WE JUMP to conclusions. We throw our weight around. We twist the truth. We stretch the lies. We bend the rules. We push our luck. We lift our egos. We run from tough situations—we are absolutely fit! – Anonymous.
Who says we don't exercise?
The Narrative
AT A CUSTOMARY time for prayer, Peter and John went to the temple.
Some people carried a paralyzed man—every day; they brought him to the Beautiful Gate to beg for money from people coming to worship.
When he saw Peter and John, he asked for alms. And Peter said to him, "Look at us." (Acts of Apostles 3:4)
He was expecting to get something from them, but Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
He took him by hand, instantly the man's ankles became strong, and he began to walk. (Acts of Apostles 3:1-10)
What do you have?
YOU'LL AGREE that you cannot give what you do not have.
You'll recall that the sons of Sceva went around casting out evil spirits, and they tried to invoke the name of Jesus, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims."
The demon-possessed man overpowered them and tore their clothes. (Acts of Apostles 19:14-15)
They found out that they couldn't give what they didn't have.
Peter and John had no political influence, property, fame or money, but they had a name.
If you are a believer in Christ, you have that name too.
For as many as received Him, He gave them power to be called the sons of God even to them that believe in His name. (John 1:12)
And whatever you ask the Father in His name, he will do that the Father might be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)
As you walk in obedience to God's Word, you bring a godly touch to your life and people around you.
We twist the truth. We stretch the lies.
Why the opposition?
PEOPLE OFTEN tolerate Christians when they don't reach out—if they do not increase in number, they are no threat.
Peter and John became a concern to the Sadducees when they healed the man at the Beautiful Gate.
The Sadducees: Pharisees and Sanhedrin were from a wealthy aristocracy—and in those days, they were the most powerful men in the nation of Israel, but they were opposed to Christ's teachings.
They were full of ego willing to lie, bend the rules to suit their purpose—and protect their estate. They were self-centred people who used their influence to get what they want. They propagated themselves.
Jesus described them as men who loved to show off—they lock people out of the Kingdom of heaven and wouldn't go in themselves. (Matthew 23:1-18)
They did not believe in the resurrection, and no one should do.
When they arrested Peter and John, they were in a murderous mood, but they had no legal right to kill them—so they put them in prison till the following day.
And Peter told them that the man was healed by the name of Jesus whom they crucified.
The following day, Peter told them that the man they crucified had become the Chief Cornerstone.
The Sadducees didn’t like what he said but there was little they could do.
Why this name?
THE APOSTLES couldn’t stop speaking in the name of Jesus because salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts of Apostles 4:12)
The fact that they had seen a notable sign didn't matter— the Sadducees were bent on stopping them.
They warned them not to preach in that name. And Peter told them they could not help but speak of what they have seen and heard.
What have you seen? What have you heard?
You cannot stop being a witness to that Name. Every believer in Christ has been sent to reach out to the world.
Whenever someone tells you not to obey God, remember that you're not your own, you've been bought with a price. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
WHILE THE SADDUCEES pushed their luck and twisted the truth, Peter and John were obedient to God.
An obedient man is one who does what God says when he says it and how he says it.
It will help if you do not yield to the spirit of this age.
And "whoever marries the spirit of this age will find himself a widower in the next" – William Inge.