1 00:00:00,440 --> 00:00:03,259 Speaker 1: For we can't help telling the things which we saw 2 00:00:03,460 --> 00:00:09,820 Speaker 1: and heard. Acts 4.20 Heavenly Father, your love and faithfulness 3 00:00:10,500 --> 00:00:15,510 Speaker 1: are undeniable, and we are compelled to proclaim your greatness. 4 00:00:16,450 --> 00:00:19,009 Speaker 1: Thank you for the countless ways you have blessed us, 5 00:00:20,010 --> 00:00:22,989 Speaker 1: for your presence in our lives, and for the hope 6 00:00:23,230 --> 00:00:26,710 Speaker 1: that you bring. We are in awe of your mighty works, 7 00:00:27,530 --> 00:00:31,290 Speaker 1: from the beauty of creation to the gift of salvation 8 00:00:31,590 --> 00:00:36,510 Speaker 1: through Jesus. Fill our hearts with joy and gratitude that 9 00:00:36,570 --> 00:00:40,879 Speaker 1: we may always speak of your goodness to others. Let 10 00:00:40,979 --> 00:00:44,740 Speaker 1: our lives be a testimony to your love, grace, and 11 00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:50,860 Speaker 1: truth that you are forever worthy of praise. In Jesus' 12 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:52,180 Speaker 1: name we pray. 13 00:00:53,020 --> 00:00:53,300 Speaker 2: Amen. 14 00:00:55,780 --> 00:00:59,190 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 15 00:00:59,210 --> 00:01:04,420 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 16 00:01:04,520 --> 00:01:08,580 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 17 00:01:09,140 --> 00:01:10,660 Speaker 1: we would love it if you. 18 00:01:10,560 --> 00:01:11,339 Speaker 3: Left a review. 19 00:01:12,280 --> 00:01:17,830 Speaker 1: Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. Peter 20 00:01:17,870 --> 00:01:21,310 Speaker 1: and John watched Ira escort Terza out of the temple 21 00:01:21,370 --> 00:01:26,490 Speaker 1: courts with immense satisfaction. They resumed their discussion with the crowd. 22 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:31,120 Speaker 1: answering questions and sharing the same lessons and parables Jesus 23 00:01:31,459 --> 00:01:35,279 Speaker 1: had once shared with the disciples. Life in the Spirit 24 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:40,709 Speaker 1: was unprecedented, and their soul's contentment in listening to his 25 00:01:40,870 --> 00:01:44,010 Speaker 1: indescribable promptings was unmatched. 26 00:01:44,650 --> 00:01:48,570 Speaker 4: Oh, that never gets old. I'd capture moments like this 27 00:01:48,630 --> 00:01:51,470 Speaker 4: in a bottle if I could. It does make me 28 00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:54,780 Speaker 4: miss Jesus, though. I know he's with us in spirit, 29 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:57,350 Speaker 4: but it's still... different. 30 00:01:58,230 --> 00:01:59,750 Speaker 2: But I know that doesn't mean it's bad. 31 00:02:00,430 --> 00:02:04,500 Speaker 1: Peter appreciated John's willingness to process his emotions out loud. 32 00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:07,960 Speaker 1: He had always aimed to be more stoic in his 33 00:02:08,040 --> 00:02:12,820 Speaker 1: mental proceedings, believing the strong, succinct type was more fitting 34 00:02:12,860 --> 00:02:15,900 Speaker 1: of the rock of the group. Despite his inner wrestling, 35 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:18,940 Speaker 1: he did his best to be what he assumed others 36 00:02:19,100 --> 00:02:22,860 Speaker 1: wanted him to be. But ever since his restoration, he 37 00:02:22,919 --> 00:02:26,000 Speaker 1: had learned that he didn't need to be anything but 38 00:02:26,040 --> 00:02:28,990 Speaker 1: what Jesus called him to be. He let his guard 39 00:02:29,050 --> 00:02:32,230 Speaker 1: down and happily reciprocated John's honesty. 40 00:02:32,669 --> 00:02:36,070 Speaker 5: I can definitely see why Jesus said having his spirit 41 00:02:36,130 --> 00:02:40,030 Speaker 5: would be better, but I can't say I'd call it easier. 42 00:02:41,830 --> 00:02:45,329 Speaker 5: But I suppose he never promised it would be easy, 43 00:02:46,230 --> 00:02:49,970 Speaker 5: just better. And that's more than enough for me. 44 00:02:50,350 --> 00:02:51,970 Speaker 4: Well, it looks like the Lord will put that to 45 00:02:51,990 --> 00:02:55,170 Speaker 4: the test. It appears we have some familiar company. 46 00:02:59,300 --> 00:03:01,739 Speaker 6: If you want to live the life of Jesus, you 47 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:04,720 Speaker 6: have to expect to be treated like Jesus, and that's 48 00:03:04,760 --> 00:03:08,820 Speaker 6: for better or for worse. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. 49 00:03:09,139 --> 00:03:12,000 Speaker 6: I'm Zach from Pray.com, here to guide you through another 50 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:14,330 Speaker 6: story inspired by the Book of Acts. How's the Book 51 00:03:14,370 --> 00:03:15,970 Speaker 6: of Acts about Jesus, you may ask? 52 00:03:16,430 --> 00:03:16,990 Speaker 2: Everything. 53 00:03:17,430 --> 00:03:19,530 Speaker 6: The Book of Acts shows us how we, the church, 54 00:03:19,710 --> 00:03:23,030 Speaker 6: people mobilized by the Spirit of Christ, are an extension 55 00:03:23,169 --> 00:03:26,690 Speaker 6: of Jesus' ministry. Today, we're diving into a story inspired 56 00:03:26,730 --> 00:03:30,380 Speaker 6: by Acts 4, verses 1-22. where we find Peter and 57 00:03:30,440 --> 00:03:33,899 Speaker 6: John on trial, not for a crime, but for a miracle. 