Acts 4:1-31 | UnashamedSample

Peter and John just healed a crippled beggar at the temple. People notice, and come running. What happened? How did this happen? Who are these people who healed him?

Peter seizes the moment. He has an opportunity to witness to Jesus, and he turns their attention from himself to Jesus. “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus” (Acts 3:12-13). He then explains to them the events surrounding what happened with Jesus, how the prophets had been foretelling this, how God raised him from the dead and vindicated him, and how Jesus is the one who healed this crippled beggar.

That’s where Acts 4 picks up.

The religious leaders get word Peter and John are proclaiming Christ at the temple, and throw them in jail. They interrogate them, try to intimidate them, and threaten them. But it doesn’t shake them. They get bolder! And the powers that be don’t know what to do about it.

Be bold and unashamed. The Spirit gave Peter and John boldness and insight. He’ll give it to you too. Proclaim and point people to Christ no matter what. No matter the cost. This is allegiance. Allegiance to a king. The Bible calls it faith.