Surrounded – by Accusers
Peter and John were arrested late in the day, held in jail overnight and then questioned the next day.
(NASB) Acts 4:5 “On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;
6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and all who were of high-priestly descent.
7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, ‘By what power, or in what name, have you done this?’”
Religious authorities were sent out to arrest Peter and John. No Roman soldiers were involved. “They (the religious authorities) were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 4:2)
When you are put in a position where you are confronted and accused because of doing good in the name of Jesus – how do you respond?
Peter and John were surrounded by their accusers. They were placed in the center of this body of men.
The accusers wanted to know, whose permission had they received to heal that man? Where was their “license” to heal? From whom had they been granted authority? After all, permission and authority was not been given by these men who were questioning them!
Sometimes accusations are hurled at God’s children who are doing God’s work, God’s way.
Doing God’s work God’s way may be hard…very hard. But that is not to stop God’s word from being taught and lived out day by day.
Followers of Christ, we are to work and live by the power of God the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus (the Son of God).
God’s people are to plow the ground, plant His words and pray! No matter if we are surrounded by accusers or are in circumstances that seem futile.
~ Take it to heart ~
Don’t you think that if Peter and John had known they would face jail and be accused, they would have done it anyway?
Our God is a mighty God! He is the Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Counselor, Helper!