Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 4:18-20
18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Commentary:
4:18–20 Though the leaders of the council charged them not to speak or teach … in the name of Jesus, Peter realized the impossibility of abiding by this prohibition, thus demonstrating that believers have the responsibility not to obey authorities when such authorities prohibit preaching the gospel or otherwise require Christians to disobey God’s explicit commandments (cf. 5:29).
Questions:
- The disciples faced so much opposition to sharing that Jesus was alive; constant threats, imprisonment, beatings, etc. And yet they say they "cannot stop telling about everything" they had seen and heard. Can you imagine that? Have you ever faced any criticism or ridicule for your faith in Jesus? Do you think you have a faith that strong enough to withstand ACTUAL persecution, like the disciples faced?
- An EMPTY tomb ignites RUNNING with PASSION. Seeing and hearing the tomb was empty didn't result in apathy, routine or business as usual. Running communicates passion, effort and excitement. I mean, let's get real for a minute. A dead man came back to life! We should be like Peter and John, who said they couldn't help but talk about what they had seen and heard. We should be so full of passion and love for Jesus that we can't help but serve, worship and talk about Him. When it comes to your love for Jesus and general excitement about the good news of the gospel, what does your passion meter show?
Pray:
- That your faith would grow strong enough to withstand persecution.
- That you would run with passion for Jesus and his gospel message.
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