Acts 4:1-12

No other name

The various religious leaders had a problem with Peter and John because they claimed that Jesus was the only way to heaven, and a relationship with God. Obviously this rubbed them the wrong way because they believed that fnding favour with God was about keeping the Old Testament law. They beleived only those ordained as priests could teach, also, among them were the Sadducees who beleived there was no resurrection, so the idea of Jesus rising from the dead, and all those who follow Him one day doing the same, was deeply offensive.

It is the same today. Christianity is hated so much because it challenges the worldviews of most people. They do not want their ways of live to be shaken like the Bible does.

Proclaimation

When Peter and John are interrogated, Peter proclaims clearly that the power of Jesus was behnd their miracles and ministry. The evidence was right there! Only the Holy Spirit can give the confidence and bravery to speak so clearly in the face of opposition. The walking lame man, Peter and John were solid proof here of the power of Jesus who had been raised from the dead.

We can use that power in the same way. Perhaps not always as spectacularly, but just as powerful. Ask God to grant you that power for the glory of His kingdom. When people ask you about your conviction, compassion, and integrity you can answer like Peter did: "It is by the name of Jesus Christ".