Jesus moves on from briefing the twelve for their short-term mission trip through Jewish Galilee, to prophetically outline the kind of boldness we associate with the early church in the face of opposition (Acts 4:1–22). What situations have you faced where you needed God to give you the right words (v 20)? It may not have been before the authorities, more likely at work, over the garden fence or on Facebook. How did it work out? 

For most of us, the worst reaction to us sharing our faith might be awkwardness or a misplaced accusation of prejudice. That’s why we need the Holy Spirit to give us the right word at the right time, to have maximum impact. He will help us to engage with non-Christians carefully, so as not to get waylaid by those who aren’t people of peace (vs 13,14). He will help us to be ‘as innocent as doves’ (v 16), keeping us gentle and hopeful about the people we meet. No matter how broken by sin they may be, they are still made in God’s image.

Paul said to the Romans, ‘I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.’¹ Take time to reflect on his words.

Now everything changes for the disciples, for they are no longer just watching Jesus but going out on a mission themselves and Jesus warns them that this, as well as their future missionary work, will put them in grave danger. 

He certainly doesn’t mince his words! Jesus says they are in as much peril as sheep surrounded by wolves and warns them that opposition will come not only from the authorities but even their own families. However, he also instructs them on how to deal with this danger. They are to be as ‘shrewd as snakes’ (v 16). We don’t think of snakes as particularly shrewd, but their wisdom lies in their alertness to danger and their ability to move swiftly from it.² This fits with Jesus’ encouragement to flee from a city when persecuted rather than stay and face martyrdom. Acts reveals how following this advice led to the gospel spreading further afield, for Christians who fled Jerusalem moved on into Gentile areas, telling the people about Christ.³ Jesus also instructs the disciples to be innocent as doves. The Greek behind this translation means ‘unmixed’, suggesting they are to be pure, untainted by sin.

In what ways do we need to be as shrewd as snakes today? Do we rush into decisions and situations without being aware of the pitfalls? Are we naive about the spiritual battle we are in, making plans without seeking God’s guidance first or without listening to advice and covering our activity in prayer? Similarly, how can we be innocent as doves? Is there any sin in our lives that we are deliberately not facing up to and tackling? The image of sheep surrounded by hungry wolves is a stark reminder of the dangers we face by not staying close to Jesus the Good Shepherd, our guide and defender.

Ask God to reveal any gaps in your spiritual armour and pray for anyone who is currently experiencing opposition – whether that’s you, or somebody else.

¹ Rom 16:19  ² Revd A Carr, St Matthew, Cambridge University Press, 1906, p164  ³ Acts 11:19–21