August 31, 2026. Read Acts 4:1-22
Don’t Quit Speaking The Name Of Jesus.
Peter and John were speaking to the Jews about the Jesus they killed and how he had risen from the dead for the forgiveness of sins. It was then that the temple guard and Sadducees approached them. They were greatly disturbed because Peter and John were proclaiming Jesus and his resurrection from the dead. They put them in jail overnight. But by now 5,000 Jews have believed in the teachings of Peter and John.
The next day the rulers, elders, teachers of the law, Annas the high priest, Ciaphas, and other high priest’s family, had Peter and John and the man who was healed brought before them. They questioned them by what power they healed this lame man. Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke boldly about Jesus and how it was by his name that this man was healed. They even confronted the religious leaders and proclaimed Jesus as the only way for salvation.
The religious leaders were astonished by the courage of Peter and John for they were “unschooled, ordinary men.” They didn’t know what to do because the man was healed. So they ordered them over and over and over again to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. John made it very clear they were not going to stop!
It’s amazing how one act of kindness, in the name of Jesus, has grown to such utter chaos for the religious leaders. They were DISTURBED and yet ASTONISHED how Peter and John could speak with such courage and confidence. Despite all the attempts to shut Peter and John down, they refused to quit preaching Jesus.
It is hard to comprehend the power of the Holy Spirit for it is beyond my understanding. But I can say with confidence: those who turn to Christ receive the Holy Spirit and will be empowered and able to speak and act in ways that capture the attention of others to cause both AMAZEMENT and FRUSTRATION. Amazement to those who turned to Christ. Frustration to those who fight against the message. But no matter what, Don’t Quit Speaking The Name Of Jesus.
