We Cannot but Speak

We Cannot but Speak

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, August 21, 2025

Today's Text: Acts 4:13-22

Key Verse: Acts 4:20 (RSV): "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

The text before us today recounts the aftermath of the miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple gate. Peter and John, two prominent leaders of the early Christian church in Jerusalem had to face scrutiny from the Jewish authorities. The Sanhedrin, a council of high-ranking priests, scribes, and elders, summoned Peter and John to explain the source of their power to heal and teach in the name of Jesus Christ. This confrontation was because of their bold proclamation of the gospel, which was gaining popularity among the people but posed a threat to the established religious and social order. The Jewish leaders, seeking to maintain their authority and control, attempted to silence Peter and John, but the apostles remained resolute in their witness, citing the impossibility of keeping silent about the things they had seen and heard.

Today, there are different factors trying to silence us too. Unfortunately, it has become all too easy for us, today's believers, to stay silent about the gospel blessings we've received and the truths we've experienced. However, for the First-Century Christians, this was completely unthinkable. For them, not speaking about their faith was anathema; they would rather face death than fail to shine their light. Isn't it sad that things are completely different now? The gospel light, which once blazed forth brightly in a dark world, has been buried under a bushel of our numerous excuses and self-justifications before we can even pass it on.

What darkness will fill the coming generation when children who live right under our "lights bushel" today cannot even find their way to Jesus? When shall we awaken from our deep sleep of departure from our Lord's command?! It is so disheartening to see how the apostles' passion has become a mere fashion in our time. The Great Commission has become so grey; our worship services feel like fuji-like or disco-like jamborees and chants. Our messages are often like fraternal speeches, so complimentary even to hardened sinners. When shall we return to the days when Christ’s disciples had no other option but to proclaim the gospel truth they had learned and experienced?

While we deliberately set boundaries of we don't want to offend nobody; for the early apostles, the authorities threatened them and commanded them not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, but it was an impossible demand. Their determination was irrevocable as long as they knew it to be "right in the sight of God" to continue to publish the truth about Jesus Christ. They simply could not do otherwise. What a reproof to our generation, which would rather do what "is right in the sight of men." The question is: if we are so easily silenced in our gospel witness, as it were, have we truly seen and heard the same things as the apostles? Where is the "upper room spirit" that left them agonizing for souls? Haven't it become reduced to "supper rooms" where we never stop organizing what we'd never do?

Action Steps: Examine your life and ask yourself if you're truly living out and giving away your faith. Identify any excuses you've made for not sharing the gospel. Seek out opportunities to speak about your faith, whether it's through a conversation with a friend, an act of service, or a public testimony. Pray for boldness and a renewed passion for the Great Commission.

Quote for the Day: "Men who have seen and heard Christ’s gospel are clearly and helplessly consumed by its fire. They cannot help but speak of the things they have seen and heard." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father,

we come to you today with a heavy heart, reflecting on how we so often find ourselves silent. Forgive us for the excuses we make and the fear that holds us back from sharing the good news of your love and salvation. Stir within us the same "upper room spirit" that filled the early apostles with boldness and conviction. Help us to recognize that our faith is not just a personal belief but a transformative experience that must be shared. Renew our passion for the Great Commission. Give us the courage to do what is "right in the sight of God" rather than what is merely "right in the sight of men" — in Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.

_________________

Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Matthew 10:42, Luke 19:38, and Hebrews 2:11.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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