The teachings of Christ were seen as offensive by some. Consequently, there were individuals who sought to silence anyone who would promote Christ and speak in His name.
For instance, in Acts 3-4, in the name of Jesus, Peter healed a man who was lame. This healing attracted a crowd, prompting Peter to share the Gospel with them, leading to the arrest of Peter and John by certain Jews. While being questioned, Peter assigned this healing power and authority to Jesus. Although the authorities recognized that a miracle had occurred and that Peter and John were disciples of Jesus, they conspired about how to prevent the Gospel from spreading. The good news message promised salvation and life after death, yet they wanted to silence it.
Their resolution was, “We cannot deny the miracle, but to prevent it from spreading among the people, let us sternly warn them to no longer speak to anyone in this name.” They called for Peter and John and attempted to prevent them from speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:16-18).
The cancel culture mentality regarding Christianity and the Gospel was alive and well in the 1st century. Peter and John provide us with the simplest, most profound, and only acceptable answer we may give.
Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
Prospering Pathway 
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