Background
After Peter's bold words in yesterday's passage, the Jewish religiousauthorities stood amazed at these two ordinary working men givingsuch an astounding theological defence. Leaders who were prominentin the story of Jesus' death (such as Annas and Caiaphas, the highpriests) recognised Peter and John as disciples who followed Jesusinto Jerusalem (and who should surely know what happens to suchrebels) and yet they stood defiant! And to confound them evenfurther stands the man who was healed; the former lame man whoseemed reluctant to leave the sides of the apostles (Acts3:1-11). They were speechless (as Jesus has predictedin Luke 21:15). There was no easy way to silencesuch men - since everyone was talking about the healing of the lameman. And in this climate public opinion could so easily turnagainst the authorities. So the leaders tried what many religiousauthorities do to this day: they banned them from speaking in thename of Jesus.
But Peter bravely invokes a higher power - for God had instructedthem precisely to speak, and teach, and heal, and baptise, in thename of Jesus (see Matthew28:1-20) - and besides which, they simply couldn't keep quietabout him! The threats of the religious leaders fell on deaf ears,and not only did the Apostles' mouths keep on praising Jesus forall he had done, but all the people too!
To Ponder
Read some of the classic Methodist hymns from atime of great spiritual revival (eg Ofor a thousand tongues, Come sinners to the gospel feast, Give me the faith which can remove). Think aboutthe fervent words of those who 'could not keep from speaking' aboutwhat they had found in Jesus.
What do you think would be the effect of a churchtoday that simply couldn't stop talking about what God haddone?
The Apostles were supported by the man who hadbeen healed standing alongside them. How can our words be backed upby evidence of what God is doing in our lives?
How can we support Christians who are persecutedfor speaking in the name of Jesus today?