They Had Been With Jesus

Early on in the history of the church, the apostles were quickly met with questions and opposition.  Some of that is recorded for us in the book of Acts.  When reading chapters three and four of that book, we are allowed to learn of one of the early miracles that Peter performed.  The Bible indicates that there was “a certain man lame from his mother’s womb” (Acts 3:2).  This man lay daily at the Beautiful gate asking alms of those who would enter the Temple.  While Peter and John were not able to meet the financial needs of this man, they were able to help him in a greater way.  “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; 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 ancle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8).  People were quick to notice the man and his newfound ability to walk.  It was at this time that Peter took the opportunity to preach to those who gathered.  Speaking of Jesus, Peter gave credit where credit was due by saying, “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know:  yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16).  Peter also made it clear about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the fact that the Jews needed to repent, and be converted (Acts 3:13-19).  In other words, he preached the Gospel to them.  This brought backlash from some.  The Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection, along with priests and the captain of the Temple, had Peter and John arrested (Acts 4:1-3).  The next day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin council.  The council wanted to know “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this” (Acts 4:7)?  Peter answered, “Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 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 me, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:8-12).  Again, Peter did not hesitate to give credit where credit was due.  While it had not been very long since Peter denied Jesus three times, it was on this occasion that Peter’s bravery and loyalty shines forth.  It would have been easy to shirk from acknowledging Jesus to those Jews.  By doing such, he might have won the Jews’ favor for John and himself.  Instead, Peter spoke the truth amidst great opposition.

It is interesting to learn of the Sanhedrin’s reaction to Peter and John.  The Bible has recorded, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, the marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).  The fact that Peter and John did not shy from acknowledging Jesus caused the Sanhedrin to conclude that these men “had been with” the Lord.  What about us today?  Do we speak and behave in ways to demonstrate to the world that we are “with the Lord”?  Are we bold in our defense and proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Do others see our faithfulness as an example of how people should live?  I would like to say that yes, every Christian speaks, behaves, and lives in ways that everyone around them knows that they are “with the Lord”.  However, that is not always the case.  Friend, if you are a member of the church of Christ, then please come to an understanding of how important it is that nothing take you from being “with the Lord”.  We only have one opportunity to live “with our Lord”.  We should be honest with ourselves, the Lord knows who is “with Him” and who is not (John 10:14).  After all, it is Jesus who said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30).  Are we with Him, or against Him?
~ Corey Barnette