No Time for Cowards
In Acts 4, Peter and John are taken to task by the religious authorities for publicly proclaiming the message that Jesus is the only way of salvation (Acts 4:12). The Sanhedrin worried about the spread of the Christian movement for several reasons. First, they were simply jealous. They resented the Apostles for winning the hearts of the people. Second, they were concerned that the spread of Christianity might invoke the ire of the Romans. After a brief conference in Acts 4:15-17, the Council decided that the best course of action was to forbid the apostles to preach the Gospel.
Rather than doing what we might expect and acquiescing to the demands of the group who had the power to have them executed, they respond with great courage. In Acts 4:19-20, they say: "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.” Peter and John are clear—they will obey God regardless of what the consequences might be.
Obviously, the authorities are displeased by this response. The Council threatens Peter and John further and releases them. Peter and John continue preaching and talking about Jesus. Soon, Jerusalem is filled with their message, so the authorities arrest Peter and John again. The Council asks Peter and John why they violated their orders and continued preaching. Once again, the response is bold: "But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 4:29).
Peter and John demonstrate that their first loyalty is to Jesus, even when their personal comfort and convenience is at stake. Christians in America might be tempted to think we will never face this type of situation. But I’m convinced that we must be ready to stand for Christ. Anytime that man’s instructions contradict God’s, believers have a choice to make. Courage calls us to obedience to Jesus in spite of the consequences.
If we are to follow Christ courageously in these days we must settle two questions.
Do I really believe the Gospel?
The Council ordered Peter and John to be silent about Jesus yet they remembered Jesus’ command to preach the Gospel to all creation. They couldn’t disregard the mission given to them by the Lord. They had been so changed by Jesus and had seen God’s hand work so powerfully that they couldn’t be silent. These first Christians had to tell others about Jesus even if it lead to their arrest. Today, the Gospel is no less powerful. Jesus is still at work changing lives. Yet, our courage is weak compared with these men. In our society, we enjoy the liberty to speak about Jesus freely but we often remain silent. Let’s say with Paul:
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
Do I really believe the Bible is authoritative and sufficient?
Our nation and world has undergone a moral transformation. Cultural change will continue and will continue to accelerate. As Christians we will face increasing pressure to abandon biblical teaching. We must remember that we can’t pick and choose what parts of Scripture we want to affirm based on cultural acceptance. Augustine said:
“People who believe in the gospel what they choose to believe and do not believe what they choose not to believe, believe themselves rather than the Gospel.” We must courageously resolve in our hearts to believe and stand on God’s Word.
It’s no time for cowards. It’s time for the church to rise up and resolve to follow Christ no matter the consequences!