58 00:03:34,360 --> 00:03:36,540 Speaker 6: They healed a man, and you'd think that that would 59 00:03:36,580 --> 00:03:41,840 Speaker 6: be cause for celebration, right? Wrong. Not for the religious leaders, anyways. No, 60 00:03:41,900 --> 00:03:45,640 Speaker 6: they're deeply disturbed because Peter and John are preaching about Jesus, 61 00:03:45,800 --> 00:03:49,340 Speaker 6: and more scandalously, about his resurrection from the dead. 62 00:03:54,820 --> 00:03:55,340 Speaker 3: You there! 63 00:03:56,020 --> 00:03:59,780 Speaker 7: Are you responsible for this? What cause could be so 64 00:03:59,900 --> 00:04:04,310 Speaker 7: important to create such a disturbance in the Lord's house? 65 00:04:04,970 --> 00:04:08,970 Speaker 1: The apostles glanced knowingly at one another. They had witnessed 66 00:04:09,030 --> 00:04:13,310 Speaker 1: Jesus address these exact types of questions without revealing an 67 00:04:13,450 --> 00:04:17,659 Speaker 1: ounce of fear. Peter and John mimicked their master's confidence. 68 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:21,520 Speaker 1: In their younger years, they would have attributed such brute 69 00:04:21,620 --> 00:04:26,820 Speaker 1: boldness to naivete, but the warm washing of immense serenity 70 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:30,619 Speaker 1: their hearts felt. told them that this was nothing shy 71 00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:32,620 Speaker 1: of the spirit within them. 72 00:04:32,940 --> 00:04:36,340 Speaker 4: By the power of Jesus of Nazareth, a lame man 73 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:40,250 Speaker 4: was healed this day. And by that same power, the 74 00:04:40,330 --> 00:04:44,130 Speaker 4: dead shall be raised to life. We stand here today 75 00:04:44,230 --> 00:04:46,750 Speaker 4: preaching repentance and the kingdom of God. 76 00:04:47,350 --> 00:04:50,650 Speaker 1: The Sadducees scoffed at John, spitting derision. 77 00:04:52,480 --> 00:04:56,400 Speaker 7: We know not of a lame man being healed. but 78 00:04:56,420 --> 00:05:00,120 Speaker 7: to claim the dead shall be raised to life? Young man, 79 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:05,800 Speaker 7: surely any respecting Jew knows there's no such resurrection of 80 00:05:05,839 --> 00:05:09,870 Speaker 7: the dead. Not of the Lord's doing, at least. Pronounce 81 00:05:09,890 --> 00:05:13,549 Speaker 7: your words and move on before things get any worse. 82 00:05:14,270 --> 00:05:18,070 Speaker 1: He hissed his venomous threat with a smug grin. The 83 00:05:18,130 --> 00:05:22,570 Speaker 1: Sadducee knew the chain of authority gave him the present advantage. 84 00:05:23,290 --> 00:05:26,240 Speaker 2: We cannot deny the work of God. nor the truth 85 00:05:26,279 --> 00:05:26,900 Speaker 2: of his word. 86 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:30,980 Speaker 4: Do what you must, but we will not renounce Jesus 87 00:05:31,180 --> 00:05:31,900 Speaker 4: or his gospel. 88 00:05:32,580 --> 00:05:35,620 Speaker 1: The Sadducee demanded the temple guard carve a path through 89 00:05:35,660 --> 00:05:39,180 Speaker 1: the people. At once they coerced the people to move aside. 90 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:44,460 Speaker 1: The gleeful crowd quickly turned to panic, worrying that they 91 00:05:44,630 --> 00:05:48,370 Speaker 1: would be the next targets. They dispersed like doves, released 92 00:05:48,410 --> 00:05:52,070 Speaker 1: from their cages. As they took flight, many of their 93 00:05:52,150 --> 00:05:57,500 Speaker 1: fears subsided. as they considered the apostles' teachings. Unbeknownst to 94 00:05:57,540 --> 00:06:01,159 Speaker 1: Peter and John, hundreds of them would come to believe. 95 00:06:02,180 --> 00:06:05,960 Speaker 1: As they watched the people flutter away and escape, they 96 00:06:06,020 --> 00:06:10,130 Speaker 1: sensed that they likely wouldn't fare the same fate. The 97 00:06:10,150 --> 00:06:13,650 Speaker 1: temple guards emerged through the throngs of people, followed by 98 00:06:13,690 --> 00:06:18,040 Speaker 1: the Sadducees and priests. The apostles' accusers swung around the 99 00:06:18,100 --> 00:06:21,570 Speaker 1: others and stood face to face with them. He breathed 100 00:06:21,650 --> 00:06:25,970 Speaker 1: a terse warning down at the apostles. Renounce your words. 101 00:06:26,770 --> 00:06:27,270 Speaker 2: Or else. 102 00:06:27,930 --> 00:06:31,070 Speaker 4: We cannot and will not deny the resurrection of Jesus 103 00:06:31,150 --> 00:06:35,089 Speaker 4: or his people. If you were to silence us, even 104 00:06:35,210 --> 00:06:36,630 Speaker 4: the rocks would cry out. 105 00:06:39,010 --> 00:06:44,330 Speaker 7: We shall see about that. Guards, seize them for contempt! 106 00:06:44,980 --> 00:06:49,240 Speaker 1: Two of the guards menacingly stepped forward, casting their shields 107 00:06:49,300 --> 00:06:52,700 Speaker 1: to the ground. They quickly bound Peter and John's hands. 