April 21, 2026 | Be Connected
Peter and John Interrogated
Scripture: Acts 4:5-12(NIV)
5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Devotional
If the Book of Acts were a TV show, I can imagine this episode might look like a scene from Law & Order. Two ordinary, humble men, standing before a serious looking group of well-dressed religious leaders, being sternly questioned. “Where were you yesterday at 3:00?” And then, “By what right and what authority did you perform this action?” But with God as their defense attorney and the Holy Spirit giving testimony, their verdict is never in question.
The “rulers, the elders, and the teachers of the law” became angry that Peter and John were still teaching about Jesus and resurrection of the dead. They thought they had rid themselves of Jesus once and for all when he was crucified. But now his followers were back and proving to be just as problematic. So, they arrested the men and brought them before the council for questioning.
How must Peter and John have been feeling? They were being brought before the same men who had arrested and questioned their Master not long ago. And they were standing in the same place Jesus stood as he was being accused. This group of wealthy and powerful men had a reputation for abusing their position and authority. How could they expect a fair trial? Would they suffer in the same way Jesus did? I wonder if they were recalling Jesus’ words to them during the last week of his earthly life. “They will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.” (Luke 21:12)
Just as at Pentecost, Peter took his authority, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke boldly to the Council. Recall Jesus’ words to his disciples. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12) This is exactly what was happening for Peter - the Holy Spirit provided him the words he was to speak at just the right time.
How would I hold up under cross-examination for defending my faith? There will be times we need to be bold for the Lord. And, like Peter, we will be given the words we need at just the right time.
“You will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” (Luke 21:13-15)
Amen and Amen!
