What can we learn from Peter and John's response to being "commanded not to speak"? \Setting the Scene\ Acts 4:18-20 records the first recorded clash between the newborn church and the authorities: “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” \Their Response in the Moment\ • Immediate appeal to a higher authority—God, not men • Unflinching conviction: “we cannot stop” (v 20) shows inner compulsion, not mere preference • Emphasis on eyewitness reality: “what we have seen and heard” grounds their testimony in fact • Respectful yet resolute tone—no insults, yet no compromise \Key Takeaways for Us\ • Obedience to God outranks every human directive when the two conflict • Bold witness springs from personal experience of Christ’s power and resurrection • Silence is not an option when truth is known (cf. Jeremiah 20:9; 2 Corinthians 4:13) • Civil disobedience may be necessary, but it must be rooted in clear biblical mandate, not personal preference • Courage is contagious—Peter and John’s stand strengthens the whole church (Acts 4:31) \Reinforcing Scriptures\ • Acts 5:29 — “Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” • Matthew 10:32-33 — “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess…” • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” • 1 Peter 3:15 — “…always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect.” \Living It Out\ • Cultivate a deep, firsthand relationship with Christ—boldness flows from reality, not rhetoric • Decide beforehand that God’s commands will trump cultural pressures • Speak truth graciously, refusing both silence and hostility • Pray for the Spirit’s filling (Acts 4:31) so that courage remains supernatural, not merely human |
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