Peter and John told a large crowd in Jerusalem about Jesus. Jesus died by crucifixion, was buried and then raised to life by God.
Priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed! Jesus – He died, they were there and they knew He died! Yet these men, Peter and John, were telling many people that He had been raised to life? Something has to be done and now!
So they did what many are doing in various countries of the world today when someone speaks of Christ Jesus…they arrested Peter and John.
(Acts 4:1-3)
Perhaps you live in a country where arrests, ostracism, imprisonment, beatings, and death are facing you because of your faith in the living Lord Jesus Christ. You also have the opportunity to take Peter and John’s message to people in your sphere of influence.
Jesus died, Jesus was resurrected and Jesus ascended into heaven. He did this for each person, no matter if they believe in Him or not. But…but, each person is also responsible to respond by faith in Jesus as their Savior.
Perhaps the country where you live does not have persecution, but it is becoming increasingly popular to pressure followers of Christ to be quiet about their faith. No more public prayers in the name of Jesus. No more Scripture displayed in public places. No more mention of God in the classroom unless it is the “OMG” text.
It is not in your power or mine that we can effectively proclaim Jesus Christ; it is only in the power of the Holy Spirit to witness of Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Peter and John were bold witnesses of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…and this witness started in Jerusalem.
No matter where you live today, as a follower of Christ, you also are a witness of the Lord Jesus.
Witnesses started in Jerusalem, then they went to Samaria and Judea and today we are witnesses “to the remotest part of the earth.”
What did Jesus say about those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness? “…theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
~ Take it to heart ~
(NASB) Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 ‘Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
If you are persecuted for being a follower of Christ, remember that you are among the elite group of prophets who were also persecuted.