108 00:06:53,500 --> 00:06:57,770 Speaker 1: The leather strands coiled tightly around their wrists, nearly cutting 109 00:06:57,810 --> 00:07:02,190 Speaker 1: off circulation. But even more so, they feared it was 110 00:07:02,290 --> 00:07:06,270 Speaker 1: cutting off their hope of preaching anymore that day. The 111 00:07:06,310 --> 00:07:09,860 Speaker 1: two apostles were led off towards an opening set into 112 00:07:09,900 --> 00:07:13,440 Speaker 1: the inner stone wall of the courtyard. With each footstep, 113 00:07:14,160 --> 00:07:19,620 Speaker 1: the two men prepared for the worst. The ten other 114 00:07:19,690 --> 00:07:23,330 Speaker 1: apostles casually made their way out of the innermost courtyard 115 00:07:23,370 --> 00:07:26,910 Speaker 1: of the temple, following their prayers. They heard the thrumming 116 00:07:26,990 --> 00:07:30,210 Speaker 1: of heavy footsteps and turned to watch a trail of 117 00:07:30,290 --> 00:07:32,730 Speaker 1: temple guards march through a side door. 118 00:07:33,190 --> 00:07:35,450 Speaker 3: Looks like someone isn't having a good day. 119 00:07:36,030 --> 00:07:38,650 Speaker 2: Yeah, but let's be glad it isn't one of us. 120 00:07:39,530 --> 00:07:41,290 Speaker 3: If I didn't know he was at the Mount of 121 00:07:41,390 --> 00:07:44,480 Speaker 3: Olives with your brother, I'd have guessed John had gotten 122 00:07:44,520 --> 00:07:48,660 Speaker 3: into trouble again. No, I will admit, we've aged. He 123 00:07:48,700 --> 00:07:49,930 Speaker 3: certainly set them down. 124 00:07:50,640 --> 00:07:54,690 Speaker 1: The two chuckled as only older brothers can, reminiscing of 125 00:07:54,770 --> 00:07:58,290 Speaker 1: Peter and John's younger days, when they had a propensity 126 00:07:58,370 --> 00:07:59,130 Speaker 1: for shenanigans. 127 00:07:59,690 --> 00:08:02,290 Speaker 2: Speaking of, I'm surprised they didn't make it for prayer. 128 00:08:02,850 --> 00:08:05,770 Speaker 2: Hopefully they're back at the house, otherwise they'll be caught 129 00:08:05,850 --> 00:08:06,550 Speaker 2: out in the dark. 130 00:08:06,950 --> 00:08:09,910 Speaker 1: The apostles stopped in the marketplace to purchase some food 131 00:08:10,010 --> 00:08:13,900 Speaker 1: for a humble meal. The money was still tight. They 132 00:08:13,940 --> 00:08:17,220 Speaker 1: weren't quite as impoverished as they once were. now that 133 00:08:17,260 --> 00:08:20,600 Speaker 1: believers throughout the city opened their doors to break bread 134 00:08:20,900 --> 00:08:23,600 Speaker 1: with one another. They had settled into a habit of 135 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:28,020 Speaker 1: making their way to various parts of Jerusalem, extending their 136 00:08:28,110 --> 00:08:32,090 Speaker 1: reach as far as possible. But today they gladly went 137 00:08:32,150 --> 00:08:35,809 Speaker 1: back to the privacy of their rented room. Upon arrival, 138 00:08:35,929 --> 00:08:39,650 Speaker 1: Andrew and James took note of the darkened windows, a 139 00:08:39,690 --> 00:08:42,090 Speaker 1: sign that they were the first to return to the house. 140 00:08:43,090 --> 00:08:45,410 Speaker 1: They gently tapped on the wooden planks of the door, 141 00:08:46,630 --> 00:08:51,070 Speaker 1: No response. They cautiously stepped in to the dim entryway. 142 00:08:51,690 --> 00:08:56,230 Speaker 1: Their suspicions were confirmed. Peter and John never made it home. 143 00:08:56,809 --> 00:08:59,770 Speaker 2: If they weren't at prayer and they're not here, could 144 00:08:59,790 --> 00:09:01,630 Speaker 2: they have decided to spend the night at the Mount 145 00:09:01,650 --> 00:09:02,250 Speaker 2: of Olives? 146 00:09:03,030 --> 00:09:07,160 Speaker 3: I suppose it's possible. Maybe they missed sleeping under the stars. 147 00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:10,679 Speaker 3: We can check it out in the morning. I, for one, 148 00:09:10,740 --> 00:09:12,760 Speaker 3: have grown quite used to sleeping in a bed. 149 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:16,830 Speaker 1: James slung his bag to the floor. removed his sandals, 150 00:09:17,490 --> 00:09:20,050 Speaker 1: and rinsed his feet in the basin of water posted 151 00:09:20,090 --> 00:09:23,270 Speaker 1: at the door. He knew John could fend for himself. 152 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:26,720 Speaker 1: He found his way to his room and climbed into 153 00:09:26,760 --> 00:09:30,380 Speaker 1: his cot. He uttered his prayers, thanking the Lord for 154 00:09:30,400 --> 00:09:34,160 Speaker 1: the day, and making petitions for a restful night's sleep. 155 00:09:35,210 --> 00:09:38,410 Speaker 1: As his head hit the pillow, his heavy eyelids gave 156 00:09:38,490 --> 00:09:43,850 Speaker 1: way to lucid dreams. Andrew found himself far from James' serenity. 157 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:47,619 Speaker 1: He too believed Peter would be all right, but he 158 00:09:47,660 --> 00:09:51,300 Speaker 1: felt it was an older brother's unspoken job to worry 159 00:09:51,870 --> 00:09:55,990 Speaker 1: about the well-being of their little siblings, even in adulthood. 160 00:09:57,030 --> 00:09:58,610 Speaker 1: He pulled up a chair on the side of the 161 00:09:58,650 --> 00:10:02,120 Speaker 1: room and rested his elbow. on the unstable side table 162 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:06,680 Speaker 1: rocking it slowly back and forth against the ground he 163 00:10:06,780 --> 00:10:10,610 Speaker 1: entered into rhythmic prayers his inner dialogue with the father 164 00:10:10,710 --> 00:10:13,630 Speaker 1: gave way to faint thoughts of what might have happened 165 00:10:13,770 --> 00:10:17,969 Speaker 1: to peter as the pitch of night loomed andrew slipped 166 00:10:18,050 --> 00:10:25,780 Speaker 1: silently into a deep sleep. The temple guards opened the 167 00:10:25,820 --> 00:10:30,920 Speaker 1: cell gates. They creaked heavily against the rusted hinges. Evening 168 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:33,939 Speaker 1: prohibited them from calling together the other leaders for a 169 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:37,400 Speaker 1: vote on what to do with the apostles, leaving Peter 170 00:10:37,440 --> 00:10:40,920 Speaker 1: and John an unplanned stay in prison for the night. 