Peter, John, and the Disciples Response to the Threatening of the Jews.

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:23-37

Steps: 11, 12

After being threatened, Peter and John tell the rest of the disciples, and the early church what happened to them. They prayed to God and He heard their prayers and baptized them again with His Holy Spirit and they went out again with boldness and taught the Word of God. They also shared all of their possessions one with another because many of them had lost positions of work as a result of their new convictions and God blessed them with selling houses and properties and giving the money to the disciples who shared with all people as they had need.

Prayer for Today: Thank You Lord that we can stand firm for You even when commanded to do otherwise by leaders. Help us to remember that You are our primary leader and it is our job to listen to You first and the rest of our leaders as they are in harmony with You. Help us also to share with others and You lead and direct. Thank You again for Your love.