Easter 4: First Reading, Acts 4:1-12                                         

Acts 4:1-12

I think it would be safe to say that most of us are raised with some value placed on truth and the practice of “truth-telling.” Truth be told (snicker), without some call to the truth, life would be nearly impossible. Our culture in America is currently pushing the limit, but as the old saying goes, “Truth will out.”

In the fourth chapter of Acts Peter and John are arrested for preaching the gospel. Now that in itself is no surprise to anyone familiar with the Bible. The day after their evening arrest, they are dragged before the Jerusalem hierarchy where they have to give an answer to the accusers who include Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas and John, the son of Annas. Our text says the gospel opponents were annoyed because Peter and John were “teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead” (4:2b). Among the detractors were those of the Sadducees who do not believe in resurrection. So I guess again that there is no surprise in their disdain for the apostles. 

But the real issue in Jerusalem was an issue that still gets under the skin of anyone raised in our “wishy-washy, everyone’s ideas are equal” culture. Jesus is a rescuer both now and for eternity. Jesus is the way of salvation for Israel. Jesus is the way of salvation for everyone. Jesus is the only way. So much is said just a few verses later. Peter and John further stoke the fires of opposition by laying a murder accusation at the feet of their opponents and the proverbial cherry on top of the sundae is this bold statement: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (4:12). 

That’s always the issue that gets the dander raised, the heart pounding and the claws exposed. It’s Jesus or destruction, plain and simple. And upon hearing the apostles, this crowd knew the ground under their feet was crumbling. Quickly. Declaring the truth is not easy, but it’s the only way to make things clear and the only real way of revealing the great love of God for all mankind. It is really quite stunning. But then, truth is like that.