June 10, 2007

We Can't Help It (Acts 4:8 - 20, Acts 4:29 - 30)

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and you older leaders, 9 are you questioning us about a good thing that was done to a crippled man? Are you asking us who made him well? 10 We want all of you and all the Jewish people to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified him, but God raised him from the dead. This man was crippled, but he is now well and able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus. 11 Jesus is 'the stone that you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through him." 13 The Jewish leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. 14 Because they saw the healed man standing there beside the two apostles, they could say nothing against them.

15 After the Jewish leaders ordered them to leave the meeting, they began to talk to each other. 16 They said, "What shall we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows they have done a great miracle, and we cannot say it is not true. 17 But to keep it from spreading among the people, we must warn them not to talk to people anymore using that name." 18 So they called Peter and John in again and told them not to speak or to teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "You decide what God would want. Should we obey you or God? 20 We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard."

29 And now, Lord, listen to their threats. Lord, help us, your servants, to speak your word without fear. 30 Help us to be brave by showing us your power to heal. Give proofs and make miracles happen by the power of Jesus, your holy servant."

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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