Peter and John had been in jail for one night but returned to the other believers for support and encouragement.

Acts 4.23-31

Reference: v.23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Have you ever been away from home for a long time?
When you return home you start to appreciate all the little things that you missed so much when you were away. I was in the Philippines for five weeks last year, and while my experience was amazing and my Filipino friends were so welcoming and friendly, I certainly missed my friends, family and independence from back home. It was a really joyous occasion when I returned home and was surrounded by all my family and friends.
Peter and John had only spent one night in jail, but I get the feeling that even one night and a day before the Sanhedrin would seem like a life time. When they were released the 'went back to their own people'. They returned to those who knew them, understood their passion for Christ's message and would stand by them through all difficulties. There was something powerful and nurturing about the early church that assisted all the believers to endure much persecution.

Application: All churches should be this safe and nurturing place. While the term 'their own people' sounds a little cliquey, with all the persecution the believers were facing, they needed the support and encouragement from those who understood their situation.
As members of a church we should be looking at building each other up and supporting one another as we struggle with all that life throws at us. Particularly when it comes to proclaiming God's word in our world, we should be standing in solidarity and cheering each other on, just like the early believers.

Prayer: Lord, there is often so much division within the church. We pray that you will build us together in unity so that we may have the strength to continue to confess your name through all the earth. Amen.