171 00:10:41,679 --> 00:10:44,969 Speaker 1: The temple guards removed their leather bindings and pushed them 172 00:10:45,030 --> 00:10:48,520 Speaker 1: lazily into the decrepit cell. The look on the guards' 173 00:10:48,580 --> 00:10:52,140 Speaker 1: faces told the apostles they were supposed to be intimidated. 174 00:10:52,870 --> 00:10:56,809 Speaker 1: But Peter and John simply thanked the guards and found 175 00:10:56,890 --> 00:11:00,790 Speaker 1: seats on the damp stone floor. They examined the room 176 00:11:00,870 --> 00:11:04,510 Speaker 1: through the faint flickerings of brass lamps seated into the walls. 177 00:11:05,390 --> 00:11:07,880 Speaker 1: They couldn't help but feel like they were in a tomb. 178 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:12,240 Speaker 1: But if their god had erupted from his stony grave, 179 00:11:13,160 --> 00:11:17,220 Speaker 1: they trusted that they would be freed from theirs. They 180 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:21,910 Speaker 1: shifted themselves onto their knees and bowed their heads. The 181 00:11:21,970 --> 00:11:25,650 Speaker 1: smell of burning oil intermingled with the musk of mildew 182 00:11:25,809 --> 00:11:30,810 Speaker 1: on the ground. Hardly the incense the Lord deserved during 183 00:11:30,850 --> 00:11:36,020 Speaker 1: a time of prayer. But the apostles were unfazed and 184 00:11:36,220 --> 00:11:40,580 Speaker 1: lifted their voices. They bounced back at them against the 185 00:11:40,600 --> 00:11:44,969 Speaker 1: blockade of the cell. Yet the reverberations only made their 186 00:11:45,130 --> 00:11:49,830 Speaker 1: prayers feel even stronger as they echoed in their ears. 187 00:11:50,610 --> 00:11:54,070 Speaker 5: Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, 188 00:11:54,630 --> 00:11:58,470 Speaker 5: who brings freedom to the captives. May your servants find 189 00:11:58,510 --> 00:12:02,699 Speaker 5: strength to endure and peace to persevere. Break down these 190 00:12:02,750 --> 00:12:06,500 Speaker 5: walls that hinder us from spreading your good news of salvation. 191 00:12:07,100 --> 00:12:11,160 Speaker 1: Peter paused for a brief moment. considering what he was asking. 192 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:15,079 Speaker 1: Was this what Jesus taught them to do in times 193 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:15,980 Speaker 1: of such trials? 194 00:12:16,480 --> 00:12:21,160 Speaker 4: Father, soften our hearts to repay the works of evil 195 00:12:21,220 --> 00:12:25,650 Speaker 4: with blessing. According to your perfect will, allow us to 196 00:12:25,850 --> 00:12:30,150 Speaker 4: lift up your holy name before the rulers and authorities 197 00:12:30,190 --> 00:12:30,910 Speaker 4: of this world. 198 00:12:31,370 --> 00:12:36,650 Speaker 1: What began as prayers of deliverance, muted into prayers of redemption. 199 00:12:37,210 --> 00:12:41,760 Speaker 1: Desperate hope that the Lord would use this for His glory. 200 00:12:42,620 --> 00:12:46,660 Speaker 1: Just as the mockers at Pentecost weren't His enemies, neither 201 00:12:46,990 --> 00:12:52,050 Speaker 1: were the religious leaders. They were hopelessly lost, clouded by 202 00:12:52,070 --> 00:12:55,910 Speaker 1: the wickedness of their hearts. But the light of Christ 203 00:12:56,410 --> 00:12:59,870 Speaker 1: could break the fog that clouded their minds like the 204 00:12:59,970 --> 00:13:04,480 Speaker 1: golden rays of the morning sun. Fighting off weariness with 205 00:13:04,520 --> 00:13:08,080 Speaker 1: the anticipation of seeing how the Lord would move, Peter 206 00:13:08,140 --> 00:13:13,640 Speaker 1: and John diligently prayed throughout the night. Shadows cast further 207 00:13:13,700 --> 00:13:17,900 Speaker 1: down the prison corridor were the apostles' first sign of dawn. 208 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:22,579 Speaker 1: They breathed slowly and cleared their minds. Even with their 209 00:13:22,620 --> 00:13:26,579 Speaker 1: lack of sleep, they maintained an alertness to their surroundings. 210 00:13:27,320 --> 00:13:31,079 Speaker 1: They heard footsteps clicking in the distance. They shuffled to 211 00:13:31,120 --> 00:13:35,410 Speaker 1: their feet, just as two guards rounded the corner. Unlocking 212 00:13:35,470 --> 00:13:37,910 Speaker 1: their cell, one of the guards grunted for the two 213 00:13:37,970 --> 00:13:41,620 Speaker 1: men to stretch out their hands. He bound them and 214 00:13:41,700 --> 00:13:45,660 Speaker 1: cocked his head, ordering them to follow him. Peter and 215 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:49,820 Speaker 1: John reluctantly obeyed as the other guard took up the rear. 216 00:13:50,679 --> 00:13:53,920 Speaker 1: The guards led them through the labyrinth of prison cells. 217 00:13:54,780 --> 00:13:58,699 Speaker 1: They stepped out onto the open street, fresh air filling 218 00:13:58,740 --> 00:14:02,520 Speaker 1: their lungs, as they shielded their eyes from the blinding sun. 219 00:14:03,220 --> 00:14:06,610 Speaker 1: Before their eyes could adjust, The guards tugged at their 220 00:14:06,710 --> 00:14:09,329 Speaker 1: chains and led them towards the temple. 