Strength in Numbers

By Pamela Rose Williams

“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)

As recorded by Luke in this passage of Acts, Peter (John with him) was the preacher here.  He was addressing theHigh priests and many others in Jerusalem (vs. 6).  And this was in response to them asking him by whose authority did they speak so boldly.

I love what the following verses give us; evidence of the power of the Word of God:

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. (Acts 4:13-14)

Even so as you continue on down you read that Peter and John were commanded to NOT speak the or teach in the name of Jesus.  Well being filled with the Holy Ghost, Peter and John told the High Priest that they would not keep silent for it was all that they knew to speak of the things that they have seen and heard.  And the response from the authorities was:

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. (Acts 4:21)

They were afraid of the multitude.  So was the strength in the numbers … I think not!  I believe the “power and strength” was the Holy Ghost!  Praise God for that.

Things to Think About and Do

1. Have you openly professed your belief in Jesus? If not, maybe today is the day that you share your faith with someone who has no idea that you are a Christian and no idea who Jesus is. If you live in the USA it is okay to do this at your place of employment, just be sure you are doing it on your own time (like a break) and not while you should be giving your time to your employer.
2. Find another place in the Bible where it speaks of believers being thrown into jail or even killed for their faith.
3. If you were told that you must worship someone or something other than the One True God or be killed what would you do?