WHEN faced with threats and persecution, the disciples did not waver in their mission to proclaim the Gospel. Instead, they focused more on their commitment to witness for Christ.
In Acts 4:18–20, after being commanded by the authorities to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, Peter and John boldly replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Their unwavering determination to share the good news serves as an example of the priority that witnessing for Christ should hold in our lives.
As faithful children of God, we should choose obedience over fear. The disciples’ courage was rooted in their obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19–20: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” They understood that their primary allegiance was to God, not to human authorities. Acts 5:29 reinforces this principle when Peter and the apostles declared:
“We must obey God rather than human beings!”
The disciples’ love for Christ far outweighed their fear of persecution, if they had any fear at all. This love compelled them to insist on their God-given right to preach the Gospel, even when faced with imprisonment or death. They were not rebellious for rebellion’s sake; their boldness stemmed from a deep conviction that the message of salvation was too important to suppress.
In today’s world, we may not face the same level of persecution as the early disciples, but the challenges of witnessing remain. In a culture that often views Christian beliefs as outdated or intolerant, it can be tempting to stay silent. Yet, just as Peter and John proclaimed the truth fearlessly, we are called to stand firm and share the hope of Christ with others. For example, if you are in an environment or institution where Christian beliefs are often ridiculed, you can start a Bible study group, sharing the Gospel with peers who might never have heard it otherwise. This will take courage, which stems from a deep love for Christ, just as it did for the apostles.
Another possibility is open-air preaching in countries where sharing the Gospel is restricted. Even under the threat of imprisonment, you can continue to proclaim Christ because you, like the disciples, “cannot help speaking about what (you) have seen and heard.”
Witnessing is not just a task; it is a privilege and a response to God’s love. We must never grow so accustomed to God’s blessings that we no longer feel compelled to share them. The early disciples remind us that witnessing flows naturally from a heart overwhelmed by the goodness of God.
Have you been hesitating to witness for Christ? Take courage from Peter and John’s example. Pray for boldness, and seize every opportunity to share the Gospel, knowing that obedience to God’s call is always worth the cost. Commit anew to making Christ known, trusting that He will use your efforts to bring others into His kingdom.
TO BE CONTINUED.
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