Can the Dead Live? 

Acts chapter 4

     About 5,000 men came to believe in Christ, following the old, crippled man's healing. 

     As if this wasn't difficulty enough for religious elites, Peter and John proclaimed the resurrection of the dead. They were thrown in jail overnight. 

     Next day, leaders prodded them, "By what power, by what name do you speak such things?" 

     Peter, filled by the Spirit, answered, "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven ... by which we must be saved." 

     Elites knew Peter and John were unschooled, and that they had been with Jesus. The old cripple was miraculously healed, as thousands saw for themselves. After consultation, they commanded the disciples not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 

     Peter, on his own, responded: "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 

(C) commentary

(C)  The disciples were convinced the great need for every individual is salvation, escaping the wrath of God. The church has a heavy responsibility to preach the gospel. It is the "missionary imperative." 

     We need to pray, and to overcome fear of embarrassment, rejection, criticism or persecution. Has God stopped confirming the gospel with miracles? Or, did we stop believing in the supernatural? 

1. The disciples knew they were commissioned by Christ.

2. We witness based on God's Word, and conviction given by the Spirit.

3. The Holy Spirit through men brought conviction regarding sin, Christ's righteousness, and God's judgment.

Tomorrow: What is right?