What are you to do after difficult challenging imprisoning times, especially when the imprisonment has been unfair and unjust?
Two leading disciples of Jesus Christ, Peter and John, who have just experienced such a scenario, were released from prison and they continued preaching and teaching and healing in the Name of Jesus. We read about this in Acts Chapter 4 in the New Testament, and it is wise to check it out. It is always good to check out what any preacher or teacher says.
Jesus teaches us through the Scriptures to continue the work and allow the ministry of the Gospel to flow from age to age, until Jesus comes again.
The command is clear – Go into all the world – Preach the word – Heal the sick – Minister to the needy – Feed the hungry – Set the prisoners free.
Not only is Christianity exclusive; it is inclusive. In Christ all can be included – rich and poor – black and white – learned and unlearned.
Throughout these verses there is more concern about people’s salvation, than the apostle’s safety.
We know from later verses that the religious leaders were on the point of taking the lives of Peter and John. Disciples of Jesus Christ can be so detested and hated!
These educated lawyers in Jerusalem are hearing the truth of God, and yet, they cannot see it. They are so close, and yet so far. Lord, why don’t YOU just open their eyes? But HE doesn’t.
Do you ever wonder why some people just do not see? It is because they are blind. When we study the Scriptures, and are immersed in the Word of God, we learn all kinds of vital lessons and have our various questions answered.
In verse 23, Peter and John return to the Jerusalem Fellowship as soon as they are released from jail.
They go back to the Church with no thoughts of – ‘Well, I’m not having any more to do with Jesus Christ if this is how I am going to be treated!’ There is no self-pity, and no feeling sorry for themselves.
Our attitude to suffering and persecution can determine our continued faithfulness to God.
They do report what they had been through, and when those who believed in Jesus, heard their account, they launched out in prayer.
Nothing needed to be said to motivate these disciples to pray. They did not require to be coaxed and encouraged to speak out in prayer.
We have some of the words of that prayer in verse 24. Note these words as they lifted up their voice to God. “YOU MADE. YOU HAVE SPOKEN. MANY HAVE GATHERED AGAINST THE LORD AND HIS ANOINTED ONE. NOW, THEY ARE THREATENING US.” These are powerful words.
Enable Your servants and we are Your servants. There was no doubt about that. They knew who they were. This is not arrogance. This is assurance.
There are certain things we need to know. They pray for two things: “Lord, You go on giving us boldness and courage. Lord, You go on performing the miracles. Stretch out Your Hand to heal.”
Help us to go on preaching with courage, and You keep doing the miracles.
That place where they were meeting was shaken. It was as if there was an immediate answer where God was showing what HE could do. They were in His Hands and in the centre of His Will. Now that is a good place to be.
The Church of Jesus Christ is only a few days old. The first wave of persecution hits this dynamic group.
They sailed on, and did not sink. There was a unity. They were united in heart and mind, and much grace was with them all.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled “Word from Scotland” on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.
Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com
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