[NIV] 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and Johnand realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,
they were astonished and they took note that these menhad been with Jesus. - P136
17 But to stopthis thing from spreading any furtheramong the people, we must warn them to speak nolonger to anyone in this name. - P136
18 Then they called them in again and commandedthem not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. - P137
20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what wehave seen and heard."
20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." - P137
The Jewish leaders are astonished at Peter and John‘s courage. They com-mand the two men to stop speaking or teaching in Jesus‘ name. - P137
They replythat they must do what is right in God‘s eyes and speak about what theyhave seen and heard. - P137
The leaders cannot find a way to punish them becauseeveryone is praising God for what happened. - P137
What made people stand up and take notice of Peter and John, who atfirst glance did not seem all that impressive? We find the answer at theend of verse 13: "these men had been with Jesus." - P138
We can be so quickto judge people based upon their physical appearance, education, socialstatus, and charisma; we often measure ourselves along such lines aswell. - P138
But what matters most is whether or not we know Jesus. - P138
As wespend time with Him in devoted prayer and the studying of the Word,
He is the one who changes us from the inside out. - P138
And just like withPeter and John, others will notice our transformation and also be drawnto Jesus. - P138
Peter and John answer the Sanhedrin‘s warning with boldness, statingthat they must follow God and not man. - P138
When we encounter Jesus andbecome captivated by Him and the gospel, we cannot help but wantto love and honor Him, no matter what the cost may be. - P138
Notice theclear contrast between the religious leaders versus Peter and John. TheSanhedrin is preoccupied with pleasing others, which enslaves them tothe will of the people and robs them of true power. - P138
The disciples, on theother hand, are the ones who are truly free because they seek to pleaseGod. - P138
Likewise, the more we choose God over people, the more we willexperience the freedom Christ has won for us. - P138
Heavenly Father, I know that when I spend time with Jesus, He transforms meand sets me free. - P139
Therefore, remind me time and time again to draw near toChrist as I seek to please You and not people. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P139
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