Are We Still Speaking?

In Acts 4 we see that Peter and John’s preaching and healing in the name of Jesus greatly disturbed the religious leaders, so much so, that after a time of interrogation and deliberation the religious leaders “commanded them [Peter and John] not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (4:18). I love the bold response of these two men: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (4:19-20). What a courageous response!

The religious leaders thought they could silence Peter and John's speaking in the name of Jesus but Peter and John were clear: they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard! They were not going to bow to pressure--even if it came from the religious elite! These men had seen Jesus. They had spent time with Him. They had listened to His teachings. They had followed Him and were not about to turn back now. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection from the dead and to His ascension back to Heaven. Jesus had radically changed their lives and they wanted others to hear the Good News. Therefore, they must not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard! The command from the religious establishment did not deter them one bit. If necessary, these men were willing to die sharing the message of Jesus! And ultimately they did die for His name.

What would it take to silence you from sharing your faith in Jesus? A command from some religious establishment? A threat of physical harm? A threat of imprisonment? Sadly today many Christians seem to have succumbed to some "threat" or else they have gotten amnesia. However, if you and I have truly encountered Jesus, then like Peter and John, we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard! After all, there are millions who are dying to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Are we still speaking?