When they had brought them, they had them stand before the Council. The high priest interrogated them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Have you ever seen someone change their story depending on the person they are talking to? For one audience they might add more detail, for another they may share only the highlights, for another they may feel too nervous to share at all. A lot of times, we do this when we share our faith. With one person we may be more scripted; with another, we may feel freer to go in-depth not only about our testimony but also regarding what the Bible says about what Jesus has done for us; for another, we may be too nervous to share at all. When we see the apostles in this passage and countless others, their testimony was consistent. Whether teaching in front of people who were amazed by them or testifying in front of people who wanted to persecute them, their passion and clarity in the gospel message were the same. They shared about Jesus and how He had changed their lives.
As we follow Jesus, sharing His goodness and the gospel with others, He will equip us to share with this same consistency and clarity. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident in the gospel by which we have come to faith ourselves. The Holy Spirit will go before us to convict, and we are encouraged that we never have to change the gospel message for anyone. God’s truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever and is relevant for every person.
Can you relate to the confidence the apostles had in the gospel? Why or why not?
When was the last time you shared the gospel?
Who is someone you can practice sharing with to remind yourself of the power of this consistent message?
Pray to God to grow your confidence and passion for the gospel.
