18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

What the leaders did with Peter and John was called saving face. They couldn’t just let them go without a stern warning lest they were thought of as weak. But Peter and John took it one step further. They didn’t agree to the tepid demands but instead told them the leaders they wouldn’t be obeying them.

Peter and John were on a roll, weren’t they? They’re bold, unintimidated, and unafraid. The Holy Spirit empowered them and nothing was stopping them.

Today we hear stories of men and women saying courageous things under the threat of persecution. Hallelujah!

Food for thought: The Holy Spirit is as active today as He was in the Book of Acts.