"What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is manifest to all inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it". Acts 4:16.

It is with these words of the rulers of Jerusalem I welcome you to my weekly sermon on Celestial Church Blog. How has been your week? The text for the week is Acts 4: 12-22. The topic is "Notable Sign"

The topic is an extension of the miracle that the Lord used Peter and John to accomplished in chapter three of Acts. (The lame at the beautiful gate). Peter and John were arrested after the miracle. They were put in detention till the following day. Authorities in Jerusalem gathered the following morning to discuss the case of Peter and John. Acts 4:6-7.

Missionary activities and the miracles of God through the apostles had made them popular and accepted by many people. The original motive of the rulers of Jerusalem for setting Peter and John in their midst was to enquire of the power and the name by which the miracle was done, punish the apostles severely for converting people to a new religion and forbid them completely at teaching or performing miracle with such powerful name.

Brethren, we can deduce the following facts from the experience of Peter and John after they healed the lame at the beautiful gate. The facts are also lessons for us to learn.

1. The authorities in Jerusalem were grieved that they (the Apostles) taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 4:1-2.

2. Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel. Acts 4:3.

3. The apostles had converted up to five thousand men before they were arrested. The knowledge of the large number of people already converted and always with Peter and John discouraged the rulers concerning the severe punishment the rulers hae planned for them. Acts 4:4.

4. Peter confessed to the capacity of the Holy Spirit and the power in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 4:8,10.

5. The apostles were so committed to Jesus Christ that the rulers could took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus Christ. Acts 4:14. How about you?

6. The lame that was healed was a strong witness for Peter and John. He was with them always. Thus, the rulers could not deny the reality of the miracle. Acts 4:14.

7. Despite the notable sign or miracle, the rulers still threaten (fake, verbal treat) that the apostles should not teach with the name again. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Acts 4:18-19.

Shalom

Bro. Enigbokan Omosehin
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