In Acts Chapter Four, the Jewish religious leaders demanded that Jesus’ disciples explain bold witness to Jesus’ resurrection and the recent spectacular healing before the council.
They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Acts 4:7 (NLT)
This gave Peter a perfect opportunity to restate succinctly the gospel message.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. Acts 4:8-10 (NLT)
Someone once asked, if we were being prosecuted for being a Christian witness, would there be any evidence to convict us? Peter and John were on trial because they boldly testified to Jesus’ lordship. Silence is not usually a virtue when it comes to the gospel. People need to know where we stand. When we make known our devotion to Christ and his words, it will likely make an impact on those who see it and might stir their curiosity to know more.
In his first letter, the apostle Peter encourages all disciples to be ready to share the gospel any time the opportunity arises.
...And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15b (NLT)
People take note when disciples display the courage of their convictions and boldly share the gospel when opportunity knocks.
We never know when a chance to share the gospel may present itself. When it does, the Lord wants us to be ready and willing to identify ourselves with him and share the good news that he made a way for people to be reconciled to the Father and share his life forever!
