Acts 4:8–20 ‘There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’ (v12)
Peter and John have been proclaiming the good news of the gospel – and it is has brought them some unwanted attention.
They have been jailed, but the amount of those being converted to Christ is growing (Acts 4:4). The message of Christ crucified, raised from the dead, and that He is the only way to God, is clearly causing a disturbance!
The leaders of the synagogue note that Peter and John are courageous but very ordinary men. However, they realise that the disciples had ‘been with Jesus’ (v13).
The kingdom of God is miraculously breaking through (Acts 3:1–10), but the leaders are uncomfortable! They try to stop the disciples from speaking and teaching in Jesus’ name.
But Peter and John point out that it is more important to obey God than men, and they do not intend stopping what they are doing (vv18–20).
To declare the gospel of Christ is to declare that there is no other way to God other than through Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross – an uncompromising message.
Only He can take away the sin that separates us from a holy God, and make us right with Him.
He is the One who clothes us in His own righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30); we cannot make ourselves right with God through our own good works.
Neither can we find another path to the Almighty; for ‘Salvation is found in no one else’ (v12). It was a radical message then, and it is still radical today.
Sharing what we know in kindness and love, we need point only to Him – the One who died for us. This is the true gospel.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Father, I know You will never leave me. Increase my faith. Help me to spend more time with You, discerning Your presence in Your Word and my life. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Are you feeling as if God is not there? Sit quietly for a few minutes, asking God to assure you of His presence. Believe His promise. He hasn’t left you!
Scripture To Consider:
1 Kgs 22:1–28; Dan. 6:1–28; John 11:17–27; Rev. 22:12–21
An action to take: How difficult do you find it to share your faith? Think about starting a small group with others who may struggle, to support and encourage each other.
A prayer to make: ‘Father, I want so speak Your words of truth! Please fill me with Your Spirit so I can be bold in sharing the gospel of Your Son. Amen.’
