Tag: Acts 4
Praying for boldness!
Scripture reading for May 9: Acts 4
“. . .for truly in this city there were gathered together against Your Holy Servant Jesus, Whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the Name of Your Holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:27-31
The early church and it’s leadership faced great opposition from many quarters. The government of King Herod and governor Pontius Pilate had both helped in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They were Gentiles, as were the soldiers of Rome who actually crucified Him. The Jewish people and religious leaders had brought the accusations and forced the crucifixion and also had guilt. But as these persecuted believers gathered for prayer, they asked for increased boldness to speak the Word of God. They trusted that as they preached, Jesus would work with them performing signs and wonders as they obeyed and believed. As they prayed, it was recorded that God shook the place and there was a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit was increased boldness and confidence to preach. It does not say whether they spoke in tongues again here, but that was the accompanying sign at their initial infilling. (Acts 2:4) Opposition did not bring a request that God deal with those opposing. They did not pray to be taken out of the situation or to be protected from harm. Their focus was on their mission to reach lost people, Jew or Gentile, rulers or citizens. They knew that God was working and would not fail them.
What do you normally pray for when you face difficulties or spiritual opposition? Do you look at each situation from the world view of God working out what He had purposed? Have you ever prayed for boldness to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Father God, many times I have prayed for superficial needs or for my own comfort and safety when facing opposition. Forgive me for selfishness and lack of vision. Give me a new boldness to share the Gospel with those who may oppose me. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and confidence. Amen.
“Fill us with boldness!”
Scripture reading for May 10th: Acts 4
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 4:29-31 ” “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
The disciples prayed to God after the arrest and release of Peter and John. They did not ask for relief or vengeance on their persecutors, as one might expect. Instead, they asked for more power and courage to preach the word of God! They entrusted themselves even more fully to God and asked Him for miracles and signs in the Name of Jesus. God was so pleased, that His answer came in a shaking of the place where they were gathered and a fresh infilling of the power of the Holy Spirit!
Observations for over-comers: God delights in those who ask Him for courage and boldness to speak His word! Always ask and expect a quick reply! God is with you on this assignment! “Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you: Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9)
Prayer that shakes the house!
Scripture reading for May 11th: Acts 4
The miracle of healing the crippled man at the temple gate shook the religious house. “The priest and the captain of the guard came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the crowd. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.” (Acts 4:1-3) The religious leaders were not happy at the mention of Jesus!
They questioned Peter and John to find out by what power they had done this miracle. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ” . . .”Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:8-10,12)
The rulers and elders ordered the apostles not to speak in the Name of Jesus Christ any more and threatened them. But the apostles told them that they must obey God and not men. They let them go and they returned to the others and prayed: “Now Lord consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the Name of your holy servant Jesus.” “After they prayed, the place were they were meeting was shaken.” (Acts 4:29-31)