:27) are against the apostles. Who are they? The unschooled, ordinary men (Acts 4:13). Where do the courage of the apostles come from? This is how they see the battle. (1) God already knew them before it happens (Acts 4:28). I remember Dennis' message about "Relax and know that I am God." He gives an illustration about watching a taped game and you are much relax about the score. That always helps me. (2) They acknowledge the threats, but still asks God to enable them to face it (Acts 4:29).(3) They ask God to show the signs through the name of Jesus.
Audrey
When we walk according to God’s will, the world will stand against us but we don’t have to worry because God will provide what we need. God is just and the one who controls history. He is able to protect us. May we follow the apostles’ example asking God to “look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29)
After I read Acts 1, I prayed to God to give me opportunity to share the gospel. Two days later, one Vietnamese student asked me why I became a pastor. Because of that, I had an opportunity to share the gospel to her.
Mike
The book of Acts recorded the history of the spread of the Gospel. Chapter 4 is an important time of this history. Both the high officials of the Jews (Acts 4:1,5)and Gentiles (Acts 4:27) are against the apostles. Who are they? The unschooled, ordinary men (Acts 4:13). Where do the courage of the apostles come from? This is how they see the battle. (1) God already knew them before it happens (Acts 4:28). I remember Dennis' message about "Relax and know that I am God." He gives an illustration about watching a taped game and you are much relax about the score. That always helps me. (2) They acknowledge the threats, but still asks God to enable them to face it (Acts 4:29).(3) They ask God to show the signs through the name of Jesus.
Audrey
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