Peter and John were arrested and spent the night in jail.
What may have been discussed during the night in a jail cell? What was the real reason that they were arrested? Was it really about the charge of not having the proper credentials to heal a person?
When God’s people are in dire straits, what are we to do? Pray! Pray! Pray! I would have to think that Peter and John also did that.
The next day, Peter and John were brought out of a cell and stood in the middle of a group of men, a group of religious authorities… who leveled the following accusations against the two men for healing a lame man: “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” (Acts 4:7)
Acknowledgement with respect and astuteness
Peter answered:
(NASB) Acts 4:8-9 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers and elders of the people,
9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well…”
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit… was in right standing with God. When we are accused, how should we respond? Pray! Seek God and His will and words. Stand firm with confidence!
(NASB) Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
Peter next held these rulers accountable for their part in the death of Jesus…
(NASB) Acts 4:10 “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by this name this man stands here before you in good health.”
Peter did not give these men a “pass”, he did not allow any wiggle room. Peter tied the motive of these men and their arrest with the charge that was brought against them.
Peter gave all the credit for the lame man’s healing to the power of Jesus.
~ Take it to heart ~
Followers of Christ…
Stand firm with confidence.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Give all the credit to Jesus.