GOD IS WITH THEM

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

 

We see in Acts 4 that as Peter and John stood waiting for judgment to be pronounced, the man who had just been healed stood with them. There, in flesh and blood, was living proof that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Now, as the synagogue rulers looked on, “beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it” (Acts 4:14).

 

What did Peter and John do when they were released? “They went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them” (4:23). The saints in Jerusalem rejoiced with the two disciples. Then they prayed, “Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus” (4: 29–30). They were praying, “God, thank you for the boldness you’ve given our brothers. But we know this is just the beginning. Please, keep us all bold to speak with holy assurance. And provide visible evidence that you are with us.”

 

No doubt, Peter and John had seen the look of resignation on the high priest’s face when he realized they’d been with Jesus. Peter must have winked at John and said, “If they only knew. They only remember that we were with Jesus weeks ago. They don’t realize we’ve been with the resurrected Master ever since. We were just with him, in the Upper Room. Then this morning we were with him as we prayed in our cell. And as soon as we get out of here, we’re going to meet him again.”

 

That’s what happens with men and women who spend time with Jesus. When they come away from their time with Christ, he’s with them wherever they go.