Our Daily Devotion for Friday, October 9th, 2020

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. 14 When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. 16 They said, “What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. 17 But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; 20 for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.       Acts 4:13-22
 
In this reading for today, you can see where the Sanhedrin ( the ruling council in Jerusalem) was in an awkward position – both Peter and John were performing healing acts in the name of Jesus ( the man that the Sanhedrin had put to death). The Sanhedrin would rather have them out of the way, so they decide to forbid Peter and John from continuing. The Council felt quite possibly that they were in good shape either way – if the two stopped, the Council succeeded. If the two continued, it could be grounds for arrest. This is a wonderful example of exactly what Jesus desired – that His disciples go out into the world and preach and heal in His Saving Name !!
 
Let us pray please – Father in Heaven, we thank you for men of such great faith and courage , like Peter and all the disciples and apostles. They laid the groundwork for The Church in our world , right there in Jerusalem.  In the face of adversity, they persevered for the cause of Jesus. Help us all, LORD, to have that same courage and conviction of spirit, each and every day. It is in our Savior’s Name we pray.  Amen.
 
Yours in Christ  ,  Rollie
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