221 00:14:09,820 --> 00:14:13,860 Speaker 3: Hurry up. We don't have all day. You fellows sure 222 00:14:13,940 --> 00:14:20,380 Speaker 3: set off the Sadducees. I haven't seen them that mad since, well. 223 00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:24,500 Speaker 1: The guard trailed off before finishing his thought. But the 224 00:14:24,560 --> 00:14:28,520 Speaker 1: apostles knew there was only one other person who had 225 00:14:28,760 --> 00:14:32,580 Speaker 1: angered their religious leaders like they had. They traveled the 226 00:14:32,620 --> 00:14:35,940 Speaker 1: rest of the way to the temple in silence. The 227 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:38,730 Speaker 1: guards led Peter and John up the steps of the 228 00:14:38,760 --> 00:14:42,790 Speaker 1: mount and wove through the crowds. They reached a stone 229 00:14:42,950 --> 00:14:46,530 Speaker 1: archway near the back of the temple grounds. Peter and 230 00:14:46,590 --> 00:14:50,930 Speaker 1: John stood just outside of it, staring into the mystery 231 00:14:51,510 --> 00:14:52,530 Speaker 1: of what lay beyond. 232 00:14:53,090 --> 00:14:55,000 Speaker 3: Come on now. In you go. 233 00:14:55,480 --> 00:14:59,780 Speaker 1: The apostles entered a large room, adorned with gold fixtures 234 00:15:00,080 --> 00:15:05,300 Speaker 1: and intricate tapestries along the towering walls. Two long tables 235 00:15:05,420 --> 00:15:09,520 Speaker 1: constructed of thick cedar wood sat menacingly at the far 236 00:15:09,620 --> 00:15:13,450 Speaker 1: end of the room. Between them stood a taller lectern. 237 00:15:14,230 --> 00:15:17,690 Speaker 1: Its surface had been naturally polished by years of priests 238 00:15:17,870 --> 00:15:23,930 Speaker 1: looming over religious proceedings. Behind the lectern sat the high priest, Annas. 239 00:15:24,850 --> 00:15:29,250 Speaker 1: Slightly lower and to his right sat Caiaphas, the same 240 00:15:29,310 --> 00:15:32,700 Speaker 1: man who resided as a high priest during Jesus' trials. 241 00:15:33,870 --> 00:15:36,650 Speaker 1: Other members of the high priest's family were scattered along 242 00:15:36,710 --> 00:15:40,620 Speaker 1: the length of the tables. Lingering in the shadows, they 243 00:15:40,680 --> 00:15:46,240 Speaker 1: spotted Ira. His eyes were red from crying. He cowered 244 00:15:46,720 --> 00:15:51,140 Speaker 1: in fear and confusion. Annas rapped sharply on his wooden 245 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:53,820 Speaker 1: throne and called forth the accused. 246 00:15:54,460 --> 00:15:57,120 Speaker 2: It has been brought to our attention that these two 247 00:15:57,260 --> 00:16:02,290 Speaker 2: men have performed inexplicable works on temple grounds. Do you 248 00:16:02,350 --> 00:16:03,870 Speaker 2: deny these claims? 249 00:16:04,630 --> 00:16:07,490 Speaker 3: No, sir. What you have heard is true. 250 00:16:08,290 --> 00:16:11,450 Speaker 1: Annas leaned forward in his seat and curled his fingers 251 00:16:11,510 --> 00:16:12,729 Speaker 1: atop the wooden podium. 252 00:16:13,370 --> 00:16:17,790 Speaker 2: Please enlighten us. By what power and in what name 253 00:16:17,950 --> 00:16:19,170 Speaker 2: did you do this? 254 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:24,240 Speaker 1: The group of religious elite had recently condemned Jesus to death, 255 00:16:25,180 --> 00:16:28,280 Speaker 1: and they wanted to know they had the same authority 256 00:16:28,560 --> 00:16:31,820 Speaker 1: to do the same to anyone who dared stand against them. 257 00:16:32,810 --> 00:16:35,830 Speaker 1: Peter drew in a breath so deep his lungs felt 258 00:16:35,930 --> 00:16:40,590 Speaker 1: like they might burst. Upon exhaling, he felt his anxiety 259 00:16:40,870 --> 00:16:45,150 Speaker 1: and fear flow out of him. He drew in again, 260 00:16:45,970 --> 00:16:51,410 Speaker 1: this time replacing the empty space with a supernatural boldness. 261 00:16:52,010 --> 00:16:55,590 Speaker 5: Rulers and elders of the people, if we are being 262 00:16:55,610 --> 00:16:58,670 Speaker 5: called to account today for an act of kindness shown 263 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:00,000 Speaker 5: to a man who was lame. 264 00:17:01,530 --> 00:17:05,270 Speaker 5: And are being asked how he was healed, then let 265 00:17:05,330 --> 00:17:08,700 Speaker 5: it be known to you and all Israel, it is 266 00:17:08,740 --> 00:17:12,640 Speaker 5: by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, 267 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:16,040 Speaker 5: but whom God raised from the dead, that this man 268 00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:17,780 Speaker 5: now stands before you healed. 269 00:17:18,300 --> 00:17:22,290 Speaker 1: The mere mention of the name of Jesus rattled their bones. 270 00:17:23,470 --> 00:17:26,950 Speaker 1: Caiaphas opened his mouth to utter a retort, but Peter 271 00:17:27,010 --> 00:17:28,590 Speaker 1: gave him no such luxury. 272 00:17:30,750 --> 00:17:35,710 Speaker 5: You builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is 273 00:17:35,770 --> 00:17:38,700 Speaker 5: found in no one else, for there is no other 274 00:17:38,760 --> 00:17:42,000 Speaker 5: name under heaven given to mankind by which man may 275 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:42,600 Speaker 5: be saved. 276 00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:46,899 Speaker 1: A silent pause lingered in the air. They ordered the 277 00:17:46,940 --> 00:17:49,840 Speaker 1: temple guards to remove Peter, John, and Ira from the 278 00:17:49,880 --> 00:17:52,820 Speaker 1: room and began muttering amongst themselves. 