Acts 4 opens with Peter and John being arrested by the Saduccees for what they had done and what they were saying about Jesus. The next day they were brought before the leaders and asked (Acts 4:7b) "By what power or in what name have you done this?" They of course say it's because of Jesus. Proclaiming the good news as well.
Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.
The leaders were upset by this and ordered Peter & John to leave. The leaders also said that no one can talk about Jesus anymore. Peter & John responded with (Acts 4:19-20) "Whether it's right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
After this Peter and John went back to the followers and reported what happened, and immediately began talking about God and Jesus again. They also prayed to God for boldness in speaking His Word.
The group then began selling all personal possessions and giving to the group to be used as needed. They held nothing back for their own personal use, but let it all be used for the apostles to use.
My thoughts: I think it took great courage for Peter and John to respond as they did. It would be very difficult to be told not to do something, and then immediately do it. However, it would also take great faith and believing that you were the in the right. An interesting position to put yourself in. How many international missionaries are in similar positions?
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