Persecution

Acts 4
for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20  (NAS)


Background:
Before the Sanhedrin: The Sanhedrin is the governing body of Judea, with
limited civil as well as religious powers. This group of leaders was responsible
for forcing the crucifixion of Jesus. Understandably, they are "greatly
disturbed" at the miriacles and the announcement of Jesus' resurrection. There
are now some 5,000 believers and the leaders are determined to stop the
movement from spreading beyond Jerusalem.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Handbook)


LET IT GLOW

Enduring persecution is not easy nor fun. Having people spread lies about you
isn't either, I know first hand. Rejoice and be exceeding glad of it happening?
Now that's a tall glass of tea! Jesus knows the truth and it is Him that we
serve, not ourselves. I keep reminding myself of this. Well, I'm not the only
one this happens to. Let's see how Peter handled it.

Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men. Their bold preaching
caused people to marvel at them and realize they had been with Jesus.
(verse 13)
How wonderful it is for others to recognize that "we have been with Jesus."
Do they think that about me?

After the lame man was healed and Peter preached about Jesus, in chapter
3, there were about 5,000 men saved. This is in addition to the 3,000 which
were saved on the Day of Pentecost. Were there women and children, also?
What a beginning for the First Church of Jerusalem.

After Peter's strong preaching, the apostles were held overnight for the
Sanhedrin to judge them. Why did this happen? Were they afraid of the
spreading of the gospel and people would quit following them, turning to
Jesus? Maybe it job security they were holding onto.

Anyway, the group  was threatened and let go free. (verse 21) Was all this a
surprise? No, Jesus warned the disciples in His Sermon on the Mount, found
in Matthew 5:10-12:
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven: for so
persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

According to Webster's Dictionary, persecute means make suffer for
divergent principles; harass persistently. Revile means abusive speech or
writings.

Can we, like the apostles, continue speaking about our Lord Jesus and His
teachings, inspite of the persecutions we encounter? Can I rejoice and be
glad because of it? I admit that I have not gotten there yet. Lord, give me
strength to do so.


LET IT GROW

The story continues with Peter and John reporting the threats to the believers
and they had a prayer meeting, with Peter leading it. (verses 23-31)
This resulted in Jesus' love spreading to others, sharing and caring. This group
had one heart and one soul, with all things common. The apostles had great
power to witness about Jesus' resurrection and all had great grace upon them.
(verses 32-33)

Not one of the believers in the group lacked. Jesus' love motivated the people
to sell lands and houses, bringing the money to the apostles for meeting needs
of other believers. Barnabas was mentioned in verses 36-37. He must have
brought a lot of money to the apostles after he sold his land. Can you feel the
love? Can our churches get back to the basics, spreading the love of Jesus,
meeting the needs of less fortunate believers?

LET IT GO

Expect persecution when I stand up for Jesus and His teachings.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad when it happens, I will work on with Jesus'
help.

Spread the love of Jesus by meeting needs of others.
Open my eyes, Lord so I see their needs. I trust Your provision.