6 April 2024 Easter Saturday
So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.’
From Acts 4:13-21, NRSV
Having imprisoned and then interrogated Peter and John, the Sadducees had to decide what they were going to do with them. They quickly realised they had no real power in this situation. It was clear to everyone in Jerusalem that a miracle had been worked through them for which the people were praising God, and that their preaching was gaining many followers. Their only solution was to warn them not speak or teach again in the name of Jesus. Peter and John made it clear that they answered to a higher authority and that it would be impossible anyway for them to refrain from speaking out about what they had seen and heard. With that, all that the court was able to do was release them without punishment.
- Why did the Sadducees not inflict a greater punishment on Peter and John?
- Have you ever needed to follow your conscience instead of obeying someone in authority?
Pray for those in positions of authority; that they will act justly and wisely.
Image from trueobedience.org
