PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 5:27-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior…” (Acts 5:31)
The word for prince is ‘archegos’, which means ‘founder’ or ‘pioneer leader’.
We believe that God has initiated a new movement on earth in Jesus.
That movement involves transforming the world through humility and grace.
“That he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. (Acts 5:31)
As our pioneer leader, we join with Jesus in his gracious mission.
Like Jesus, we love people in Jesus’s Name, attracting them to Jesus.
This does not mean obnoxious or pushy witnessing.
We are not called to pressure people to repent or force them to convert.
If someone is not interested, we move on (Matthew 10:14).
At all times we remain gentle and gracious, like our founder.
Because we are confident in Jesus, we can handle people with care.
Because we believe Jesus’s way is the best way, we speak the truth in love.
How confident am I that God will save others through my gentle witness?
Confident enough to keep on witnessing, when others tell us to stop?
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to be an obnoxious witness. But give me gentle boldness to be a gracious witness, even if others pressure me to stop.
The apostles continued to teach in His name. The good news they proclaimed did not reach the hearts of the Sanhedrin who were only interested in a great following of the people. They saw the apostles as a threat. The Spirit enabled the apostles to proclaim the good news to the Sanhedrin. They stood up for Jesus by their words and deeds. I need to do the same so that others may see that I serve a risen Saviour.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
The apostles were able to confront the established ruling leaders and speak the truth – clearly and succinctly and true to the facts – even their complicity in putting Jesus on the cross – but at the same time clearly laying out that this was for an important purpose to fulfil scripture to – “bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.” When they did they bore evidence of the HS leading them – the very gift they were given – and because of this they were able to preach the good news boldly and at the same time bear witness to those who were trying to stop them. Lord I pray for the same wise way to speak and bear witness to your grace in my life!