Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm.
Question of the Day: How can others tell you are committed to Jesus?
Read about It
Read: Acts 4:12–21
Standing before the council, Peter and John spoke boldly about who Jesus was. The leaders had asked what happened (Acts 3:1–8), but they were amazed by the boldness of Peter and John. They knew that Peter and John were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They recognized that Peter and John had spent time as Jesus’ disciples.
Even more amazing, the healed man was standing right in front of them. Since they couldn’t argue with the evidence, they let Peter and John go and told them never to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. This was a moment of decision for Peter and John. They chose to stand up for Jesus. They refused to stop telling people about Jesus. Everyone praised God for what He had done through these two committed disciples who took a stand for Jesus.
The Jewish leaders could tell that Peter and John were committed to Jesus. They stood boldly and spoke powerfully about Jesus. We can too! Our testimony about what Jesus has done for us declares that Jesus is our Savior. We show our love for Him when we are faithful in going to church and reading our Bible. Like Peter and John, when we boldly tell others about Jesus, our life draws others to Jesus and the good news He brings.
Talk about It
Question 1. What did Peter and John do when they were told to keep quiet about Jesus?
Answer 1. They refused. (Acts 4:19–20)
Question 2. Why were the members of the council amazed?
Answer 2. Because of Peter and John’s boldness since they had no special training in the Scriptures (Acts 4:13)
Question 3. How did Peter and John show their commitment to Jesus?
Answer 3. They refused to obey the council and continued to tell others about Jesus. (Acts 4:20)
Question 4. Why did the council let the disciples go?
Answer 4. They couldn’t punish them without starting a riot. (Acts 4:21)
Question 5. How can others tell you are committed to Jesus?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, let the words of my mouth and my actions show others that I am following You. I am committed to You. I pray for opportunities to take a stand for You. Let me speak boldly and tell others about You. I love You, Jesus! Amen.