Follow Me (part 3)

The early church did not hesitate to witness of the resurrection of Jesus, and the power in His name Jesus, even when they were commanded not to. They were willing to suffer for His name, and would not cease to preach and teach Jesus.

When Peter and John healed the lame man by the power of Jesus name, Peter gave his witness of Jesus and the kingdom of God to the crowd of people. (Acts 3). The priests and Sadducees put them in jail, then the next day, "commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." - Acts 4:18

When they returned to the other believers and told them what they had said, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord.

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 KJV

By the hands of the apostles were many signs, wonders, and healings among the people, and believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of men and women.

Then the high priest rose up, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

"Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." - Acts 5:20 KJV

And they did.

"Then went the captain with the officers and brought them… and set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." - Acts 5:26-28 KJV

"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." - Acts 5:29 KJV

Gamaliel then gave them counsel.

"And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go." - Acts 5:40 KJV

"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." - Acts 5:41 KJV

"And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." - Acts 5:42 KJV