Our mindset needs to be elevated into full maturity as Sons and Daughters of GOD. For the most part, believers have become rather lax in the area of Spiritual warfare to the point that they only respond at best in a defensive mode. Is this what the disciples did in the Book of Acts? The fruit I have observed was one of boldness when the vessels of dishonor tried to quenched the move of GOD in expanding the Kingdom at that time. Luke wrote by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 4:
1–2 The teaching and preaching of Peter and John angered the priests, the captain of the temple police, and representatives of the Jewish sect of the Sadducees. They were furious that the people were being taught that in Jesus there is a resurrection from the dead. So while Peter and John were still speaking, the Jewish authorities came to the temple courts to oppose them. 3 They had them arrested, and since it was already evening they kept them in custody until the next day. 4 Yet there were many in the crowd who believed the message, bringing the total number of men who believed to nearly five thousand!
How often do we hear of over five thousand men (plus women) being saved in one service these days? Both Peter and John angered those in charge of the current religion who rejected the message of the resurrected Christ, the Son of GOD. Would you be willing to be arrested and placed in jail for preaching the same message as Peter and John?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.’
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved.”
13 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. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.
There is no salvation except through Jesus Christ. The adversary uses religion to try to convince us otherwise. One world leader was reported as saying that there are many ways to GOD. Not so!
What was the undeniable evidence that these men must be let go? A man crippled from birth being carried and placed at the entrance to the temple everyday was healed in the previous chapter. Clearly he was well known by the officials of the Temple. In chapter 3, we get the details of the crippled man’s healing. Take note, the beggar wanted money but instead he received healing and restoration.
6 Then Peter said, “I don’t have money, but I’ll give you this—by the power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk!”
7–8 Peter held out his right hand to the crippled man. As he pulled the man to his feet, suddenly power surged into his crippled feet and ankles. The man jumped up, stood there for a moment stunned, and then began to walk around! As he went into the temple courts with Peter and John, he leapt for joy and shouted praises to God.
9 When all the people saw him jumping up and down and heard him glorifying God, 10 they realized it was the crippled beggar they had passed by in front of the Beautiful Gate. Astonishment swept over the crowd, for they were amazed over what had happened to him.
Notice that the words suddenly, stunned, astonishment, and amazed were all used to describe the event. This is the result of boldness given by The Holy Spirit. The adversary has no defense against this Spiritual empowerment. We need to expect this same boldness as we come into full maturity as Sons and Daughters of GOD. This miracle brought those five thousand men to Peter and John to find out more. There was nothing more important for them to do that day but to hear about this miracle. Peter and John were on the offensive in their boldness to expand the Kingdom of GOD.
Peter directed the crowd to take their eyes off of him and onto Jesus:
16 Faith in Jesus’ name has healed this man standing before you. It is the faith that comes through believing in Jesus’ name that has made the crippled man walk right in front of your eyes!
Peter was no longer self-centered but had embraced the Agape Love of Jesus Christ thus he was a willing vessel of Honor no matter what the consequences. He and John became examples and encouragement to other believers to seek this same boldness. Back to chapter 4:
24 When the believers heard their report, they raised their voices in unity and prayed, “Lord Yahweh, YOU are the Lord of all! YOU created the universe—the earth, the sky, the sea, and everything that is in them. 25 And YOU spoke by the Holy Spirit through your servant David, our forefather, saying:
‘How dare the nations plan a rebellion,
ranting and raging against the Lord Most High?
Their foolish plots are futile!
26 Look at how the kings of the earth take their stand,
with the rulers scheming and conspiring together
against God and HIS anointed Messiah!’
Isn’t this same situation happening today? The devil and his demons are once again attempting to keep the Kingdom of GOD from expanding. The true remnant will not let that happen! We are to pray in a similar manner as the believers in Acts chapter 4 when the realized that the opposition was attempting to force their silence:
29 So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as Your servants, to speak the Word of God freely and courageously. 30 Stretch out Your Hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the Name of Your Holy Son, Jesus!”
31 At that moment the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble. Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the Word of God with unrestrained boldness.
32 All the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another. 33 The apostles gave powerful testimonies about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great measures of grace rested upon them all. 34–35 Some who owned houses or land sold them and brought the proceeds before the apostles to distribute to those without. Not a single person among them was needy.
The adversary and his minions can do nothing when believers are in full unity- one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not found among them and great measures of grace rested upon them all! Their mindset was in full alignment with The Holy Spirit and tangible fruit came forth: signs, wonders, and salvation. Coming into this same maturity and resulting good fruit are what these writings are all about!