The Book of Acts is Luke’s account of the continued work of Jesus through His church in the first century and beyond. The Holy Spirit comes down, just as Jesus promised, to fill the disciples with power to be God’s witnesses. Immediately, the Apostles preach the gospel with boldness which also has the immediate effect of creating resistance and persecution from the Jewish religious leaders.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:9
The proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection annoyed the religious leaders and they arrested Peter and John and held them in prison. Notably, this resistance didn’t stop many from believing in the word they had preached! (Acts 4:2-4)
In the presence of many of the same faces who accused, tried and crucified Jesus, the Holy Spirit provided Peter the power to unashamedly point them to Jesus Christ as the one who had healed a crippled man and who alone has the power to save. (Acts 4:5-12)
The boldness of Peter and John was clear evidence to the religious leaders that these men had been with Jesus. This religious council charged Peter and John to not speak in the name of Jesus. In humble courage, Peter and John answered them:
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20
Acts 4 ends with one of the earliest evangelistic prayers we have recorded for us, and it is a fitting end to an account filled with the people of God teaching, proclaiming and speaking about the Lord Jesus!
After Peter and John were released they went to their friends and reported everything that had happened to them. In response “...they lifted their voices together to God…” (Acts 4:24-31), and we will take time this week as a church to do the same thing.
Let me share a couple observations about the prayer that I believe can help us pray effectively and share Jesus boldly:
REST IN God’s Sovereignty
“Sovereign Lord…” is the opening address of the prayer. In the original language this is just one word, which means master or absolute ruler. As we set out to proclaim Jesus to others, we can rest in the one who is the ruler of the results! We speak, we teach, we proclaim and God is the one who causes the growth (1 Cor 3:5,6). The early church was strengthened by the sovereignty of God in the suffering of Jesus (Acts 4:25-28) and they were also convinced of the sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners – “...the promise [of forgiveness of sins] is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:39)
PREACH CHRIST Boldly
These early Christians didn’t ask for an easier road, less resistance, or a reduction in persecution…they asked for boldness. They asked God for the power to be faithful, courageous servants of the gospel. To paraphrase a portion of their prayer – LORD, help us open our mouths to deliver the message and you extend your hand to accomplish the miracle (Acts 4:29,30)!
In the Christian life we often don’t have the assurance that God will answer our prayers the way we desire. But I think we can safely say God will always give us what we want, when what we want is more boldness!
Great boldness, great power and great grace was on the early church! The people of God were filled with the Holy Spirit, they continued to speak with boldness and they continually gave testimony to the resurrection of Jesus! (Acts 4:31-33)
TODAY LET’S LIFT OUR VOICES TOGETHER TO GOD:
Pray for the ability to REST in God’s sovereignty as you seek to share Jesus with those in your life.
Pray for the ONE person in your life God has identified for you to pray for and spend time with.
Pray for an open mouth testifying to the resurrection of Jesus, and for God’s hand to save.
Pray for those who are resistant to you and who may even persecute you.
Pray your life and character bear witness to the fact you know and have been with Jesus!