279 00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:58,050 Speaker 2: Are not these uneducated men? I was told they were tradesmen, 280 00:17:58,609 --> 00:18:02,869 Speaker 2: fishermen from Capernaum. How do they speak with such courage 281 00:18:02,930 --> 00:18:04,129 Speaker 2: while bound before us? 282 00:18:04,850 --> 00:18:11,910 Speaker 3: There is one explanation. If they are indeed fishermen from Galilee, 283 00:18:12,350 --> 00:18:16,200 Speaker 3: as you say, it is all too likely that they 284 00:18:16,500 --> 00:18:26,179 Speaker 3: are his disciples. They undoubtedly followed the so-called rabbi before 285 00:18:26,260 --> 00:18:27,310 Speaker 3: we dealt with him. 286 00:18:28,210 --> 00:18:31,520 Speaker 2: As true as that might be, the man whom the 287 00:18:31,580 --> 00:18:34,540 Speaker 2: crowds know to have been lame stands before us on 288 00:18:34,580 --> 00:18:38,899 Speaker 2: his own two feet. On what possible grounds could we 289 00:18:38,940 --> 00:18:42,790 Speaker 2: deny that? What can we possibly do to these men 290 00:18:43,140 --> 00:18:46,129 Speaker 2: that wouldn't have half of Jerusalem beating down our doors 291 00:18:46,190 --> 00:18:46,710 Speaker 2: in revolt? 292 00:18:47,650 --> 00:18:50,830 Speaker 3: Their teacher didn't have the wits about him to heed 293 00:18:50,970 --> 00:18:56,760 Speaker 3: our warnings, but... Perhaps his followers have learned better without 294 00:18:56,780 --> 00:19:01,860 Speaker 3: his constant hand-holding. Guards! Bring them back in! 295 00:19:02,340 --> 00:19:06,120 Speaker 1: Caiaphas pounded on the table, rattling the cups of wine 296 00:19:06,260 --> 00:19:08,920 Speaker 1: set out for them. He took a sip to satiate 297 00:19:08,940 --> 00:19:13,199 Speaker 1: his parched lips and settle his tempered mind. Peter and 298 00:19:13,280 --> 00:19:16,690 Speaker 1: John took dignified steps back to the center of the room. 299 00:19:17,490 --> 00:19:21,270 Speaker 1: Their continued brazen confidence riled the leaders. 300 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:26,119 Speaker 2: In light of some undeniable evidence, we have decided that 301 00:19:26,160 --> 00:19:30,380 Speaker 2: you may go free. However, whatever you do, you must 302 00:19:30,500 --> 00:19:34,879 Speaker 2: cease from speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus 303 00:19:34,980 --> 00:19:38,400 Speaker 2: of Nazareth. Do you agree with these conditions? 304 00:19:39,160 --> 00:19:41,820 Speaker 1: John shook the chains dangling from his wrists. 305 00:19:42,580 --> 00:19:45,040 Speaker 4: Which is right in God's eyes, to listen to you 306 00:19:45,480 --> 00:19:45,980 Speaker 4: or to him? 307 00:19:46,619 --> 00:19:51,120 Speaker 1: No one dared respond to John's hypothetical question. For once, 308 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:54,520 Speaker 1: they were on the springing end of the same types 309 00:19:54,600 --> 00:19:57,500 Speaker 1: of traps they had tried to use against Jesus. 310 00:19:57,960 --> 00:20:02,800 Speaker 4: You be the judges. As for us, we cannot help 311 00:20:03,260 --> 00:20:05,300 Speaker 4: but speak about what we've. 312 00:20:05,280 --> 00:20:06,640 Speaker 2: Seen and heard. 313 00:20:07,290 --> 00:20:10,460 Speaker 1: Caiaphas kicked his chair back. and erupted to his feet. 314 00:20:11,220 --> 00:20:13,260 Speaker 1: He had had enough of their rebellion. 315 00:20:13,740 --> 00:20:17,520 Speaker 3: We don't need your permission to judge here, for the 316 00:20:17,580 --> 00:20:21,480 Speaker 3: Lord has appointed us to our roles. What can you 317 00:20:21,619 --> 00:20:28,020 Speaker 3: say of yourselves? You're nothing more than a few washed-up fishermen. 318 00:20:28,840 --> 00:20:31,680 Speaker 3: Perhaps you'd like another night in prison. 319 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:35,900 Speaker 1: The other members of the table chanted in approval. Despite 320 00:20:35,980 --> 00:20:39,379 Speaker 1: their best efforts, Peter could see their threats were made 321 00:20:39,530 --> 00:20:41,990 Speaker 1: out of desperation more than anything else. 322 00:20:42,810 --> 00:20:45,629 Speaker 5: You think a night in prison could shake us of 323 00:20:45,730 --> 00:20:49,709 Speaker 5: our hope? There is one reason for our hope, and 324 00:20:49,770 --> 00:20:53,280 Speaker 5: that is the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing 325 00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:55,380 Speaker 5: you can do that could rob us of that. 326 00:20:56,080 --> 00:21:00,580 Speaker 1: The priest reasoned with themselves, but found nothing beyond empty threats. 327 00:21:01,500 --> 00:21:04,480 Speaker 1: They knew any decision they made would receive the scrutiny 328 00:21:04,660 --> 00:21:09,040 Speaker 1: of the people. Unwilling to admit defeat, they released the 329 00:21:09,100 --> 00:21:14,240 Speaker 1: apostles with reluctance. They had lost this battle. But as 330 00:21:14,270 --> 00:21:18,110 Speaker 1: they watched the apostles leave the temple, they were determined 331 00:21:18,810 --> 00:21:19,970 Speaker 1: to win the war. 332 00:21:27,050 --> 00:21:27,550 Speaker 2: Picture this. 333 00:21:27,869 --> 00:21:30,270 Speaker 6: Peter and John are speaking to a crowd and the 334 00:21:30,310 --> 00:21:33,190 Speaker 6: temple police, led by the captain of the temple, along 335 00:21:33,210 --> 00:21:36,070 Speaker 6: with the priests and Sadducees, storm in like they're about 336 00:21:36,109 --> 00:21:39,240 Speaker 6: to break up a rock concert. They're shouting, enough of this, 337 00:21:39,320 --> 00:21:42,040 Speaker 6: and suddenly Peter and John are grabbed, roughed up, and 338 00:21:42,100 --> 00:21:43,440 Speaker 6: thrown into jail overnight. 