We Cannot Help Speaking

Exodus 21-22; Psalms 12; Acts 4 

“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:18-20

In the west, where freedom of speech and religion allow for open witness for Christ, it seems that few Christ-followers are boldly sharing the gospel. Ironically, in countries where persecution of “gospel- proclaiming-Christ-followers” is high, bold witness is practiced. 

Why?

The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem used threats, intimidation, and violence to attempt to stop the witness of the early Church. Many of the early disciples had personally seen the resurrected Christ and received a clear mission mandate from Jesus. Their bold witness was predicated by what they had heard and seen.

What have we heard and seen personally of Christ?

Without this ongoing personal relationship with Christ, our witness becomes a task rather than an overflow.

Is the reality of our experience with Jesus greater than the social censure or rejection of our post-Christ society?

The joy, love, peace, and freedom of the Holy Spirit within are still more powerful than external opposition. 

When was the last time we said ‘I cannot help but speak’, rather than ‘I need help to speak’?

“Lord Jesus, overflow from within me today in loving, bold, witness for you.”