Memorize: Yield from public preaching
Key Verses: 3, 7, 10, 12, 20, 29, 33
The Sadducees were a small slice of the Jews of Jesus’ day. They did not believe in any miracles. Miracles were against their beliefs. So when they hear the apostles proclaiming that a miracle happened, they have to stop it. They get Peter and John arrested. But even as the Sadducees refuse to believe, many others believe because of the evidence that is before them.
Imagine these two men standing before the religious leaders of their day! Why should they stand before these distinguished men? They were the powerbrokers, the disciples the powerless. But the Holy Spirit changed all that. The leaders can’t deny what happened. They just want to know the source of their power. And Peter doesn’t shy back from confronting them about their role in killing Jesus, but about God’s power to raise him from the dead and heal the lame man. They confirm the results. The man is walking around, no denying that.
If this happened today in this country we would have all sorts of ‘natural’ explanations to explain away what happened. We are too ‘smart’ to believe in these kinds of things. The cable news commentators would have all the experts talking in endless interviews. It would be a circus! And all the while, the lame man would be walking around healed.
So despite the threats to their lives, the disciples continue telling what they have experienced. They pray for boldness! They want to continue to share and let the LORD work through them to reach the world. They wanted God’s power working in and through them. They were not afraid to let God move. I think we are afraid to let God move. It would take us out of our comfort zone, and I know I like my comfort. When God’s grace is working, then needs are seen and met by the people of God. No need for welfare among believers. The Spirit opens us up to radical compassion. To put it simply, they yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
REVIEW: Lock Acts 1-4 in your brain: HOLY. Run these four chapter Phrases right now.
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