339 00:21:43,980 --> 00:21:44,220 Speaker 4: Why? 340 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:47,639 Speaker 6: Because they're teaching about Jesus and resurrection, two things that 341 00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:50,540 Speaker 6: the Sadducees in particular, who didn't believe in the afterlife, 342 00:21:50,900 --> 00:21:54,199 Speaker 6: found particularly offensive. It was kind of a double whammy 343 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:57,530 Speaker 6: for the Sadducees. Not only did Jesus, when he was alive, 344 00:21:57,609 --> 00:22:00,240 Speaker 6: pose a threat to their power and their influence, But 345 00:22:00,260 --> 00:22:02,740 Speaker 6: the Sadducees also really state a claim in the denial 346 00:22:02,780 --> 00:22:05,540 Speaker 6: of angels and the resurrection. And the whole story of 347 00:22:05,590 --> 00:22:08,490 Speaker 6: the gospel requires a lot about angels and a lot 348 00:22:08,530 --> 00:22:12,070 Speaker 6: about the resurrection. Yet despite the aggressive crackdown from the 349 00:22:12,150 --> 00:22:15,150 Speaker 6: man at the temple, Luke tells us that the number 350 00:22:15,190 --> 00:22:19,750 Speaker 6: of believers grew to about 5,000. Isn't that incredible? The 351 00:22:19,830 --> 00:22:23,680 Speaker 6: opposition couldn't stop the gospel. It only fueled the fire. Friends, 352 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:28,020 Speaker 6: it turns out the gospel isn't intimidated by threats. If anything, 353 00:22:28,080 --> 00:22:31,700 Speaker 6: it thrives under pressure. The next day, Peter and John 354 00:22:31,740 --> 00:22:34,720 Speaker 6: are dragged before the Sanhedrin. This is the same court 355 00:22:34,760 --> 00:22:38,619 Speaker 6: that condemned Jesus to death. And talk about intimidating. It 356 00:22:38,660 --> 00:22:41,180 Speaker 6: was the rulers, the elders, the scribes, and the who's 357 00:22:41,220 --> 00:22:45,679 Speaker 6: who of the religious elite. Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and 358 00:22:45,770 --> 00:22:48,830 Speaker 6: a bunch of others are all there. It's like standing 359 00:22:48,890 --> 00:22:52,270 Speaker 6: before the Supreme Court, Congress, and your crankiest professor all 360 00:22:52,310 --> 00:22:56,210 Speaker 6: at once. They demand and question Peter and John and ask, 361 00:22:56,250 --> 00:22:58,690 Speaker 6: by what power or by what name have you done this? 362 00:22:59,190 --> 00:23:01,850 Speaker 6: It's a loaded question, but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, 363 00:23:01,890 --> 00:23:04,450 Speaker 6: doesn't flinch at all. He says, rulers of the people 364 00:23:04,490 --> 00:23:07,189 Speaker 6: and elders of Israel, if we are being judged for 365 00:23:07,230 --> 00:23:09,560 Speaker 6: a good deed done to a helpless man, let it 366 00:23:09,600 --> 00:23:12,199 Speaker 6: be known that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 367 00:23:12,380 --> 00:23:15,440 Speaker 6: whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by 368 00:23:15,580 --> 00:23:18,700 Speaker 6: him this man stands before you whole. Did you catch that? 369 00:23:19,140 --> 00:23:23,560 Speaker 6: Peter doesn't sugarcoat it. He calls them out, whom you crucified. 370 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:24,360 Speaker 1: Ouch. 371 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,840 Speaker 6: And then he pivots to the resurrection, whom God raised 372 00:23:27,880 --> 00:23:30,450 Speaker 6: from the dead. Double ouch for the Sadducees who didn't 373 00:23:30,490 --> 00:23:33,890 Speaker 6: believe in the resurrection. Peter is saying, the Jesus you 374 00:23:33,950 --> 00:23:36,830 Speaker 6: thought you buried is alive and well. Thank you very much. 375 00:23:37,410 --> 00:23:40,170 Speaker 6: And then comes the climax. Peter said, nor is there 376 00:23:40,210 --> 00:23:43,560 Speaker 6: salvation in any other, for there is no other name 377 00:23:43,630 --> 00:23:48,159 Speaker 6: under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Friends, 378 00:23:48,400 --> 00:23:51,399 Speaker 6: this is where Peter goes from preaching to meddling and 379 00:23:51,480 --> 00:23:54,440 Speaker 6: poking the bear. The religious leaders probably would have been 380 00:23:54,500 --> 00:23:56,760 Speaker 6: content with Peter by saying, hey, we want to live 381 00:23:56,800 --> 00:23:59,980 Speaker 6: by Jesus's teachings of kindness and compassion and giving to 382 00:24:00,020 --> 00:24:03,080 Speaker 6: the poor. Is that okay with you? We're harmless. But 383 00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:06,480 Speaker 6: Peter declares that Jesus is the way and there is 384 00:24:06,660 --> 00:24:10,360 Speaker 6: no other name by which you can be saved. That's bold, 385 00:24:10,740 --> 00:24:13,260 Speaker 6: but that's also the gospel. Many of us want to 386 00:24:13,320 --> 00:24:16,010 Speaker 6: sugarcoat our faith. When we're faced with opposition, we want 387 00:24:16,050 --> 00:24:18,850 Speaker 6: to say, well, Jesus is a really good teacher or, well, 388 00:24:18,880 --> 00:24:21,149 Speaker 6: I live by the teachings of Jesus, which is love 389 00:24:21,210 --> 00:24:23,720 Speaker 6: and compassion. And that's all true. We want to live 390 00:24:23,760 --> 00:24:25,770 Speaker 6: by the teachings of Jesus. We want to mimic the 391 00:24:25,810 --> 00:24:30,210 Speaker 6: character of Jesus. But we can't shave off