Dive Deeper

     Peter and John were common, uneducated men.  They did not have college degrees or high incomes.  They did not publish any books or commentaries, speak at conferences, or live in castles.  They were simply normal, common, uneducated men. But their love and devotion to Jesus Christ was astonishing to even the Chief Priests and Elders.  They spoke and taught and performed miracles in the name of Jesus Christ.  They were bold. And because of their witness, they were imprisoned, questioned, and charged to never speak or teach in the name of Jesus again.  

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

~Acts 4:29-30~

     When they were released, Peter and John, along with their friends, turned towards God in praise and prayer.  They believed and affirmed that God is sovereign over all that happens.  Every ounce of persecution that believers face, every moment of harsh mockery, evil rejection, false accusation, wrongful beatings, God is still in control.  But the persecutors, those performing these sinful acts, they were still responsible for their actions and in need of repentance.  But Peter and John and their friends did not pray against those who persecuted them.  They do not wish ill on evil people or curse them.  Instead, they pray for their own faithfulness in witness. 

     Consider this for a moment:  these men were imprisoned, questioned, and told to never speak of Jesus again.  Yet, they pray for their spirits to be boldened so that they may continue to witness even in the face of persecution and trials.  They knew that if they continued to speak of Jesus that they would undoubtedly face immense struggle and pain, and they chose Jesus anyway.  They knew that God would work in their midst and portray the gospel to all people through them. They only needed to pray and allow Him to have His way in their life. 

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. 

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 

Acts 4:31 

     God answered their prayer.  The place where they were gathered was shaken and the Holy Spirit descended upon them, filling them and empowering them to continue to speak God’s Word with boldness and confidence. The Holy Spirit didn’t just come onto them automatically, but rather the Holy Spirit came in response to their expectant, believing prayer.  Peter and John, these common, uneducated men, were able to do astonishing works because of their devotion to Jesus.  They were not naïve or oblivious to their circumstances.  They just knew and believed with their whole heart that God was stronger than anything they faced in this life and they desired for Him to have His way in their lives, no matter the outcome. Their praise and their prayers came from the acknowledgment of their human weakness and belief that God would supply their every need.  And He did. 

Speak Lord, and fill this room today 

Help us hear, the words You long to say 

Come swiftly, as we sing these songs, we praise You God

For as You speak, the healing comes 

So have Your way

Questions for Reflection

1. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were targeted for believing in Jesus?  What was that like?  If not, what would you imagine you would feel or think?

2. When trials and hardships happen to you, what is your first response?  What do you turn to?  Think about this and share honestly. 

3. Do you have friends/community in your life who will gather with you and join you in praise and prayer?  Who are those people?  How have they challenged and encouraged you?

4. How do you make prayer a daily practice of your life?  What disciplines do you have?  If you aren’t sure, what prayer disciplines would you like to have?

5. Do you truly believe that God will answer you when you call on Him?  If not, spend some time asking yourself why you might not believe.  Be honest before Him. He already knows you.