Have you ever been so filled with joyful news that you had to tell someone? Peter and John have met the risen Lord, and they have witnessed many of His miracles. They cannot help themselves - they want everyone to know and to share in the joy and blessing that is being poured out. As is often the case, the authorities feel threatened and try to stifle them and deny the apostles' experience. But even threats of punishment and violence will not silence them - they simply must speak. We should feel encouraged to speak freely of our experience of the Lord and His many blessings. Let us not be intimidated or cowed by the unbelief or resentment of others, for our experience of the Lord is valid.

The first proclamation of the risen Lord is met with unbelief by many. The disciples who met Jesus on the road and Mary Magdalene, were greeted with ridicule and doubt when they related their encounters to others. The author proposes signs of discipleship that we might consider strange and disturbing - the ability to pick up venomous snakes or drink poison. No one should put his or her faith to the test in this regard! But there is a point in that a deep relationship with Jesus will show itself in a sense of peace and lack of fear. Jesus gives us the spirit of boldness and courage. The only way to convince the world that Christ is truly risen is to do what the Lord commands - go share the good news with all creation.