The Prayer, Acts 4:23-31

This post concerns the prayer of the disciples after their first persecution.

The Prayer discusses the reaction of the disciples after the release of Peter and John from an overnight stay in prison. They healed a disabled man and preached the gospel.

Acts 4:23. “When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders …said to them.”

When the disciples heard what the chief priests and elders had said, they prayed and acknowledged God’s creative power. Then, in Acts 4:25-26, they quoted from Psalms 2:1-2.

“…who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers… gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’”

By quoting this Psalm, they set up what the future opposition of the authorities to preaching in the name of Jesus would exhibit.

Then, they said that Herod, Pontious Pilot, and the people fulfilled what this Psalm foretold.

After that, they made a single request from the Lord, Acts 4:29-30. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servant to continue to speak your word with all boldness… while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

This prayer and reaction to persecution exhibits remarkable faith in God.  They didn’t ask for the destruction or punishment of their detractors.  They only ask for boldness to continue preaching and teaching the gospel.

This comprises an excellent example for us today.

So, what did we learn?

1.The disciples pray when persecuted.

2.The disciples ask for boldness to continue preaching despite persecution.

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