“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 

“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

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, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.“

Acts 4:13- 22

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

Have you ever watched a good movie that did an excellent job laying the groundwork for the suspense to come, offering the viewer layers of foreshadowing and tension? That’s what’s happening in these early chapters of Acts. Jesus was killed, and is gone. Yet somehow, He is alive and His followers are continuing His Kingdom mission.

But that’s not the only thing continuing. This growing group of disciples continue to teach Jesus’ words, perform Jesus’ acts of compassion, and that includes all the confrontations that resulted in Jesus being killed. And just as when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the authorities know they need to silence these men before they win over the crowds—yet by the same token cannot act against them for fear of the crowds who already believe God is on the disciples’ side.

So what’s going to happen?

We know the answer, because we have read the whole book. But surely, Peter and John and the others knew, too. They were there with Jesus, after all. They know how dangerous it is to choose a strong, courageous love that speaks truth to power. But they have chosen to pick up their crosses and follow Jesus. They have caught sight of something better than earthly safety.

But why is their healing and teaching ministry so threatening? Why is the gospel dangerous? We tend to lose sight of this, but the truth is all-too-applicable to us today.

The Sadducees and High Priests leading the charge are concerned that the disciples are preaching resurrection in Jesus. The Sadducees and High Priest did not agree that Jesus was the Messiah from God nor did they hope for a coming resurrection. They were the wealthy, aristocratic ruler of the Jewish people, the ones who stood as mediators between the people and Roman authority. And as temple authorities, they claimed to stand as mediators between the people and God. With access to both political and religious power, there was tremendous opportunity for their corruption. They used their power not to act with God’s compassion, but to oppress those already suffering. In this they are not unique: we see this happen over, and over, and over again in human history and yes, in our own communities.

They did not want Messiah to come and turn the world upside down, raising up valleys and toppling mountains. They were on the mountains. They did not want a world made new, they wanted the world to remain as it was. So they resisted those who claimed that God’s Messiah and Kingdom had come, while convincing themselves they were fighting for God and God’s Kingdom.

What about us? Are we emboldened to confront powerful authorities in the name of justice and compassion, proclaiming (and demonstrating!) that the good news of Jesus’ Kingdom is raising up the immigrants, the sick, the poor, the hungry, and anyone in need of help? Or are we nervous about protecting what we have, desperate to associate God’s will with maintaining the order and peace of things as they are?

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Who holds political or religious authority (or both) in your community?
  • Is this influence used to care for the most vulnerable and create flourishing for those silenced or overlooked?
  • What about you? How do you use the influence you have been given? In what ways are you willing, or resistant, to this sort of “good news”?

Church Reading Plan: Ezekiel 29; Psalm 78:1-39