Qualities of Godly Living
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. (Acts 4:13–14)
Careful observation of Acts 4:13–14 reveals no less than three qualities that distinguish a godly person when he or she chooses to do what is right. And each quality points to a principle we can apply to help us behave more like Peter and John.
First, observe the confidence of Peter and John. This is not arrogance. An arrogant person cannot walk humbly with God. The two men spoke with confidence because they found security in the Lord, not themselves.
Second, consider the authority of Peter and John. They were not formally trained in higher education to debate theology and philosophy as the Sadducees were. The apostles stood on Christ’s authority, not their own. They possessed a direct line to absolute truth: Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God.
Third, see the effectiveness of Peter and John. Doing what is right—conforming one’s conduct to the principles of Scripture and submitting to the control of the Holy Spirit—produces results. The undeniable effect of the apostles’ obedience stood beside them: a formerly paralyzed man brought to perfect health.
Peter and John exemplify the first quality of a life well lived according to Micah 6:8. The quality of justice is the consistent, unwavering decision to do what is right. And when you choose to do what is right, you can walk and speak with complete confidence. Your thoughts and actions proceed from a clear understanding of truth. Though perhaps misunderstood, maligned, or even persecuted, you can walk with steadfast peace, knowing the Lord understands, approves, and rewards those who remain faithful.
Peter and John knew what was right. Their respect for the religious leaders didn’t blind them to their duty before the Lord. Jesus had said, “Go . . . make disciples . . . teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20), and “You shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). This gave them the courage to obey God rather than other people.
And, in this case, their enemies had no choice but to honor their dedication. Peter and John’s followers—the rest of the disciples and the thousands of believers who had proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ—shouted and sang and prayed in celebration.
And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
Taken from The Owner’s Manual for Christians by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2009 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com
