June 10 | Acts 4:1-3, 23-31

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DAILY READING

Acts 4:1-3

Acts 4:23-31

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REFLECTION

BOLDLY TOLD

By Pam Mann

When Peter and John went to pray, they had no coins to offer the lame beggar. So, Peter boldly told the lame man that he could instead give him what he had. He boldly told the man: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” Jesus healed the man, formerly lame since birth. What a hubbub this leaping, rejoicing man created! The guy who had been an annoying fixture at the gate was abruptly set free!

As crowds gathered to investigate the commotion, Peter boldly told the assembly that this lame man was healed by faith in the name of Jesus. Of course, the astonished people were eager to hear how such power had come upon humanity.

However, not everybody was eager to hear. The religious leaders were eager to shut down the Jesus ruckus. They arrested Peter and John.

The next day when the two men were interrogated by the authorities, Peter boldly told the assembled leaders that the lame man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The dignitaries were astonished by Peter’s articulate defense. Because probably all the city could recognize this lame guy (now healed), there was no denying the reality of the miracle. The religious rulers grudgingly released the two disciples.

Please note that the bold speaker in all these events is Peter! He’s the guy who had denied even knowing Jesus after his arrest. The Holy Spirit has made a new man out of Peter.

Once freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers with a full report of all the goings on. The group prayed together, rejoicing to see the sovereign hand of the Lord guiding even governmental powers.

What is their prayer at this pivotal moment in the early Christian movement?

They prayed: “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word

with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

In the days since Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter had boldly told all that the Spirit had put in his heart, on multiple occasions. Now, in Acts 4, as the church gathered around Peter and John, they sensed more challenges to come. They prayed for

1) God’s provision for whatever governments throw at them,

2) God’s power to speak His word with boldness, and

3) God’s mighty hand to work wonders through the name of Jesus.

For two millennia, the church has treasured this agenda as a prayer guide and action plan. No previous experience required. No formal education needed. Previous failures forgiven.

Are you in?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for the ways You worked in Peter and John and in the first believers in Jerusalem. Enable us also to pray as they did. Let us also speak Your word with boldness.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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