The Jewish Leadership’s Response to Peter’s Defense

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. Acts 4:13-22

Steps: 11, 12

When the Jewish leadership heard the response of Peter and John they decided to talk among themselves. They acknowledged that a miracle had clearly been done but to approve of the miracle would be to approve of the man that they had just killed just about two months before. They decided to threaten them to not speak any more on the subject to the people. Peter and John declared in response that they would obey God rather than man in issues like this one. Still the leadership threatened them and then turned them loose.

Prayer for Today: God, when it is our turn to stand firm for You even against the authorities of the land we pray that You will grant us strength so that we will put obedience to You above everything in this Earth. Help us to choose recovery over all other things.