Not-So-Free Speech

Read Acts 5:1–7:60

27. They brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them.
28. “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29. But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.
30. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross.
31. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven.
32. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
33. When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. Acts 5:27-33

Public speaking is usually listed among people’s greatest fears. Yet every day, thousands of people speak in public, because they recognize that the importance of what they have to say exceeds the fear they feel.

Take Stephen, for example. His speech is brilliant. And Philip speaks well, too. So do Peter and John. We’re not told if they enjoy the experiences, but we have lots of evidence that they have every reason to fear. For example, Peter and John are told by the Jewish Council never to speak of Jesus again. If they do, they will be in danger. But they ignore this threat and continue to preach. Because of Peter and John’s courage and determination, the council members decide to silence them—permanently. Unlike Peter and John, Stephen never receives a warning for speaking about Jesus. Instead, his enemies stone him to death for telling the truth.

Many of Jesus’ followers were imprisoned or killed for speaking the truth about his resurrection. It was not long before the first of his followers, Stephen, was martyred. James, the brother of Jesus, was also killed because of his faith in Christ. The apostle John was exiled to an island, and tradition says Peter was crucified upside down.

The fate of Stephen and the apostles does not sound appealing. However, we should remember that they gladly died for the sake of Christ because they knew without a doubt that he was—and still is—the Messiah. This knowledge led them to speak out even under threat of death. No one could silence them.

Don’t let anyone silence you, either. Speak out boldly for Jesus. Share your faith with others. If you endure persecution for your testimony, keep in mind the attitude of the apostles (Acts 5:41), and try to follow their example.