Acts 4:1-33 KJV
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

The greatness of the name of Jesus spread after the resurrection as miracles followed the Apostles. The people praise God for the miracles, and all the miracles known to them by scripture. Praise sprung forth among the people because of the healing of impotent(sick without strength) man. The man was forty years old when he was healed. The synagogue leaders in Jerusalem told the apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus. They could not deny the miracle but they were not going to allow the name of Jesus to spoken about. They took note that the apostles were ones with Jesus even after the resurrection. The apostles were unlearned(uneducated) men to them, though they were taught by Jesus.

Faith is not about education, though some religious tangents can be run on ignorance. This was not one of them. Can we deny what God does? God allows the apostles to heal in the holy child Jesus name. The healing of the impotent man, spurred the apostle on to run back after being order not to preach in Jesus name and continues doing so with sign and wonders happening in the name of Jesus. Not only that they told of how Jesus was crucified for obeying God by the rulers and government and how the religious leaders also were in opposition of Jesus. The Apostles did not forget to warn the people of what could happen with opposition. The apostles and disciples that followed Jesus died in faith, holding to the promise of truth that they would have eternal life.

The greatness of God faithfulness in the middle of the halellujah. Greatness of God's faithfulness to provide the anointing of the Holy Spirit to those that believe. There are those that hear one message about Jesus and get saved and know without a doubt there was a change in their hearts. There others that get saved and know scripture better then the minister. There people that get saved because of the miracles that occur, and they believe because the healing is so great like a man healed after forty years. Yet the religious leaders could not deny the miracle, but they could not embrace Jesus.

When God is allowing harden hearts to open, he stirring up a revival among the people hungry for his word, and his leadership in their lives. People got saved, and feared was not what was told to them about the persecution coming, that what they spoke was not to be shared according to the leaders. Yet Jesus name was declare and God blessed the continual declaration of Jesus name to the people despite the synagogue or governmental leaders.

The name of Jesus must be used in faith by believers and not to hold back but to do so in faith. We do not know what God will do only that he can and will according to his promise. We got to be strong like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshrach and Abednigo and be willing to go through the fire and the lions den. Learning to trust God may rescue us for a time, or deliver us to win souls through persecution. We know not how long we have to share Christ but we must continue to do so in the world we live in. Our nation has freedom of faith, and yet persecution of faith still exist by none believers. It is life. Do we persecute others that believe different then us? I have to ask myself, does standing your ground mean your cruel to another human life. I think in our world today it saying I do not agree, or saying nothing but praying God moves in the life of sinner same as I. Sometimes it is going by the Holy Spirit direction and speaking as God leads. God's word is sharper then any two edge sword.

We as believers are to put all idolatry away, but we can not expect others to do likewise unless they to are believers. If we never as believers never talk about sin or judgment when God's judgment comes, it really going to be a shock to the believer. To know how Great God is to know he has the ability to revenge those that not only persecute his people but He also judges as well as love. God gives all a chance to know him. From the least to the greatest. Some have no time for God, fear not because they know not and are awaken by God himself, or by his people to the reality that there are people that believe in God despite their ability to believe in God. We have to ask ourselves are we judge and jury, not at this time. When we reign with Christ and God then we become judge and jury. Point being we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Can we love a little longer, suffer a little longer for the name of Jesus? It hard to remain on the frontlines, and sometimes we ourselves need that oasis to fuel the soul and spirit as one worships with others, hear the testimonies and know God is still working in the lives of others, that we to when we go through a dry spell, must press on in the name of Jesus. No one can be quiet when Jesus does a miracle in the life of another. Great is God's faithfulness to bring revival, to bring change to a people that need him. We just got to hold to his promise that he will do marvelous things in the lives of his people and those that need evidence of who he is.

Dear Heavenly Father, let us hold to your promises that you will do mighty things in the lives of your people. Help us not to cease to pray in your Son's name, even when officials say not too especially in public forums. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Acts 5:12-42 KJV
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.