Acts 4 – 7 and a Great Party

Acts 4– 6

Just imagine: 5000 new believers not counting women and children. The religious leaders did not like this at all and had Peter and John arrested. When asked by what power or in whose name they were doing this, Peter (note: “filled with the Holy Spirit”) answered them, telling them it was in the name of Jesus the crippled man was healed and “there is no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

Considering how Peter and John had acted when Jesus was arrested, I guess it is no surprise that the council was amazed they would be so brave and teach so well.

They had thought that by crucifying Jesus their problems would be solved. Now they are dealing with more than one person. They warn Peter and John not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name again. Don’t you love their reply? “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

You could almost fee sorry for the high priest and the council. They are afraid to punish Peter and John and when they have them arrested, they find out they disappeared from the prison. Still, they go right back out to preach.

Are you compelled by the Holy Spirit to speak of God’s grace and goodness?

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 7– 8.

A Great Party

Today, my cousin Richard and I went to a party a couple of doors down from my house. There was great food, great fun ahd great fellowship. We had some entertainment including 3 guitars, a double ukelele, a washtub bass and a washboard. I took some pictures on my iPhone and will try to post them tomorrow. I am somewhat exhausted tonight.