Ready for Honest Answers

Scripture – Acts 4:5-7: ⁵The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. ⁷They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Reflection: – These folks did not know what they were asking. We’ve seen so far in this book of Acts that Peter and John don’t need much of an opening to preach. And here, the door has been opened as wide as could be.

Sometimes I tell people, “Don’t ask me questions you don’t want me to answer.” I can imagine these two apostles exchanging glances and gearing up for an answer. I’m sure “power” will be demonstrated and the “name” will be proclaimed.

At the same time, I must admit, I often find myself sitting with these “rulers, elders and teachers of the law.” In this present day, as new forms of church and ministry keep emerging, I often ask the same basic question. By the grace of God, may I be ready to hear an honest answer and ready to accept new embodiments of the old gospel truths.

What questions do you have for churches and Christian groups today? How open are you to hearing their answers?