As Peter preached the name of Jesus with the temple courts, 5000 men were saved. How many women and children? We are not told the total number. There Peter stood with John and the healed cripple. Of course, the Sadducees, rulers, and priests were alarmed by the response of the people to Peter’s preaching. They had to do something! So, they took Peter, John, and the recently healed man into custody. After considering everything for the night, they made an offer to Peter, John and the healed cripple. “You may all go free; but you are forbidden to speak the name of Jesus anywhere.” What would your response be? I daresay that we are facing that same dilemma. Perhaps for us it is subtle. You can’t profess that Jesus is the only way of salvation! That is not “inclusive”.
Some would tell us, “You are spreading hate if you say that Jesus is the only way of Salvation.” However, isn’t the opposite true? Knowing that “there is no other name under heaven by which men might be saved”, would it not be an act of hate to remain silent and not tell others? Allah, as worshipped by the Muslims, is not the same God! Because, they deny that Jesus Christ is God Incarnate and that He died to pay the penalty for our sins. The “good man” ideology concerning Jesus taught by Hindus while worshipping hundreds of gods misses all hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. Even the Jews who do not accept Christ as their Messiah are lost. We must speak the name of Jesus Christ not only in our words; but also, our actions of love, devotion, and lifestyle. Proclaiming the truth of what He has done.
When Forbidden to Speak of Jesus
The cripple had been seen lying at the gate his whole life. People recognized the miracle, realizing their guilt in crucifying the Messiah. Yet, Peter gave them hope. If they would repent of their sins and by faith accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, they could be saved. “The chief cornerstone whom they rejected was the true Messiah.” He rose from the grave on the third day of which many witnessed. Even the lame man witnessed or at least heard of the events of Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection. After all his friends brought him to the gate daily for 40 years. The span of his lifetime.
The priests, rulers and Sadducee were afraid of the crowds. They had also witnessed this miracle and knew its fame would spread. Their own power and position would be threatened, unless forbidden to speak of Jesus these men could be silenced. Yet, if they harmed them, well that would only make them worse. So, they threatened them. There was no chance that they could call them “hate mongers” as they do in our day. After all their actions were kind and loving; although, frankly honest in their accusations of the crowd. The crowd that accepted Christ as Savior that day was way too large to contain. What was Peter’s response to these priests, rulers and Sadducee when forbidden to speak of Jesus? Well as you will see, Peter doubled down on his message of truth to them as well. Never wavering, he held firm to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 4: 8-12
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Note: Peter did not waver in his statement. He did not take credit for the man’s healing. Yet, he stood firm on the truth of the gospel, speaking with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Unafraid, he would not compromise regardless of the consequences to himself. We must be willing to do the same, but how?
Peter asked these self-proclaimed “moral leaders” this question. “What do you think is right? What would God want? Should we obey you or God?” (Acts 4:19 ICB). And us, should we obey God or those who would silence us?
How Not to Compromise
When confronted, we must be willing to stand firm and speak the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because we love, we must keep focus on this truth. Unless we tell them, they will remain lost. Their eternity depends on us not wavering.
Even when forbidden to speak of Jesus, we must live our lives in such a manner as to draw their attention. Then when they ask how is it that we are forgiving, loving, and joyous amid life’s trials, we respond with truth. It is because of Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me that I can live my life. He is the only way, the truth and the life. Peter, John, and this healed cripple drew the attention of the crowd and their worst critics. Then when asked, they expounded on the truth. Never did they listen when forbidden to speak of Jesus, whatever the cost. Are we willing to do the same?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
How to Really Speak the Truth Boldly
Miracle of God, His Timing, and the Faith to Stand
Do We really Have Singleness of Heart?
What is our Greatest Opportunity at Hand?
The Remarkable Communication of the Holy Spirit in Revival
Is Being Filled with the Spirit a Different Experience?
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
International Children’s Bible (ICB)
The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson™, a division of Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
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