Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 29, 2022: SOAP #4440:  Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

(re-worked SOAP from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:40   … They called the apostles in and had them flogged … . 41  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

OBSERVATION: In Chapter 4 we read:  They preached, they were arrested and warned.  They prayed (4:24-30).  They specifically asked for boldness (4:29).  Now in chapter 5: With boldness they preached some more.  They were again arrested and then miraculously released from jail by an angel.  Boldly they returned and preached some more. A third time they were arrested and brought before the council.  This time there was no miraculous intervention as they were beaten before being warned not to preach and released.  They responded by rejoicing!  It was an honor to suffer for the Name of Jesus!  Then boldly they daily went back to the temple courts to continue preaching!  They went back to the place where they had been arrested and for which they had been flogged! 

APPLICATION:  Did God only answer their prayer when they were miraculously released, or when they were only warned?  Did God ignore His servants when they were beaten?  Did God only answer some of their prayers, or only some of the time?  No, God answered their prayer all the time.  They had prayed for boldness! (Acts 4:29) Do I want to pray a prayer that God will answer every time, and keep on answering?  Then I should follow the example of the early church and pray for boldness to speak about Jesus!

PRAYER:  Lord, as the early church prayed, enable your servant to speak your word with great boldness. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon