Read the Word:
Acts 4:1-4
Meditate on the Word:
Every time the gospel is proclaimed, a response is required. We are not simply called to hear the word, but to obey it. We are called to turn to Christ and to repent of our sins. We are called to live our lives demonstrating the character of Jesus. The truth is that many simply do not want to do this. People who are not willing to change are not willing to be confronted by the gospel.
In these few short verses, we see two responses to Peter and John’s bold preaching of the gospel. Some are threatened by it. These are the same ones who were threatened by Jesus’ bold preaching a few short weeks earlier. The Sadduccees, we are told, did not believe in resurrection (Matthew 22:23). A Resurrected Christ would force them to admit that their belief system was wrong. So, instead, they attempted to silence the preachers.
However, we are also told in this passage that many who heard the message believed. Belief requires the hard work of change. We are told that about five thousand believed. These are ones who were confronted with their sin and the Risen Christ, and chose to believe in Christ. They did not silence the preachers, they changed their lives instead. This is the proper response to preaching.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord what changes you need to make in response to His word. Commit to changing today.
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