adminRead Acts 4:1-31
Background:
The account in chapter 4 informs us that the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees arrested Peter and John (4:3). This arrest took place because those people were disturbed by the fact that Peter and John healed the lame man at the beautiful gate (3:1-10) and that they preached in affirmation, saying it was the power and name of Jesus Christ, the crucified, that the man was healed. Peter then advised all the listeners to repent of their sins, so that this Jesus may bring them times of refreshing (3:11-26)
With this information, we can all agree that Peter and John were only doing the Lord’s bidding: healing and delivering people from various troubles, and sharing the good news with them – in the name of Jesus.
However, it seems that no matter how holy, powerful, or great a person is, or what good they are doing, hatred, jealousy, and persecution can still arise.
Well, they later had to release Peter and John because the arrest was baseless and would bring embarrassment to them. However, they strictly warned and commanded these disciples never to preach in the name of this Jesus anymore (4:13-18).
Text – Acts 4:23-24 & 29-31
[23] “And being let go, they went to their own companions[this is the subject matter today] and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
[24] So when they [the companion, church people] heard that, they raised their voice to God [PRAYED] with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,” Acts 4:23-24 NKJV
[29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.“ Acts 4:29-31 NKJV
The question is, what do we do when such persecution arises?
Answer: We need a company/companion/fellowship to whom we can report our challenges and pain. May we not be alone, in Jesus’ name. This is what I mean by CONNECTING for REJUVENATION. Eccl. 4:9-10 says “two are better than one…”
We need a company or companion who, when we connect with them, can take our situation to God, who knows all things and has power over all situations, and who can assist in times of such difficulties. Hebrews 10:25 counsels us not to forsake the company of believers.
Rejuvenation, in this context, means quickening, encouragement, and being brought back to life and hope. It is to restore one to freshness and renewed energy to keep going. See the prayer that the companions said in verses 29 and 30, saying, [29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Why do we need spiritual rejuvenation?
Stress, fear, depression, rejection, persecution, or discouragement that occur while we are serving God faithfully (Acts 4:1-7; 4:24-29). True worshipers of God are persecuted and threatened at times, and all sorts of anti-Jesus comments and issues arise.
For consideration and understanding, let’s raise a few mind-probing questions that require sincere answers, so that we can experience rejuvenation in times of distress.
- What is a company/companion?
- Do you have a company?
- Who is in your company? Gossipers, backbiters, discouragers, mockers, etc.? Or are they prayer warriors, positive-minded people, ones who believe there is nothing that God cannot do, etc.? – (Acts 2:44-47; 12:1-12).
- Are they ones you can discuss your deepest concerns with? In other words, can you CONNECT with them for a solution?
- Does your company feel your pain?
- When they hear your concerns, what steps do they take?
- Has your company ever helped you to take your concerns to God in prayers?
Brethren, we need those who can connect us for rejuvenation. We need those who can help us get back on our feet.
Brethren, we, as Christians, need always to be ready to connect people to rejuvenation.
When Peter and John were threatened, they could have possibly given up if they didn’t have some people to connect with, those who would pray for them for boldness, utterance, and grace for more headlines, sums, and wonders (4:29-30).
- Prayer is the key to spiritual rejuvenation and upliftment.
- The Holy Spirit is another key to spiritual upliftment – see verse 31.
- One accord is another key – 5:12-16 God did many more miracles through them.
I read the work of Caleb Bunch, who wrote about praying like the apostles. He said we should:
- “Pray corporately, not just privately
- Pray immediately, not turning to other things first
- Pray the scripture, not just your own thoughts
- Pray boldness, not just deliverance
- Pray expectantly, not doubting God’s ability
- Pray for someone, not just for something.”
Prayers:
- Lord, since I cannot be an island as a Christian, expose me to the right people/company/companion who will encourage and bring me back to life when life’s ordeals threaten me. Sometimes, our children are faced with the threat of substance abuse, who to marry, what school to attend, social pressure of different kinds, etc. They need to connect with the right company that will not derail them. Commit this to prayer.
- Lord, make our churches safe and open places where we can table our issues and be connected with rejuvenation.
- Pray, intercede for all ministers nowadays who are facing the threat of the need to please men rather than God; threat of burnout; marital difficulties; membership challenges, health problems, antagonism from other religions, etc., that God will raise intercessors for them, rescue them from abductors and kidnappers, and embolden them to keep going.
- Disconnect me from any association or company to which I am presently connected, who will only mock and discourage me when I face threats in life.
- Lord, since other people will need to connect with me for rejuvenation, empower me to meet their needs and encourage them. Let me always start with prayers when issues are brought to me (24)
- Lord, give me the readiness and fill me with the power of your Spirit to rejuvenate others when called upon. See Acts 12:5-8, where the church prayed for Peter, and the Holy Spirit released him from prison.
Prayers
- Lord, thank you for those you have connected me with and will connect me with. Thanks, you will never leave me without companions.
- Thanks for giving me your Holy Spirit, the best companion for rejuvenation. The Bible says, “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
- Lord, yes, I’m your child, but please remove the spirit of isolation, pride, and self-focus from me, so I may learn to reach out for help in times of physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and other needs. – Proverbs 18:1
- Every cohort formed to hinder me from fulfilling purpose, Lord, render it powerless.
- Lord, disgrace all powers that mean to stop my household members from progressing.
- Lord, regardless of any form of threat, give me the boldness to stand and prevail.
