Courage and cowardice

The battle lines are drawn up around the proclamation of the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

The Sanhedrin shows its cowardice, resorting quickly to bullying and intimidation in order to silence the apostles. Their approach is typical, not only of the way in which they dealt with Christ himself and now with his apostles, but also of the way in which the world will often attempt to silence God's people.

The apostles show the courage of men who have been with Jesus. With a holy boldness, as in the sight of God, as those enjoying communion with Christ, as those enjoying the Spirit's presence, they declare their intention to make known the truth which they have seen and heard. Facing the same pressures, we need the same resources—and may have them—for the same work.