Lesson 283 - Junior

Memory Verse

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”  (Matthew 5:16).

Notes

In Solomon's Porch

Perhaps only few of the Jews who went to the Temple at the hour of prayer took notice of the poor, lame man who for 40 years had lain at the Beautiful Gate. Daily he had been carried there, in order that he might receive a few coins from those who entered.

But this day is different -– no longer is he begging; no longer is he lying there just outside the double doors of polished Corinthians brass that was more costly than gold. All eyes are upon him as he walks about the Temple porch.

There he stands, with Peter and John. His face beams as he listens to Peter's sermon. There is sure to be trouble. So long as the beggar was crippled, no one cared very much; but now that he is healed, a great many people gather around, very much excited. Peter is saying that through faith in Jesus whom God raised from the dead, this lame man was made strong and well. But some of the Jews do not believe in the resurrection, so there is trouble. But wait, here, comes the captain of the Temple, the policeman, who will take care of the matter. He leads Peter and John away and puts them into prison for the night. Once more, all is quiet in the Temple.

How often it has been known that as long as a sick person suffers, no one seems to care. Or when a sinner lives a wicked life, no one notices or minds. But when the power of God heals or saves a needy one, the devil is stirred and those who should be most happy are the very ones who are displease.

Before the High Priest

In the days of Jesus' ministry upon earth, when the people saw the miracles, which He did, some of the Jews decided that unless He was stopped in His work, soon all men would believe on Him. They went to Caiaphas the high priest who told them that Jesus should some day die for the people in order to bring eternal life to all [JHN:11:49-52]). He was prophesying of Jesus' death and resurrection.

It was before the same high priest, Caiaphas, that Peter and John were brought the day after the lame man was healed. "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” they were asked. Here was another opportunity for Peter to tell about Jesus. Let us not forget that Peter was one who had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. That is the reason he could speak with such boldness: "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. . . . there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” [ACT:4:10-12]).

Witnesses for Jesus

The priests and officers marvelled at the boldness of Peter and John. They knew that these two fishermen had not attended school as they themselves had. How could such unlearned men speak as they did? Before them, too, stood the man who had been healed. There was only one answer: these men had been with Jesus. Concerning the miracle performed upon the lame man, they said, "We cannot deny it.”

The priests believed that this kind of preaching must be stopped. Peter and John must be told not to speak to any man in the name of Jesus. To such orders Peter and John could not conform. They said: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Jesus had given them a light and they could not hide it "under a bushel.”

Praises to God

So powerful was the sermon preached by Peter that more than 5000 people believed. They glorified God for the miracle, which they had witnessed. Could this be hushed? Could it be denied? Could the rulers of the high priest silence the shouts of praise? No, never!

Today, could our lips refrain from praising God when a sinner repents of his sin and finds the joy of salvation? Can we keep silent when the blessing of God is falling around the altar of prayer? When God pours His blessing and Spirit upon hungry hearts, or when a sick one is healed, should we suppress the praises, which rise from our hearts to God? No, for if we should hold our peace, it seems that the stones would surely cry out.

Neither the council at Jerusalem nor any other assembly of people could stamp out the Gospel in those early days when the Church was just beginning to work. It cannot be put down today. It has spread throughout the earth: sick are being healed and sinners are finding deliverance from sin. The power of God is still in the earth today: "Through faith in his name” the sick are healed. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

What a prayer meeting those Christians had that day after Peter and John were released from the council! We believe the man from the Beautiful Gate joined in that prayer meeting, too. The power of the Holy Ghost came down and shook the place. There was no retreat in the hearts of those men of God but they went out and spoke the word of God with boldness.

Fearlessness

Let us purpose in our heart that we will be fearless to tell about Jesus. Should the opportunity arise for us to speak a word for Him, we should never be ashamed to tell with boldness the great things He has done for us.

Questions

1. To what part of Peter's sermon did some of the people take exception?

2. Were there some who believed? How many?

3. Do you think Peter and John were educated men?

4. Who is known as the chief cornerstone?

5. Why could not the rulers and elders deny the miracle they saw?

6. What was Peter's and John's answer to the council when they were told not to speak of Jesus?

7. What happened when the people prayed?

8. Should one ever be ashamed to be known as a Christian?