Reporting What They Had Seen - Peter And John

They called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:18-20

Years ago, people attending training sessions for the Billy Graham crusade in Detroit, Michigan, were asked the question, What is your greatest hindrance to witnessing? The respondents gave several reasons for their lack of personal evangelism, but the number one hindrance by far was fear. More than half of the people said that they were afraid of how others would react if they were to tell them about Jesus.

Peter and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples during his earthly ministry, didn’t have that problem. They had heard exceptional preaching and teaching. They had seen impressive miracles—demons cast out, the sick healed, the dead raised, storms calmed. And, of course, they had seen the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus.

They had heard Jesus say, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15).

Seeing and hearing all these things had lit a fire of passion within them to tell others all about it.

Peter and John spoke respectfully, even humbly, to the religious authorities who had thrown them into prison for preaching the gospel. Because of what they had seen and heard, they continued to give a clear and unequivocal message: “No matter what you do to us, we can’t stop preaching; however you threaten us, we won’t stop preaching.”

After what they had seen and heard, there was no way they could stop.

What keeps you from telling your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members about Jesus today?

One of the great privileges of following Jesus is the opportunity of telling those around you about him—what he has done for you and what he can do for them. Use the opportunities you are given to share your faith with those God has placed in your life.