The Book of Acts ~ Study Eighteen

"Ready to Explain"


Acts 4:16-22 (NLT)  16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
     But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
     The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.


The world doesn't know what to do with true followers of Jesus. There have been so many bad things done in the name of Christianity that we have a lot of work to do to make up for it all. Being a true follower of Jesus entails only a few things which are often harder to do than you think.


Looking at the scripture above, can you pick out one major thing the disciples did that indicates an aspect of being a true believer? Why is this so central to being a follower of Jesus?


Luke 9:25-26 (NLT) And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. 


Peter and John were completely sold out for Jesus and refused to stop using His Name. The world fears what they don't understand and the world doesn't understand Jesus. In fact, we stink to those who oppose the news that Jesus loves them.


2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (MSG) In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
     This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No— but at least we don't take God's Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ's presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.


A true believer is an irritant to those who are against what we stand for and that is loving others as Christ loved us. The leaders of the temple were scared and irritated that they couldn't refute the miraculous outcome when Jesus' Name was used. The formerly lame beggar was now standing before them whole and praising God. There was no denying it!


The thing is we don't have to argue for Christ. Our only obligation is to live for and like Christ so others cannot argue with us. How can you argue with someone who is kind and loving? On the other hand, we are told that we will encounter harsh opposition and to be ready for it.


Matthew 5:10-12 (MSG) "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. "Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."


Jesus told us that we would face persecution for loving and serving Him. He didn't say that we would face persecution for rule following and judging others. In fact, He told us just the opposite. 


Luke 6:37 (NLT) “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven."


Jesus is not saying that we will be judged or forgiven by others. He is saying that He will judge us with the judgment we hand out to others. He won't forgive us when we won't forgive others. How do you view this part of being a follower of Jesus? 


In wrapping this study up, we learn from Peter and John that we are to continue to speak in the Name of Jesus and not be ashamed to do so. We must love and be kind to those who persecute us for loving Jesus. Living an authentic Christian life involves loving and behaving as Jesus loved and lived while He walked as a man upon this earth.


1 Peter 3:14-16 (NLT) But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Imitate the Savior and don't be ashamed to do it!