If ever there was an argument for staying filled with the Holy Spirit this chapter must be it. We see Peter and John being persecuted for healing the man we read about yesterday. In Acts 3 the people wanted to know how the man had been healed but in chapter 4 the Sanhedrin (rulers and elders) were working very hard to prevent them from performing any more miracles or even from talking about them. They seem very worried that this new faith was going to overrun them, that the people would abandon the belief of generations to take up with this new thing. Whilst we might understand their nervousness the Sanhedrin were arguing from a very difficult position. A position they recognised was difficult to hold. (v.14)
When we’re asked to explain our faith, it can be difficult to know what to say. People who are trying hard to assert their own position often come across as aggressive which can make us respond defensively. So, I think it’s really important to notice how Luke records these encounters.
Take verse 8 for example, “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them, ‘Rulers and elders of the people…’”. I think this is quite possibly one of the most important verses in the whole chapter. Jesus had previously told the disciples that they should not worry about what to say when they were persecuted, “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say” (Matt 10:19). Here we see that promise being fulfilled.
It is always important that we should know scripture. We should be reading it daily, absorbing its life-giving words but we should also be ready to use it and the Holy Spirit will then be ready to prompt us at the appointed times. Notice how Peter quoted Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm118:22 to make his points. We must all spend time in God’s word, seeking to be filled with His Spirit so that we might become the people of power He calls us to be.
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Questions:
Have you been in a place where people have criticised your faith in God? How did you respond? Were you able to speak in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that Your sacrifice on the cross made it possible for me to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. I pray that You would come and fill me again and keep me filled that I might be Your servant in all I do. Bless me with words of wisdom and the confidence to speak in Your name. Amen.