16. Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Neither the world nor its religions will hear that name, the source of all power and blessing. Even in these Christian lands it is easy to speak of God, church or the Bible—anything but that blessed name of Jesus.
18. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Though the spirit of this present, evil world will not hear about Jesus, the glory and authority of His name are reasons enough to continue speaking of and teaching about Him.
19. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
They had seen perfection in every step of the Lord’s life—had heard grace and truth in His every word. What motives for preaching the gospel!
21. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
These religious zealots’ wicked threats and plans were governed by the whims of the people. The believers’ blessed resource is the Lord (Heb. 13:66So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:6)).
22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.
The cripple’s condition provides a picture of Israel (born lame), whose religion could not bring blessing (begging at the temple gate). His healing is a proof of the grace and power of God.
23. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
Their own company—fellowship with those of like precious faith! Where we go when “let go” from our necessary daily routines is a profound test of our spiritual state. How we use this liberty speaks volumes about who and what we are enjoying.
24. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is.
The Jews’ opposition brings forth collective praise from the assembly to God who is above all.
25. Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
David, the very one in whom they took such pride, prophetically condemned them, connecting them with the Gentiles in their hatred of Jesus.
26. The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ.
The elite of the world find a common ground of fellowship in their rebellion against God and His Sent One, Jesus. Why spend our time searching for satisfaction in this wicked, Christ-hating world?
27. For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.
A better reading is, “Thy holy servant Jesus.” Our blessed Lord and Saviour came meek and lowly, as a servant, that man might be blessed through His perfect service. Those who by nature opposed each other united not only against this perfect servant, but against God who sent Him.
28. For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done.
Man was fully responsible for what he did to the Son of God—but God moves according to His own sovereign purposes and counsels. Let us always seek to be in fellowship with His sovereign ways.
29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word.
They did not ask for power to overcome or stop persecution. They leave all with God, submitting to His ways, desiring only that the Word of God would not be hindered (Rom. 12:1919Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19); 2 Thess. 3:11Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1)).
30. By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus.
They weren’t occupied with self—as being vessels of healing and miracles. All was left to the will of God and the power and authority of the blessed name of His holy servant (not “child”) Jesus.
31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
The Spirit produced oneness in love and in practice. Their earthly possessions, belonging to God, were used for the blessing of all. Should God get just a tenth of our possessions? They all belong to Him. May we be tender and wise hearted in using all that He has given to us for His honor and glory.
33. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Great power and great grace marked the public testimony of the early assembly. Today, public testimony to the unity of the body of Christ has been spoiled because of our collective failure. Yet in the midst of this ecclesiastical confusion we still have available the power of the Spirit (Rom. 15:1313Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)) and the grace of Christ (2 Tim. 2:11Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)). The Spirit of God and the grace of God remain unchanged. We still can walk as Elisha the man of God in the midst of great breakdown and ruin among God’s people. Elisha especially pictures one who walks in faith by the power of God in grace, though the day morally be ever so dark.
Ed.