Acts 4 - satan meets Faith

Acts 4 provides some insights into how satan attacks us, responds to the Gospel being communicated, and how we are to respond to him.

Peter and John were with the man who had been miraculously cured, explaining the Gospel, and many people in the crowd were coming to faith.

Satan response:

• Brought the religious authorities and the guards to attack and imprison them, to stop the teaching – he uses worldly authority.


• Gathered in a crowd of like-minded people opposed to the Message – he is a coward.


• Surrounded Peter and John and began verbally attacking them – surround and attack is a common tactic.


• Recognized that Peter and John as “having been with Jesus” – when we spend time with Christ, it is apparent.


• Summoned them again, and told them not to speak the Gospel – satan will keep attacking if we keep communicating the Gospel.


• Satan continued to call out to them, to threaten them – he never tires of opposing God’s elect.

Faith:

• Peter and John were proclaiming that Jesus was the risen Christ.


• People listening heard and believed, joining the fellowship of faith.


• Peter responded to Holy Spirit's prompting and explained the miracle, giving credit to Christ.


• Peter and john ignored satan’s threats, and continued “speaking about what we have seen and heard”.


• Reported to the other Believers what was happening, glorifying God.


• The Believers were encouraged and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness and power.


• They gave out, sharing all they had, not pulling inside themselves in fear.

Be bold, respond to the Holy Spirit's leading, expect the attack, and respond in faith. Christ has ALL the authority!