Acts 4:5-7

Acts 4:5-7

And it became upon the next day to gather together their rulers, elders, and scribes in Jerusalem.  And Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were out of the high priestly lineage. And after setting them in the middle they were investigating, “In what kind of power or in what kind of name did you all do this?” 

Thoughts for Today:

First Thought:

Imagine being Peter or John.  You are led into a room to be judged by the same people that no more than a few months prior just maneuvered the crowd into killing your Lord.  This doesn’t sound like a very good place to be, and it certainly wouldn’t have been an easy room to go into and talk.

Given those circumstances, would you stand up for what you believe knowing that it might very well mean that you are killed moments later?  Or would you try to compromise or make an excuse, say an apology, and try to get out of there?  Are there times and places for both approaches?

Second Thought:

Notice that the Bible is clear that “family” is a significant part of figuring out who is in charge.  So much of what happened in the ancient cultures depended upon bloodlines.  You were born to rule, or born to be a simple person.

How does this concept fit with Christianity?  Does Christ choose His disciples according to bloodline?  If not, what is important in Christianity in determine who has authority?

Third Thought:

The Jewish leaders want to know the power or name that Peter and John used to bring about the healing of the lame man.  In one sense, this is a beautiful question because it leads Peter and John to acknowledge that they aren’t the powerful ones.  It gives them an opportunity to put the focus where it belongs: on Jesus.

How good are we at making sure the focus stays on Jesus?  How can we be sure to constantly try and improve this focus?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 4:8-12