The more resolute are Christ’s servants to witness of Him, the more spiteful will be the agents of Satan.
Persecution gives wings to the truth. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin - the elders of the Jews
Act 4:1 While they were saying this to the people, the Priests, the Commander of the Temple Guard, and the Sadducees came upon them,
Act 4:2 highly incensed at their teaching the people and proclaiming in the case of Jesus the Resurrection from among the dead.
Act 4:3 They arrested the two Apostles and lodged them in custody [prison] till the next day; for it was already evening.
Act 4:4 But many of those who had listened to their preaching believed; and the number of the adult men had now grown to be about 5,000.
The Elders of the Jews called the two Apostles but they were confused and didn’t know what to do.
The Apostles preached to the Sanhedrin
Act 4:10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that through the Name of Jesus the Anointed, the Nazarene, whom *you* crucified, but whom *God* has raised from among the dead-- through that name this man stands here before you in perfect health.
Act 4:11 This Jesus is THE STONE TREATED WITH CONTEMPT BY YOU THE BUILDERS, BUT IT HAS BEEN MADE THE CORNERSTONE. A Quote from the OT. Ps 118:22
Act 4:13 As they looked on Peter and John so fearlessly outspoken--and also discovered that they were illiterate persons, untrained in the schools--they were surprised; and now they recognized them as having been with Jesus.
They threatened them and forbade them to teach or preach in the name of Jesus.
Act 4:19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God.
Act 4:20 As for us, what we have seen and heard we cannot help speaking about."
Act 4:21 The Court added further threats and then let them go, being quite unable to find any way of punishing them on account of the people, because all gave God the glory for the thing that had happened.
Act 4:24 And they, upon hearing the story, all lifted up their voices to God and said, "O Sovereign Lord, it is Thou who didst make Heaven and earth and sea, and all that is in them,
Act 4:25 and didst say through the Holy Spirit by the lips of our forefather David Thy servant, "'WHY HAVE THE NATIONS STAMPED AND RAGED, AND THE PEOPLES FORMED FUTILE PLANS?
Act 4:26 THE KINGS OF THE EARTH CAME NEAR, AND THE RULERS ASSEMBLED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS ANOINTED.'"
Act 4:27 "They did indeed assemble in this city in hostility to Thy holy Servant Jesus whom Thou hadst anointed--Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and also the tribes of Israel--
Act 4:28 to do all that Thy power and Thy will had predetermined should be done.
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, listen to their threats, and enable Thy servants to proclaim Thy Message with fearless courage,
Act 4:30 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give signs and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus."
Applications
1. The Rulers try to impose their beliefs and worldview upon the people.
2. The apostle know the truth and declare it fearlessly.
3. God confirms His Word with miraculous signs.
4. The leaders are confused and let them go. They have a prayer meeting with the Saints in Jerusalem. What a demonstration of the Power of God over evil.
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