Invincible and Joyful
Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. âWe gave you strict orders never again to teach in this manâs name!â he said. âInstead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!â But Peter and the apostles replied, âWe must obey God rather than any human authority.â (Acts 5:27â29)
Previously, we identified two transformational changes in the disciples when they received the Spirit at Pentecost. First, their human frailties were transformed into supernatural gifts and abilities. Second, their fearful reluctance was transformed into bold confidence.
The third change was this: Their fears and intimidation were transformed into a sense of invincibility. Webster states that intimidation is timidity, being afraid, overawed, deterred with threats. These men, having been invaded by Godâs Spirit, were none of the above.
- Instead of running from the public, they ran toward them.
- Instead of hoping not to be seen, they exhorted total strangers to repent.
- Instead of being frightened by insults, warnings, and threats, they stood face-to-face with their accusers and did not blink. When told to keep it quiet, they answered unflinchingly, âWe must obey God rather than menâ (Acts 5:29 NASB).
Even when called before the Council, the supreme ruling body of the Jews, this handful of âuneducated and untrained menâ stood like steers in a blizzard. They werenât about to back down, even if they were forced to stand before some of the same prejudiced and cruel judges who had unjustly manipulated the trials against Jesus of Nazareth. Such invincible courage!
Where does one get such boldness today? The Spirit of God alone is able to make that happen. It was not until He came and filled those frail and frightened men with His supernatural âdynamicâ that they were genuinely (and permanently) changed deep withinâtransformed.
Fourth, their lonely, grim feelings of abandonment were transformed into joyful perseverance.
On the heels of their second arrest, Peter and John let out all the stops! Refusing to tell their frowning accusers what they wanted to hear, they looked them squarely in the eye and pulled no punches.
I find it absolutely amazing that those men, once so petty and competitive and self-centered, were now so strong-hearted, so incredibly confident. So did the officials. The disciples had been radically changed. Not merely motivated or momentarily mesmerizedâthey were transformed.
Taken from Flying Closer to the Flame by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1993 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Deepen your intimacy with the living God by reading Embraced by the Spirit, an updated release of Flying Closer to the Flame.
