It is interesting how often God inspired New Testament writers to inform us that certain people were not willing to act because of what other people might think or do. Herod Antipas wanted to kill John the Baptist, but at first 
he would not because “he feared the multitude,” who considered John to be a prophet (Matt. 14:5). The chief priests and Pharisees often sought to lay hands on Jesus, but they would not because “they feared the multitudes,” who considered Him a prophet (Matt. 21:46). The chief priests, scribes and elders would not answer Jesus’ question about John’s baptism, for “they feared the people” (Mark 11:32). After the Sanhedrin had the apostles arrested, they were careful in some respects, “for they feared the people” (Acts 5:26).
Here were people wanting to do horrible things, but they were afraid of what other people might think or do. Interesting that we have the same problem doing good things! How often do we fail to say or do something good and helpful because we’re afraid of what other people might think or do? Let’s make up our minds to be concerned only with what God thinks about us!