“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord . . . ,”  Acts 4:23-24.

We return to the verses we began to look at last week. We are considering the response of Peter and John after being told to stop preaching the Gospel. We noted last week they refused to obey that demand to stop preaching Christ and His resurrection. We also noted that they went immediately to meet with their fellow believers in Christ.

Now further note:

I. THEY SHARED THEIR TROUBLES WITH THEIR FAMILY!

“And reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them,” verse 23.

1. This was most likely the first real trouble that the disciples had run into since the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The other disciples must have known that Peter and John had been put in prison, and they doubtless would have been very concerned about them and would want to know all that had happened and would have listened most attentively to them as they told of all the treatment and the threats of the chief priests and elders.

2. They would also remember what the Saviour had told them. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” John 16:33. 

3. Remembering these words they would be comforted. The Saviour’s FOREKNOWLEDGE of all things, His cheering assurance that they were not to fret or worry but “be of good cheer”, would greatly help them!

II. THEY TOOK THEIR TROUBLES TO THE LORD IN PRAYER.

1. The Lord being our Heavenly Father, we enjoy His protection and provision. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him,” Matthew 6:7-8.

The doctor must see you before he knows what you might need, but not the Lord! They prayed wonderfully!

2. They prayed unitedly. “They lifted up their voice to God with one accord.” Sadly, not all Christians pray as they ought!

3. They knew that the Lord was the Author of ALL things. “Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is.” He is able to do all things for us in answer to our prayers when we ask according to His will.

4. They know that nothing happens outside of God’s purpose and will. “Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done,” verses 27-28. That glorious truth takes away all our fear, when we know it and believe it!

We will return for another look at their prayer next week and consider what else they said.