Deeper Reflection
Acts chapter 4 marks the beginning of the persecution that the early disciples would face as witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:1-3). The tremendous joy of belonging to Christ and to one another (Acts 2:42-47) was now beginning to be mixed with the tremendous stress of threats and suffering for following and proclaiming Christ. Being “cancelled” was the new setting for people who believed in Jesus Christ as their risen Saviour and King.However, instead of lamenting or wavering in the face of opposition, the disciples drew closer to God with a deepening faith and a greater dependence. Their first response – not last resort – to persecution was to pray to God, anchoring upon His Word and trusting in His sovereignty, power and faithfulness to strengthen them (vv.24-28). Notice that they did not pray for immediate deliverance from trouble (vv.29-30)! Their faith in God far superseded their fear of man! God answered their prayers by filling them with His Spirit and giving them supernatural boldness to persevere in evangelism (v.31). What a mighty and faithful God!As we enter Missions Week this Sunday, let us begin with humble hearts to pray and ask God to fill us with His Spirit. That God will look upon the adversaries, fears and pressures that we face in being Christ’s witnesses in our world today, and grant to us His servants what we need to continue to speak God’s Word with all boldness. And to accompany our Gospel proclamation with His miraculous works through the name of Jesus, that many more people will come to believe in Jesus and be saved!