October 2, 2026 - Acts 4

“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.  But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand” (4:1-4).  The religious leaders did not like what they were witnessing.  They questioned the disciples who explained, “Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well” (4:10).  Just this:  When God’s people are faithful to declare the gospel and speak of Jesus, God blesses.  We often remember the three-thousand of Pentecost but, on this occasion?  “The number of the men [who believed] came to about five-thousand!”  How did the apostle Paul put it?  ”For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

in a believer’s ear!

It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,

and drives away our fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole

and calms the troubled breast;

‘tis manna to the hungry soul,

and to the weary, rest.   --John Newton (1779)