NOTES for Act 4:13-21

How familiar, probably, to many of us is what takes place in the hearts of the scribes and elders sitting in the Sanhedrin. Having seen the miracle, closed to it and unprepared to receive it like children, they immediately engage their reason instead of offering praise, assessing how this miracle might harm or help them. And reason promptly orders Peter and John to be sent out of the Sanhedrin so that they will not hear the discussion. They already want to cover up an unclean conscience. But the miracle remains a miracle; moreover, outside the window the people rejoice, “glorifying God for what had happened.” And what benefit is there in all this? It is much calmer and safer when the people listen quietly without questioning a single word you say. These people, the elders, understand perfectly well that a person moved by the Holy Spirit obeys Him alone and will not think about their well-being, authority, and “truth.” Fearing that the Spirit will take hold of the masses, they try to suppress this phenomenon “at the root” by compelling Peter and John to remain silent. But the Spirit “blows” (see Jn 3:8), and the apostles, faithful to the Lord, carry His sparks in their hearts so as to share them with those to whom the Lord sends them and who are willing to receive Him.