Written by Paul Lane
The Word
13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them [Lit that they had been]as having been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But when they had ordered them to leave the [Or Sanhedrin]Council, they began to confer with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy [Or sign]miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all [Or on the basis of]in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this [Or sign]miracle of healing had been performed. Acts 4:13-22 (NASB 1995)
Reflection
I think there is a simple thing to catch in this passage. Being with Jesus is the ultimate source of confidence. In verse 13, the people who literally order Jesus to be killed (verse 6: Annas the high priest & Caiaphas) observed that Peter and John were confident, even though they were not educated. They also noted that these men had been with Jesus. Typically, if someone killed your leader, you would hide because they might also come after you. But this is not the response of Peter and John.
Where does this bravery and confidence come from? Is it just that they had spent three years with Jesus, or could it be that those three years were not a waste. Yes, Jesus had poured into them, to train them in righteousness and in right thinking, but there was also something that happened to them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were no longer driven by the cares of this world, and its pursuits of success. There was a different criterion for them; obedience to God.
I have always found this passage to be so clarifying. It is not for us to solve all the worlds problems, or to have the perfect answer to every objection to the gospel. Jesus expects us to live more simply than that. We must obey God, His direction and His calling. That’s it. It is not more complicated than that.
Application
Think of something important in your life. Your job, your family, or your possessions. The typical thing to do here is to ask you if any of these are idols, and try to consider your life without them (perhaps we can save that for another devotional). Instead, submit these things to the Lord and say thank you. Set your heart on being obedient to the Lord with these things. Turn your heart to the Lord and seek obedience to His call in your workspace. Seek obedience to His call with your family. Pray, “Lord your kingdom come, your will be done in my family. Seek obedience in your possessions.
When I first got married, I had to take a trip right away, and my new wife went through my clothes and made two bags. One bag was things I had to throw out. The other bag was full of things that I should throw out. She did not do it herself. She left the deed up to me. Note that there were still a few clothes I got to keep, and they were enough for the time being, and then she had me buy new clothes that were consistent with her taste.
As an American, I know that we should probably be making those types of bags a few times a year. Far too often we are not content with what God has for us, and we seek hold on to the old parts of life far too enthusiastically.
Put your hope in God. Trust in Him and He will do it.
Prayer
Thank You Lord that You visit in my heart the boldness I need to face the giants in my life. You help me overcome my hesitation to speak of You and Your kingdom. You give me the confidence to live out my life in front of friends and family members, even though I do not keep Your laws perfectly. I see to obey You always, but only through Your grace. Bless, oh Lord, my activities daily. In Jesus name, amen.
City Life Starter 
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