Daily Bibel Plan – Acts of the Apostels 4 (Part 2)

09. Februar 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Raising Spirit-Filled Disciples for the Unleashing Agenda

Praise the Lord, Church!

I am so grateful to God for a powerful, Spirit-filled weekend. Fortified City Church, Love City Church, Luzern City Fellowship, PIWC Bern, French Assembly, and all our churches across Switzerland—you have truly shown hunger for God. I could sense it in the School of Discipleship last Friday. People were thirsty for the Word of God, eager to understand Scripture, and hungry for transformation.

And that is exactly why our devotional reading is so important. Taking time to read the Word and meditate on it transforms our spirit. It positions us to receive boldness, wisdom, and power from God. So today, we are going to dive into Acts 4:23–37 during our chair time.

Before we start, I want you to open your Bibles slowly, pray, and underline anything that speaks to you. Pray like this:

“Holy Spirit, reveal Yourself and Your Word to me. Give me understanding, boldness, and courage to walk in obedience.”

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Recap from Acts 4:1–22

Last Friday, we looked at Peter and John healing the man at the gate called Beautiful. Remember—his life was not beautiful, yet God used the apostles to demonstrate power, mercy, and love. Opposition arose immediately. The rulers, elders, and scribes tried to stop the gospel.

We learned three important lessons:

1. Power attracts resistance. Anytime God moves, there will be opposition.

2. Boldness comes from intimacy with Jesus. People recognized that Peter and John had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

3. Miracles must point to God, not the messenger. Every gift and every miracle works only by God’s grace.

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Acts 4:23–37 – Bold Faith Under Threat

1. Reporting Threats and Praising God (vv. 23–24)

“Having been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they raised their voice together to God…”

Notice what they did. Instead of fear, they lifted their voices in praise and quoted Scripture. They referenced Psalm 2:1–2:

“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed.”

Even when threatened, their focus was on God. Opposition did not distract them from their mission.

Reflection: When opposition or threats come, do we allow fear to control us, or do we respond with Scripture and praise?

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2. Bold Prayer in the Midst of Opposition (vv. 29–31)

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your Word…”

Notice something important—they did not pray for the destruction of their enemies. Instead, they prayed for boldness to preach and for healing to take place through them.

My Personal Experience:

Boldness is not self-generated; it comes from the Holy Spirit. I’ve experienced this personally—one day on my way from the UK with Deaconess Ruth and Lady Anita, I had a strong instruction in my heart to preach on the plane ✈️. A 3-minute sermon through obedience led someone to Christ and changed her eternity status forever! I didn’t care about the consequences—I was ready.

Now I understand more clearly the results of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Without Him, I might have stayed silent, trying to be politically correct. But there was someone on that plane ready to be saved. Preaching to individuals on trams, trains, or in public spaces—I have realized it is not performance; it is the Holy Spirit moving through us.

Church, as God raises us Spirit-filled, we too will speak with power wherever we go—at home, at school, at work, in the tram, or train.

Verse 31 confirms the result:

“…when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness.”

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3. Unity Produces Strength and Grace (vv. 32–35)

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul…there was not anyone among them who lacked…”

Unity in the early church was remarkable. Believers shared possessions, cared for one another, and sought the glory of God collectively. This shared vision and purpose strengthened their witness and released God’s grace.

Reflection: Are we pursuing one heart, one soul, and generosity in our church family? Unity amplifies boldness, grace, and fruitfulness.

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4. Selfless Generosity and Encouragement (vv. 36–37)

Joseph, called Barnabas (Son of Encouragement), sold land and brought the money to the apostles’ feet. This was selfless giving—not for recognition, but to meet needs and further the Kingdom. Today how will people interprete our giving , if we bring money at Pastor Joseph or Presiding’s feet? That could be a powerful story for the media space. The church will be criticized for money laundering. But see the hearts of the church then. Wow, nothing moved them.

Reflection: How generous and selfless is our giving? Are we sowing into God’s work to empower discipleship, outreach, and transformation, even when the world misunderstands it?

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5. Boldness and Opposition

The early disciples faced threats and resistance—but they did not back down. Acts 4:18 says:

“…they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”

Yet Peter and John answered boldly:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge.” (Acts 4:19–20)

Reflection: Obedience to God is non-negotiable. Spirit-filled disciples do not negotiate obedience in the face of opposition.

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6. Miracles Confirm God’s Glory (Acts 4:22, 31)

The healed man stood before everyone—over 40 years old! The miracle was undeniable. Opposition could not erase God’s power. Likewise, when we act in God’s authority, His glory will be evident.

Reflection: Are we ready to let God’s glory shine, even when people oppose, misunderstand, or criticize?

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Key Takeaways

1. Opposition is inevitable when God moves. Resistance does not nullify God’s power.

2. Boldness comes from the Holy Spirit, not education or human skill (Acts 4:13, 31).

3. Unity produces strength (Acts 4:32–35).

4. Generosity and encouragement sustain the mission (Acts 4:36–37).

5. Prayer aligns the Church with God’s purpose and activates miracles.

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Final Exhortation

Church, the early disciples did not pray for escape—they prayed for boldness to preach and heal. As Spirit-filled disciples, we are called to:

• Stand firm under opposition

• Speak boldly in every sphere of life

• Live united and generous

• Depend fully on the Holy Spirit

May Fortified City Church, Love City Church, Luzern City Fellowship, PIWC Bern, French Assembly, and all our churches across Switzerland rise as Spirit-filled disciples who bring transformation, hope, and healing to our cities and nations.

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Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word and Your Church. Fill us with boldness like Peter and John. Help us obey You above all else, stand firm for the gospel, and bring Your healing and truth to every sphere of influence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Personal Prayer:

Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Give me courage to speak, strength to stand, and grace to obey. Use my life to bless others, heal the broken, and bring souls to Christ. Amen.

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Shalom and much love,

Rev. Joseph Antwi 🙏🏾🔥