Bible Chapter: Acts 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Peter and John got in trouble with the religious leaders because they were proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Because of the healing described in chapter three, they were arrested and put in jail.  The next morning they were brought before the religious leaders and asked how the miracle happened.  Luke gives an important insight in verse eight in saying that Peter answered filled with the Holy Spirit.  Peter clearly told them that it was by the name of Jesus that the man was healed and it was the power of the Spirit that enabled him to do so.
    Acts 4 contains two of my favorite verses.  Verse 12 proclaims a truth that will set the world free.  Salvation, deliverance from the control of sin, is found only in the name of Jesus.  All of the other names proclaimed throughout the world fall short in answering life’s deepest questions.  Jesus gives real life and peace.  Jesus really did claim exclusivity regarding the road to eternal life.  It is the attack of the enemy to cause confusion in assailing those who preach Jesus as the only way.  It is not arrogance, but the understanding of the truth, to say that Jesus is the only way.
    Verse 13 is another favorite of mine.  The King James translation puts it this way.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
    The New King James Version tweaks some of the words.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
     unlearned and ignorant men – uneducated and untrained men, this phrase has always stood out to me.  Peter and John had some powerful boldness to proclaim the message of Jesus.  They didn’t cower when brought before the council.  They simply told it like it was.  And, they didn’t have any special education.  They were common, ordinary people.  That says that God will use anyone who is willing and submits to Him.  Average people can be used by God in above average ways.  What stood out to the observers was that Peter and John had been with Jesus.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God wants to use me.  Being put down as not popular or cool is an issue millions have put up with for generations.  We all want to be accepted.  Sadly, the common occurrence is that acceptance only comes with trying to follow some self-proclaimed popular people who have set the rules of what kind of behavior is acceptable.  In seeking acceptance many people look down on themselves, believing they don’t have much ability and can’t accomplish anything in life.  This is true among Christians.  Too often believers don’t think God can do much through them, so why try.
    I have wrestled with this.  I have to accept and apply that God wants to use me and step out and let Him do just that.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help someone see that God wants to use them. He has invested various talents and abilities in them and they can develop them.  Whatever God has for them to do is worth doing.