Standing Strong for Jesus – Even When It’s Hard (Acts 4:5-22)
Have you ever had to speak up for what you believe, even when it wasn’t easy? That’s exactly what happened to Peter and John in Acts 4:5–22. They had healed a man in Jesus’ name and boldly told people about Him. But not everyone was happy about it.
In fact, the religious leaders were angry—and they wanted Peter and John to stop talking about Jesus.
Brought Before the Powerful
After spending the night in jail, Peter and John were brought before the Jewish high council—a powerful group of priests, rulers, and teachers of the law. This included Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, and others who had helped put Jesus on trial not long before.
These leaders asked them a pointed question:
“By what power or in whose name did you do this?” (talking about the miracle)
This was a big moment. Peter and John were facing the very people who had sentenced Jesus to death.
Bold Words from Peter
But Peter wasn’t afraid. The Bible says he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke clearly and boldly:
“We didn’t heal this man by our own power. He was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead!”
Then Peter said something powerful and unforgettable:
“There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
In other words, Jesus is the only way to be saved and have a right relationship with God.
Shocked but Speechless
The leaders were shocked. Peter and John were ordinary men with no special education—but they spoke with confidence and wisdom. The leaders realized these men had been with Jesus.
And there was one big problem for the council: the healed man was standing right there! Everyone knew he had been crippled for years, and now he was walking. They couldn’t deny the miracle.
So they told Peter and John to stop speaking or teaching in Jesus’ name.
A Courageous Response
Peter and John didn’t back down. They replied:
“Which is right in God’s eyes—to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judge. As for us, we can’t help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
They were basically saying, “We have to obey God, not people.” And they weren’t going to stay quiet about Jesus.
In the end, the council couldn’t punish them because too many people were praising God for the miracle. So they let them go—but warned them again to stay silent.
What This Means for Us
This story shows us what bold faith looks like:
-
God gives courage when we face pressure or fear. Peter used to be afraid, but now he stood tall.
-
The message of Jesus is worth sharing, even when others don’t like it.
-
When we walk closely with Jesus, people notice—even if we’re not famous, educated, or powerful.
-
Obeying God matters most. When human rules go against God’s truth, we must choose God.
Peter and John didn’t let fear stop them. They knew Jesus was alive, and they were determined to tell the world—no matter the cost.
What about you? Are you willing to stand for your faith when it’s hard?
Acts 4:5-22 (WEB)
4:5 In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. 7 When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 9 if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 may it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, this man stands here before you whole in him. 11 He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. 17 But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.” 18 They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, 20 for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.