This post is Day 19 in a series of studies about “Followers of Jesus”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Followers of Jesus – Day 19

The time will come, (and in many parts of the world that time has already come), when many of us will be called to give an account of what authority we serve. Both Peter and Jude in their letters warn us of the scoffers in the last days.

Acts 4:9-10

If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

The Thought

The miracle we read about yesterday, (and also on Day 6) caused a huge stir among the crowd which had gathered. The priests were very worried and the episode resulted in Peter and John spending a night in jail. (The first of several future nights in jail!)

The next day the disciples were called before the officials to give an account of the authority they worked for! In any normal circumstance that would have been a scary experience. But for Peter and John it was an opportunity to spread the gospel. And they did not hesitate.

Verse 8 tells us that “Peter filled with the Holy Spirit said…”. They must have remembered Jesus words saying “Do not worry about what to say, or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say.” (Matthew 10:19).

The time will come, (and in many parts of the world it already has), when many of us will be called to give an account of what authority we serve. Both Peter and Jude in their letters warn us of the “scoffers” in the last days. (2Peter 3:3 & Jude v18).

Acts 4:14 gives us an encouragement.But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

Action

Remember as you go through your day today that God creates and allows situations to arise to give us an opportunity to spread His love and His power.

Look for those opportunities, and use them to share His love.