Ever heard the phrase “No good deed goes unpunished?” According to the US Dictionary, this is an idiom that warns us that even well-intentioned actions can lead to negative consequences. It suggests that our efforts might be met with ingratitude or backlash despite our good intentions.
It happened to the disciples in the Book of Acts. In Chapter 3, a crippled man at the Gate Beautiful solicited Peter and John. Not having gold or silver, Peter instead, by the power and in the name of Jesus, commanded the man to walk, and he did so.
That good deed caught the attention of the rulers, elders and teachers of the law who had Peter and John brought before them for questioning. “By what power or what name did you do this?” they asked.
Boldly Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit tells them all was done in the name of Jesus and ends with the most profound declaration, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12 NLT]
COURAGE. The accusers of Peter and John that day noted that these were unschooled, ordinary men, yet they were men unafraid to speak up.
One of the most awesome traits of a follower of Jesus is the courage to act and the courage to speak.
