May the mumbling commence!
Chapter four of Acts is wonderful! There are at least two quotations from the Apostle Peter that are some of the most often quoted in Christian circles. Sometimes people quote these sentences with tact. Sometimes people quote these sentences like they are using them as a bludgeon – and misusing them in my opinion. Here are the quotes from Acts four:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Verse 12)
This quote of course refers to the name of Jesus the Christ.
"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Verses 19b-20)
Peter and John would not be discouraged by the orders of the Jewish leadership of the day. They would continue to heal and to preach and to teach in the name of Christ. When Christians use these words from the position of power, Christian must be careful how they use them. We need to remember the context of these words.
These statements came from a position of little or no power (in human terms). Peter and John were called on the carpet by those with power to rule. Neither were Peter and John well-schooled. They were ordinary fishermen, who were under the tutelage of Jesus. The powers that be recognized that Peter spoke well. These powerful men recognized their position. They knew that a healing had happened that could not be denied. So they ordered Peter and John not to preach or heal or teach in that name anymore. They would not even say the name of Jesus. These men ordered Peter and John from a position of power.
These powerful statements are not meant to be used to coerce or cajole or force people to accept Jesus. Baptism under the threat of death or bodily harm is no baptism at all. These statements are not to be used against people who are vulnerable to us. Jesus’ statement in John – “I am the Way and the Truth and the Light.” – has been similarly abused. This statement was also given from a position of vulnerability. Christ Jesus spoke these words to his disciples just before his trial and execution. How can we see these words in any other way?
And, if and when you and I find ourselves in a place of vulnerability, we can take heart. We can stand our ground. We can say these words with utter conviction and authority. Because God has our back when we act, pray, and speak for the sake of Jesus. God has our back when we follow Jesus to those places of personal and corporate vulnerability. Yes, God has our back when we live for him. Read from Acts chapter four again:
Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Verses 27-31)
May God bless the reading of your Word in its context, through the prophetic eyes of Jesus, and in Christian community! Amen. So be it.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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