‘Astonished’ (v 13) is the leaders’ reaction, to which we could probably add confounded, perplexed and confused. 

The council knew the connection to Jesus but they could not explain the transformation in these men nor the miraculous healing of a grown man who had been lame for years (v 22). Rather than admitting to the possibility that Jesus was the Messiah, that Peter and John were telling the truth and that this healing was genuine, they took the tortuous decision to deny the evidence in front of their eyes. It was easier for them to warn Peter and John to shut up (v 18). Why? Admitting that Jesus was God’s Messiah would involve first and foremost utter repentance – confessing not only that they had been wrong but that their actions had led to Jesus’ death. 

Before we settle back on a self-righteous sofa, it’s important for us to recognise that each one of us denies or ignores God at points in our lives. From that split-second decision, our minds then work overtime to craft an explanation and self-justification of our thoughts and actions. What’s the solution? Humility, softness of heart and prayer. For all of which we are dependent upon God.

‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.’¹

What stands out in today’s passage is the courage shown by Peter and John. They have just spent the night in jail for preaching about Jesus. However, once released, they boldly speak of him again and flatly refuse to comply with the authorities’ command not to preach about Christ in the future, even though this could have meant being thrown back in jail.

I find it hard to imagine ever having such courage. Yet these disciples were not superhumans. Peter had in the past rashly declared he would die for Christ,² but he fell far short of this when his pledge was tested, denying his Lord instead.³ Clearly, the Holy Spirit had changed him, now giving him the boldness he once lacked.

Does that mean that because we, too, have the Spirit, we will never experience fear? The reality is that the Spirit is not some magic bullet that prevents us feeling afraid of anything that could happen in the future. Rather, the Spirit helps us when we need it. Corrie ten Boom told a story which illustrates this. She was very concerned as a child that she would never be strong enough to die for Christ. Her father used an illustration to help her see that, just because she was not brave enough now, that did not mean she would lack the necessary courage if she ever found herself needing it. He reminded her that he did not give her the ticket money for a train journey weeks in advance but just before she boarded the train. He explained that, similarly, God gives us the strength we need to cope with troubles at the time we need it and not before.⁴ This was certainly true for the disciples: when they really required it, God gave them buckets full of courage.

Are you fearful of any situations you face? Spend time thanking God that he will be there to give you help when you need it.  

¹ Ps 23:4  ² Luke 22:33  ³ Luke 22:54–62  ⁴ Corrie ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord, CLC, 1974, p125