Reading: We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

The ministry of Peter and John in Jerusalem was met with two very different reactions. Some heard the word with gladness and believed on Christ, while others refused to believe and commenced a campaign of persecution. 

Following the healing of the lame man, these two worthy disciples of Christ were arrested and brought before the Jewish council. They were instructed not to teach or preach again in the name of the Saviour. Such a charge was designed to fill them with fear and paralyze their service in the gospel. But Peter and John remained undaunted and when given opportunity to respond to the injunction against them, boldly said, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” These men could not and would not be silenced. They had been with Christ and were unashamed to speak of Him. The threats of prominent men did not shake their resolve. They were willing to surrender everything in order to do something more for God.

We too live in a hostile world. As men sought to silence Christ and His disciples, so they would prefer the Christian say and do nothing to promote the gospel. A faithful Christian testimony is not welcomed by the world, but believers must not let that deflect them from their purpose in life. We must continue to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The psalmist said, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2). In a sense the redeemed of the Lord can do nothing else. Like the disciples we cannot be silent; we must speak the things that we know of Christ our Saviour. The disciples were not driven by love of controversy; they were driven by love of Christ. Let this be our constant resolve: to tell others of a Saviour mighty to save. He was not ashamed of us; may we never be ashamed of Him.

“What I live by, I impart.” Augustine

Taken from A Word in Season edited by Alan Cairns, 2010. Used by permission.