“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” [the high priest] said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel… persuaded them to have the apostles flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
— Acts 5:28-42

~~~~~

Boldly We Go
By Jennifer Kane

How we—so softly we murmur,
when comfort bids us stay;
The frown of the world can silence
what joy should give us to say.

Oh trembling heart, remember
the Cross was no easy road;
He bore our shame unflinching,
our sins His heavy load.

So shall we now be timid,
where saints before stood tall?
Shall we cower before rejection,
when Christ has conquered all?

Rise up, O new heart, be fearless!
Let truth through His Spirit flow;
Be brave for Him who died for you—
for Jesus, boldly go!

Let hearts be shaken with fervor,
as once in Jerusalem’s flame;
May the Spirit fill our speaking,
and power rest only on His name.

For this is the mark of the faithful,
the courage the world must see—
That we live and speak unashamedly
of Jesus Christ who set us free.

~~~~~

Scripture: Acts 5:28-42

Imagine the scene. The apostles aren’t just facing a disapproving glance or an awkward conversation. They are standing before the full Jewish ruling council, the same body that orchestrated Jesus’ crucifixion. The threat is real: imprisonment, violence, even death.

Yet, when confronted, their response is not a carefully negotiated compromise. It is a simple, world-altering declaration: “We must obey God rather than human beings.”

Their courage wasn’t rooted in stubbornness, but in conviction. They were utterly convinced of two things:

1. The Reality of the Gospel: They had seen the risen Christ. They knew, without a doubt, that He was the Prince and Savior. This truth was too glorious, too life-giving to keep to themselves.
2. The Sovereignty of God: Even in their suffering, they saw God’s hand. They didn’t just endure their flogging; they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name. Their perspective was eternal, not earthly.

We often face a different kind of opposition— not a whip or a prison cell, but the silent threat of social rejection, being labeled “intolerant,” or simply the awkwardness of bringing faith into a secular conversation. And too often, that is enough to make us fall silent.

Charles Spurgeon has said, “Fear not; be brave for Christ. Live bravely for him who died lovingly for you.” And “What a shameful thing it is that while you are bold about everything else you are cowardly about Jesus Christ. Brave for the world and cowardly towards Christ!”

His words cut to our hearts. He names our fear for what it is: a “tendency of our flesh to be afraid,” a desire “to get off easily.” He even calls it cowardice. It’s a strong word, but it’s meant to shake us from our spiritual slumber.

The apostles’ example and Spurgeon’s challenge push us to ask ourselves: Do we believe the gospel is as true and urgent as they did? Is our obedience to God’s command to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) greater than our desire for human approval?

So what now?
Identify Your “Sanhedrin”: What specific situation or relationship causes you to hesitate in speaking about Jesus? Is it at work? With a certain group of friends? With family? Acknowledge that fear.

Shift Your Perspective: Follow the apostles’ example. See any small slight or moment of awkwardness not as a personal defeat, but as a tiny share in the sufferings of Christ. It is a privilege to be identified with Him.

Obey, Don’t Negotiate: We are not called to negotiate with God’s command to be His witnesses. We are called to obey. Pray for opportunities and for the Spirit’s boldness to open your mouth when they arise.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, forgive us for the many times we have chosen the comfort of silence over the courage of confession. We have been cowards when you call us to be ambassadors. Forgive us. We ask today for the same Spirit that filled the apostles to fill us. Give us a holy boldness that is rooted not in our own strength, but in the unshakable truth of your resurrection and the unending power of your grace. Help us to obey you rather than men. May we live so bravely for you, who died so lovingly for us. Amen.

October 16 2025