the sharp 392 00:24:30,470 --> 00:24:33,310 Speaker 6: edges of the gospel just to please people or just 393 00:24:33,350 --> 00:24:36,570 Speaker 6: to be accepted by the world. Today we often hear, 394 00:24:36,930 --> 00:24:39,470 Speaker 6: all roads lead to God. But Peter stands in stark 395 00:24:39,530 --> 00:24:43,419 Speaker 6: contrast and says, no, there's one road, there's one name, 396 00:24:43,560 --> 00:24:47,320 Speaker 6: there's one Savior, Jesus Christ. And you can imagine the 397 00:24:47,359 --> 00:24:50,940 Speaker 6: religious leaders' faces turning redder than a ripe tomato. They 398 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:55,980 Speaker 6: hate the message. But they can't deny the miracle. Now 399 00:24:56,020 --> 00:24:58,359 Speaker 6: the religious leaders are stuck. They take a look at 400 00:24:58,380 --> 00:25:01,860 Speaker 6: Peter and John. They see their boldness. But then they 401 00:25:01,900 --> 00:25:06,080 Speaker 6: realize that they're uneducated and untrained men. They're fishermen, not scholars. 402 00:25:06,460 --> 00:25:09,360 Speaker 6: Yet they speak with a clarity and conviction that stuns 403 00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:12,619 Speaker 6: their audience. And here's the kicker. They realize that they 404 00:25:12,640 --> 00:25:15,399 Speaker 6: had been with Jesus. That's a key quote in the 405 00:25:15,420 --> 00:25:18,100 Speaker 6: book of Acts. Friends, I want that to sink in. 406 00:25:18,619 --> 00:25:22,350 Speaker 6: These men were ordinary by profession and by lifestyle. but 407 00:25:22,390 --> 00:25:26,170 Speaker 6: they were extraordinary because they had been with Jesus. Wouldn't 408 00:25:26,210 --> 00:25:28,669 Speaker 6: it be amazing if people said the same about us today? 409 00:25:29,109 --> 00:25:31,129 Speaker 6: Not because we were highly educated or we had all 410 00:25:31,170 --> 00:25:35,170 Speaker 6: the answers or we were super eloquent and charismatic and well-studied, 411 00:25:35,630 --> 00:25:39,800 Speaker 6: but because it's clear we've spent time with Jesus. Boldness 412 00:25:39,900 --> 00:25:44,060 Speaker 6: isn't about personality. It's about proximity to Christ. The more 413 00:25:44,119 --> 00:25:46,660 Speaker 6: time you spend with Jesus, the more his boldness rubs 414 00:25:46,760 --> 00:25:49,760 Speaker 6: off on you. The leaders, seeing the healed man standing 415 00:25:49,820 --> 00:25:52,020 Speaker 6: right there, had no choice but to let them go. 416 00:25:52,650 --> 00:25:55,909 Speaker 6: But not before issuing a command. Do not speak at 417 00:25:56,170 --> 00:25:59,230 Speaker 6: all nor teach the name of Jesus was their command. 418 00:26:00,280 --> 00:26:04,179 Speaker 6: And Peter and John's response was classic. Whether it is 419 00:26:04,320 --> 00:26:06,320 Speaker 6: right in the sight of God to listen to you 420 00:26:06,400 --> 00:26:08,940 Speaker 6: more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but 421 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:11,260 Speaker 6: speak the things which we have seen and heard. 422 00:26:11,820 --> 00:26:12,440 Speaker 4: What boldness. 423 00:26:12,640 --> 00:26:15,460 Speaker 6: They essentially say, we'd love to obey you, but God 424 00:26:15,500 --> 00:26:19,050 Speaker 6: outranks you. This is civil disobedience at its finest, folks. 425 00:26:19,430 --> 00:26:22,090 Speaker 6: When the government or any authority commands us to do 426 00:26:22,109 --> 00:26:25,820 Speaker 6: what God forbids or forbids what God commands, we have 427 00:26:25,840 --> 00:26:29,940 Speaker 6: to obey God. There's no negotiating about it. There's no compromise. 428 00:26:30,280 --> 00:26:33,139 Speaker 6: Jesus outranks the principal of a school. Jesus outranks the 429 00:26:33,180 --> 00:26:36,619 Speaker 6: city council. Jesus outranks even the president of the United States. 430 00:26:37,660 --> 00:26:39,760 Speaker 6: So what about us? Are we willing to be bold 431 00:26:39,800 --> 00:26:41,850 Speaker 6: like Peter and John? Are we willing to speak the 432 00:26:41,890 --> 00:26:44,649 Speaker 6: name of Jesus even when it's unpopular, even when it 433 00:26:44,690 --> 00:26:48,840 Speaker 6: costs us something? Remember, boldness isn't about brashness. It's not 434 00:26:48,880 --> 00:26:51,480 Speaker 6: about arrogance. You see, Peter had to let go of 435 00:26:51,520 --> 00:26:53,600 Speaker 6: the sword and the pride that came with it a 436 00:26:53,619 --> 00:26:56,870 Speaker 6: long time ago. It's not about being obnoxious. It's about 437 00:26:56,900 --> 00:27:00,570 Speaker 6: being so convinced of who Jesus is that silence isn't 438 00:27:00,630 --> 00:27:03,770 Speaker 6: an option. Let's be a church that's known not for 439 00:27:03,790 --> 00:27:07,050 Speaker 6: its programs or its buildings, but for its boldness. A 440 00:27:07,090 --> 00:27:10,330 Speaker 6: church where people can say they've been with Jesus. Because 441 00:27:10,710 --> 00:27:12,750 Speaker 6: when we have been with Jesus, we cannot help but 442 00:27:12,850 --> 00:27:16,220 Speaker 6: speak of what we've seen and what we've heard. Thanks 443 00:27:16,260 --> 00:27:19,250 Speaker 6: again for joining us on the Jesus Podcast. You already 444 00:27:19,270 --> 00:27:21,470 Speaker 6: know what to do. Leave a review if this podcast 445 00:27:21,490 --> 00:27:23,699 Speaker 6: has transformed you in any way and share it with 446 00:27:23,760 --> 00:27:26,480 Speaker 6: a friend so that they can also be impacted by 447 00:27:26,510 --> 00:27:27,850 Speaker 6: the power of Jesus.