Several things in this paragraph need to be carefully observed. Each is a matter worthy of more detailed study than can be given here.

First, Neither the gospel that Peter and John preached, nor the miracle they performed could be denied. The evidence was undeniable (vv. 13-16). These men had honored God. They faithfully confessed Christ, bearing witness to him before his enemies, and God honored their faithfulness. Though they were now prisoners before the Sanhedrin, the Lord was with them. As he had promised, the Holy Spirit gave them the wisdom and the words they needed (Matt. 10:19). GOD ALWAYS HONORS THOSE WHO HONOR HIM (I Sam. 2:30).

Second, When there is a conflict between the will of God and the laws of men, the believer must obey God, regardless of cost (vv. 17-20). In all things regarding civil life and government, believers are to be subject to the power and authority of civil rulers (Rom. 13:1-4). However, if we are required by law to do that which is in direct violation of the Word of God, we are bound to obey God.

Third, All who serve the cause of God in this world will be protected by God and the cause they serve will succeed (vv. 21-22). God will be glorified! In his wise and adorable providence God makes all things work together for the spiritual, eternal good of his elect and the glory of his own great name (Psa. 76:10; Rom. 8:28; Rev. 4:12). He always does that which is best. At this time, it was best for Peter and John to be released. Later, it was best for them to be beaten and imprisoned. Still later, it was best for them to be brutally killed for the testimony of Christ.

However, the thing that seems most significant in this paragraph is recorded in verse 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." Those men who had no reverence for God, no regard for Christ, and no interest in the gospel, took notice of Peter and John as being men whose lives were manifestly under the influence and control of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their communion and conversation with Christ so influenced their lives, their speech, and their conduct that even their enemies acknowledged them to be followers of Christ.

Here is a question that ought to pierce every believer's heart - What does my life say about Christ? What does my behavior say to the people around whom I work and live about the Christ I profess to trust, love, and serve? This much is certain - If a person truly knows Christ, if a person lives in communion with Jesus Christ by faith, Christ will be manifest in his life. Paul knew the Thessalonians were elect of God because Christ was manifest in them (I Thess. 1:3-10). Give thoughtful consideration to the following questions:

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN? A Christian is a person who has been chosen by God in eternal election as an object of his love and grace (Eph. 1:4; II Thess. 2:13), a person who has been redeemed from the curse of the law by the blood of Christ which was shed for the satisfaction of divine justice for God's elect (Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 3:18), one who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel (I Pet. 1:23; James 1:8), a person who by the irresistible influence of God the Holy Spirit freely acknowledges his sin and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, confessing him as Lord (Rom. 10:9-13; I John 1:9). A Christian is a person in whom Christ dwells (Col. 1:27; II Pet. 1:4).

The new birth is nothing less than Christ coming into a sinner's heart, taking possession of him, ruling him, and causing him to become a follower of himself (Matt. 12:29; Lk. 14:26-27). Anything less than this is not Christianity. A Christian, a true believer, is a man or a woman who desires and seeks the perfection of Christ's character in himself (Phil. 3:10; Col. 3:1-3; Heb. 12:14). Perfect conformity to Christ cannot be attained in this life, but that fact does not hinder the pursuit of it. The believer longs to be like Christ, to walk in his steps, to follow his example (John 13:15). Here are four things that characterized our Savior's life. These four things will, to one degree or another, characterize all who know and follow him:

1. Unflinching boldness for the honor of God (Matt. 21:12-13).

2. Gentleness and love (John 8:1-12; I Cor. 13:1-8; Eph. 4:32-5:1).

3. Self-abasing humility (Phil. 2:5-8).

4. Righteousness (Lk. 2:49-52; Eph. 4:17-32).

Find a person whose life truly exemplifies these characteristics and you have found a person who has evidently "been with Jesus". Those who bear the fruit of the Spirit are born of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Good works have nothing to do with salvation. We are saved by grace alone. But grace always produces good works (Eph. 2:8-10).

WHEN SHOULD BELIEVERS STRIVE TO BE LIKE CHRIST? I hope this question appears to be redundant to you. Yet, there are many who seem to think that Christianity is for Sundays and for church, but should not greatly interfere with a person's life. If your religion does not interfere with your life, your religion is a sham (II Cor. 5:17). That person who knows Christ strives to be like him at all times, in all places, in all circumstances.

- In The House of God (I Tim. 3:15-16).

- In The Daily Affairs Of Life (Matt. 15:14-16).

- In The Home (Eph. 5:22-6:4).

- In Heart and Attitude (Psa. 139:23-24).