Day 956: When facts get in the way - Acts 4 vs 13 - 22

13-14 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15-17 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

19-20 But 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.” 21-22 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. Acts 4:13-22 English Standard Version

What do vs 13-14 tell us that makes the life, message, and history of Jesus Christ, even more remarkable than it already is?

His first followers who took the message into the streets of Jerusalem were very ordinary people. They were not great scholars or philosophers. Their convictions and courage came from the fact that they 'had been with Jesus'. The situation led to something that is all to common in our present generation. When faced with facts which contradicted the narrative the authorities wanted to push on people, the authorities resorted to intimidation and threats. It brings us to the brave response Peter and John made in vs 19-20.

It also introduces a problem. Some years later the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Rome saying: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.” (Romans 13:1-2) Does this mean Peter and John were wrong to say what they did?

No, they were not wrong! God's word must always set the path and standards for our lives, not the thoughts or threats of men. Paul's words were set in the context of obeying rules set by authorities that were a benefit to society – even rules such as having to pay taxes. He went on to say that we should “submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.” (Romans 13:5)

The word 'conscience' introduces a wider picture. Christians must be willing to obey those in authority in things that make life more difficult for us, but will need to draw a line when it comes to doing things that are totally opposed to God's will for our lives. When Paul was on trial for preaching about Christ, he told the authorities that he believed in a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked, and said: “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear BEFORE GOD and man.” (Acts 24:16)

Peter and John spoke in the same spirit that Daniel's friends answered the king of Babylon who had commanded all people to worship an idol he had set up. They said: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)

The fact of a remarkable miracle which had stirred the people of Jerusalem was a stumbling block to the authorities that day. But it wasn't only facts that God in their way, it was the faith of Peter and John as well. So too in our generation. We must be people of faith who bravely preach the facts of all God has done in Christ Jesus. That will be very difficult in some countries. Pray that such saints will persevere despite the threats of those in authority.