God’s word and believers are dangerous to the enemy. As a result, our adversary satan and his minions do everything possible to hinder them. Jesus contrasts satan’s purpose with His. John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [1] We are in a spiritual battle, and as people of faith, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be bold no matter our circumstances.
This boldness is seen in the lives of Peter and John after the coming of the Holy Spirit, as they taught the people about Jesus. As they spoke, the Captain of the Temple guard and some of the Sadducees confronted them. Acts 4:2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. [2]
Christians Are to Be Dangerous
God calls Christians to be dangerous, which does not mean that we are to be treacherous physically. We are dangerous in the spiritual realm as we share the good news of Jesus and pray for people. The religious leaders arrested Peter and John, but that did not silence them. Peter and John clearly stated that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus. You can imagine the battle in the spiritual realm as Peter and John proclaimed the good news of Jesus.
Even the opposing religious leaders were not beyond the work of the Holy Spirit to open their spiritual eyes. As believers in Jesus, we must prepare ourselves and move forward with the authority the Lord has given us. This will result in battles with the enemy. Our adversary satan never stops his assault against humanity. He will do everything possible to prevent God’s plans and purposes for our lives.
The religious leaders could not hold Peter and John any longer but gave them a warning. Acts 4:18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. [3] The spiritually blind religious leaders opposed Jesus, who was trying to save them through the witness of Peter and John.
Relying on God’s Strength
Boldness only comes as we rely on the Lord’s strength. Satan’s worst nightmare is a faithful believer who knows and uses God’s word to quench his fiery darts. When the enemy attacks us, we don’t have to rely on our strength but can put on the whole armor of God, as we learn in Ephesians 6:10-18.
God’s armor is essential for protection from the powers of darkness. As Peter and John proclaimed God’s word to the religious leader, God’s armor protected them and gave them the strength they needed. With faith in Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and God’s word, we can stand firm against the enemy and be bold witnesses about Jesus like Peter and John.
To learn how God’s word and believers are dangerous to the enemy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/peter-and-john-arrested
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.