Acts 4:18-31 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.… A great and prolonged conflict was approaching. How were the Christians to meet it? We have the answer here. The apostles' heroism — I. WAS BASED ON RIGHTEOUSNESS. "Whether it be right in the sight of God" was a rebuke to those who were only consulting the interests of Judaism or their own. But that which is based on righteousness does not find favour with unregenerate human nature, and much so-called heroism has rested on wrong. II. WAS SUSTAINED BY REFERENCE TO GOD. All is right which is right in His sight. The apostles then referred to the only true authority, doubtless devoutly and in faith. No wonder they were heroic, for the history of their nation showed that such reference to God had stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, etc. How could they fail with Omnipotence on their side? What could the Sanhedrin be to such men? Like faith produces like heroes everywhere. III. WAS MANIFESTED IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD. The apostles "hearkened unto God" who had spoken by Jesus, and was now speaking by the Spirit — hence the healing of the cripple, and this defence. The man who was urged to do his duty on the battlefield because he seemed to hear the voice of his country was a hero; but how much more the apostles. They heard God Himself, and as long as He was obeyed what mattered it if men were displeased. IV. BORE THE TEST OF COMMON HUMAN INTELLIGENCE. "Judge ye." The principle was referred to as an axiom which might be evaded and practically disobeyed, but which could not be intellectually contested; and any position founded upon it is impregnable. When our ways please God we may safely submit them to the arbitrament of human judgment. V. WAS THE CONSTANT EXPRESSION OF THE CONSTRAINT OF CONSCIENCE. "For we cannot but speak," etc. To have acted otherwise would have been to violate their consciences by wilful unfaithfulness and neglect of duty. We have seen the works of Christ in the salvation of sinners: then how dare we be silent? (W. Hudson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.WEB: They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. |
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