We Cannot But Speak

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Peter and John before the High Priest

2. Prophet Jeremiah before the People

3. Paul before the False Prophets

Introductory Remarks.

1. Today's lesson will discuss the theme: “We cannot but speak.” This lesson deals with the challenges of the men of God who speak God's word in truth. We will see how neither threatenings, beatings, imprisonment, or the face of death could silence them. There will be times we will be called upon to speak unto both those desirous to hear our message and before those that would rebel against: “Thus saith the Lord.” The Lord has not given us: “The spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7. It is this spirit that empowers us to be “bold, fearless preachers” because the Lord has sent us to speak His word with confidence and without fear.

2. First, we will consider the preaching of Peter and John before the High Priest and elders of the Sanhedrin council. Peter and John had just performed a notable miracle by healing the lame man from birth before the Temple of God. For this miracle and preaching of Jesus of Nazareth, they were brought before the Jewish council after being charged not to speak anymore in this name. Peter and John answered: “And said unto them, whether it (is) right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard,” Acts 4:19-20.

3. Second, let's reflect on the preaching of Jeremiah before the people of Israel. He prophesied during a time of great trial and punishment, Jehovah would bring upon His people for their sin of idolatry and rebellion toward His commandments. This was not an easy task for the prophet. He faced persecution and threatening looks, and his life as a prophet of the Lord was filled with terror. Yet, his commitment to the word of the Lord was unwavering. After wrestling with his fear and their threats, Jeremiah declared: “I will not mention him nor speak anymore in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (remain silent),” Jeremiah 20:9.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the stand of the apostle Paul against false prophets and brethren among the churches. Like some ministers' credentials today, false brethren and preachers constantly challenged Paul's apostleship in Christ. I lump them both in the same condemnation, for God shall judge all men alike. We are not called by the Lord to present soothing words to the church or the community of disbelievers but to speak the truth in love, regardless of how it might be received. Paul said: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point: “Peter and John before the High Priest.”

BODY OF LESSON

I PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST

A. A miracle at prayer time. Indeed, a notable miracle had just been witnessed, the healing of a man that was crippled from his mother’s womb. While Peter and John were entering the Temple called Beautiful, he was begging for alms from the people. Peter looked upon the man and said: “Silver and gold I have not, but that which I have I give thee. Peter lifted him by the right hand, and his feet and ankle bones immediately received strength.” Notice:

1. The response: “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”

2. The witnesses: “And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that he sat for alms at the temple gate, called Beautiful.”

3. The effect: “And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened unto him. And as the lame man who was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch called Solomon's, greatly wondering,” Acts 3:1-11.

a. Luke states that the people came together with amazement unto Peter, filled with excitement and joy. Indeed, something spectacular has happened in this city today; “the lame man has been healed!”

b. The people said of Jesus’ healing of a man with palsy: “And he went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion,” Mark 2:12. We have never seen anything like this before! Some of us might say: “This blows my mind!”