# Acts Chapter 4
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## Summarrium
Peter and John are arrested by the priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducee's for proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Five thousand men believed. When questioned by the rulers, elders and scribes, Peter proclaims boldly that it is by the name of Jesus that the lame man now walks. The political situation is precarious for the establishment given a notable sign has been given and the people are praising God. Charging Peter and John not to speak further about Jesus they release them.

Upon their release they return to their friends and report what they had been told. The disciples then pray for boldness and the place in which they are gathered is shaken and they are all filled with the spirit; continuing to speak with boldness. Indeed all the people are of one heart and soul and share all things in common.  With great power the apostles give their testimony  and the grace of God was upon them.

## Meditatio

In this passage we come across the first documented incident of 'persecution' by the religious establishment. Two of the disciples are arrested for performing a miracle, and they stand boldly before the religious establishment and speak truth to power.

What struck me about this particular passage is the contrast between the actions of Peter and John and that of the religious establishment. We see that that religious establishment fears man[^1] pointing out that they cannot see the notable sign that has been performed in Jerusalem. Whereas Peter and John fear the Lord and can do nothing but speak about what they have seen and heard[^2]. A start contrast between concealment out of fear, and revelation of the truth of God out of fear.

Interestingly the quotation included in [verse 26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A26&version=ESV) is originally from [Psalm 2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2&version=ESV) which is worth reading for context. Particularly given the warning to those in positions of power[^3]. Here there is a clear warning to *serve the Lord with and rejoice with trembling*. There is an appropriate awe of the transcendent that is a necessary part of faith in God which the establishment lacks.

How should this influence our thinking? Our lives?

It is a clear encouragement to pray for boldness, that we might speak boldly about what we have seen and what has been communicated to us. The Lord preserved Peter and John who spoke boldly and were not afraid of death. More so they were more afraid of what might happen if they did not speak out, than if they did. We should also come to terms with the reality that doing so has consequences. Some of which may result in litigation or other processes we might prefer to avoid.

[^1]: See [Acts 4:16-17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A16-17&version=ESV)
[^2]: See [Acts 4:19-20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A19-20&version=ESV)
[^3]: See [Psalm 2:10-12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A26&version=ESV) for further information