Peter and John were arrested for healing a man and preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:1-9; 4:1-2). They were imprisoned overnight, questioned the next day, and released. Then they went to other believers and reported everything the chief priests and the elders said to them…including the fact they were “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:23 then verse 18)
Have you been imprisoned because of telling others about the living, resurrected Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps you know of someone who has been, or is being held because of their faith in the Lord Jesus.
As followers of Christ it is of great importance, even imperative, for fellow believers to be praying for those who are suffering imprisonment, torture, even death for the sake of faith in the living Lord Jesus.
What are some lessons we can learn from these verses?
(NASB) Acts 4:23 “When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
23 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord…”
1- This early church responded to what they were told of Peter and John’s imprisonment and the warning to cease and desist.
2- They reported! Facts were reported – without embellishment, without adding anything to what happened. (They told fellow believers – they found support from others whose faith was in Jesus.)
3- They prayed! Men and women were in agreement as prayer was offered up to the living God.
As you pray for other believers around the world – believers who are under siege, maligned, ostracized, imprisoned, tortured and killed – pray for their courage in the face of their persecutors. Forgiveness and love be shown to their persecutors… who knows how many more God will add to His family?
Remember: Jesus warned of times like these:
(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.’”
Think of this: Isaiah, Jeremiah, other prophets and the disciples of Jesus – were among “the prophets who were before you.”
~ Take it to heart ~
For the sake of faith in Christ Jesus – pray!
Pray for brothers and sisters in Christ!