Chapter 6: At the Temple Gate

Chapter 6: At the Temple Gate 

A short time after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and immediately after a season of earnest prayer, Peter and John, going up to the temple to worship, saw at the gate a cripple, forty years of age, whose life, from his birth, had been one of pain and infirmity.
--The disciples regarded him compassionately, and Peter said, "Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none." As Peter thus declared his poverty, the countenance of the cripple fell; but it grew bright with hope as the apostle continued, "But such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God." Acts 3:3-8.

*When the disciples saw the amazement of the people,... The apostles spoke plainly....Peter said, 

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come 

from the presence of the Lord." 

Acts 3:19.

--After Christ's resurrection the priests had spread far and near the lying report that His body had been stolen by the disciples while the Roman guard slept. 

It is not surprising that they were displeased when they hear Peter

and John preaching the resurrection of the One they had murdered. The Sadducees especially were greatly aroused. They felt that their most cherished doctrine [Their Doctrine of no Resurrection of the Dead] was in danger, and their reputation at stake. 

--The malignity of their rebellion was intensified by each successive act of resistance against God and the message He had given His servants to declare.

--Accordingly, the captain of the temple, with the help of a number of Sadducees, arrested Peter and John, and put them in prison.

--The priests dared not do more than threaten them with the severest punishment if they continued to speak or to work in the name of Jesus. 

--Calling them again before the Sanhedrin, they commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19,20.
*We are not required to defy authorities. 

Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way.