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“But you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

Two thousand years later, the gospel has come to Des Moines Iowa. Praise the Lord! Jesus’ words have proven true, and the disciples were faithful to pass on the witness of Jesus. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, it is profitable to recognize the means by which the gospel came to you. It was through the faithful witness of those who came before. And it is our responsibility to continue the witness of Jesus both to the people that surround us in the public space, and to the next generation. Will we be faithful to carry on this task?

The book of Acts gives the narrative back drop in which the witness of Jesus continued to spread through the apostles and the early church. As we get into chapter four of Acts we begin to see the first signs of opposition to the gospel. Acts 1-3 has described the ascension of the Christ, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and two public sermons preached by Peter, with many being saved and added to the church. At this point, one might be tempted to think that the witness of Jesus will spread without hindrance. However, chapter four describes a different reality. The church will face opposition, and this is only the beginning.

So how will the church respond? Peter, with boldness, gave us (the church) a faithful example that we can follow when we face opposition. As we consider Peter’s example, I wish to highlight three things:

Firstly, we see the motivation of Peter’s boldness was out of a proper understanding of on whose command he was sharing the witness of Jesus. Namely it was God’s command (Acts 4:19-20). As believers, when we face opposition, at the foundational level, man will always be pushing you to listen to (or obey) him rather than God. We must be obedient to faithfully walk in the commands of the Lord.

Secondly, Peter demonstrates for us how we can engage opposition to the witness of Jesus in a manner that rightly resists said opposition, while also is not arrogant or insolent in presentation. A temptation common to mankind, especially in the face of opposition, is to either cower and back off, or to push ahead in what may seem like boldness, but in reality is an unrestrained fleshly outburst neatly covered over by the fact that everything said was true. It is good to remember that the gospel is the message that rightly condemns sin and offers salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let this be the spirit in which we boldly resist opposition.

Thirdly, we see from Peter a demonstration of boldness in the face of opposition (Acts 4:13). I have highlighted what motivated Peter to speak and the manner in which he spoke, but now I wish to highlight the fact that he spoke.

I share frankly with you, brothers and sisters, that I have not always been faithful to have this motivation, manner and behavior. I am encouraged by Peter’s example.  I hope you are as well.  Let us all encourage one another to be bold in sharing the witness of Jesus Christ and rightly handling gospel opposition.