The high priest and all that were with him were perplexed. What were they going to do about Peter and John? “When they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16Saying, 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.” (Acts 4:15,16)
These men could not deny what Christ had done through Peter and John because the evidence was right there before them. They decided that the next best things was to keep it from spreading any further. So they said, “17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” (verses 17,18) After talking among themselves, they decided on threats. Peter and John were commanded not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. The enemies of the cross of Christ were afraid of Jesus. They saw the power that came through Jesus’ name and felt that their own power and influence were threatened. Because they refused to believe in Jesus, this frightened them.
Peter and John were not afraid or intimidated. “19But 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. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (verses 19,20) Peter and John knew that it was not right to listened to or be afraid of the threatening of the high priest and the other men. They could only speak what they had seen and heard from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The high priest and others with him were persistent but they were helpless under the situation. “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.” (verse 21) What Peter and John had done brought glory to God. Therefore, the enemies of the cross could not act against it. They simply threatened Peter and John some more and then let them go. Peter and John “went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord.” (from verses 23,24)
Peter and John were able to do God’s work and to stand against the enemies of the cross because they went forward in the authority of Jesus Christ. I know I am often intimidated by the enemies of the cross. Do I remember that I have the authority of Jesus Christ to do the work of God? That is how to do the work of God effectually and with power.
There is no other way.