Territory for God’s Name
Acts 4 is a prime example of what territory for God’s name looks like. I want to start by looking at the prayer offered in Acts 4:29.
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Acts 4:29 (NIV)
This prayer was prayed under threat and persecution.
Pressure produces prayer, and prayer is powerful.
I also want to note that the apostle’s prayer was not a request to remove the pressure or persecution. Their prayer was to be made bold under this pressure and to be made willing to speak the Word with courage, commitment, and conviction. This is the part of the followers of Jesus.
Then, in verse 30, they pray for God to do His part and confirm His Word with healing, signs, and wonders in Jesus, His Holy Servant (He serves mankind,) to save them!
“Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30 (NIV)
The spirit’s power fills people with courage, boldness, and faith to trust the Word wholeheartedly.
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31 (NIV)
Prayer was offered, the place shook, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke the Word with boldness. There was no backing off and no watering down God’s Word, as we sometimes tend to do.
Then something really beautiful happens—the multitude of believers becomes of one heart and one soul.
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” Acts 4:32 (NIV)
Unity is a binding tie and a distinct maker of God’s presence.
Discord, dysfunction, disorder, and disruption are the devil’s makers. He is a divider.
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.” Acts 4:33 (NIV)
I hope this passage gives you encouragement to pray for boldness, stand in unity, and give testimony of a living Jesus.
