And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's history, showcasing both its rapid growth and the initial seeds of persecution. This chapter, a direct continuation of the events in Acts 3, reveals how the apostles' unwavering faith and the miraculous power of Jesus Christ sparked a powerful reaction, drawing both believers and opposition. Understanding the context of Acts 4 is crucial for grasping the challenges and triumphs that defined the nascent Christian community.
The Arrest and Interrogation (Acts 4:1-7)
Following the healing of the lame beggar at the temple gate (Acts 3), Peter's sermon drew a large crowd. However, this public display of faith and healing quickly attracted the attention of the religious authorities. As Acts 4:1-2 tells us, "While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead."
The Sadducees, a prominent Jewish sect, did not believe in the resurrection, making Peter and John's message particularly offensive. Consequently, they arrested the apostles and held them overnight (Acts 4:3). The next day, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, convened, bringing together the same figures who had orchestrated Jesus' crucifixion. This included the high priest and other influential leaders (Acts 4:5-6).
The Sanhedrin's primary concern was to understand the source of Peter and John's authority. They questioned, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" (Acts 4:7). This question wasn't necessarily a genuine inquiry for information, but rather a challenge to their perceived authority and an attempt to intimidate the apostles.
Peter's Bold Defense (Acts 4:8-12)
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter responded with remarkable courage and clarity (Acts 4:8). This is a stark contrast to his earlier denial of Jesus (Luke 22:57), highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to confidently witness to Christ. He boldly proclaimed that the healing was done "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 4:10).
Peter further emphasized Jesus' significance by quoting Psalm 118:22, stating that Jesus is "the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4:11). This analogy underscored the leaders' rejection of Jesus, the very foundation upon which true salvation rests.
The core of Peter's message is found in Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." He unequivocally declared that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. The name "Jesus," derived from the Hebrew "Joshua," means "The Lord saves," encapsulating His identity and mission.
The Sanhedrin's Dilemma (Acts 4:13-22)
The Sanhedrin was astounded by Peter and John's boldness and eloquence, especially considering their lack of formal rabbinical training (Acts 4:13). They recognized that these men "had been with Jesus," acknowledging the profound impact of Jesus' teachings and presence on their lives. One can receive formal theological education and degrees, but without having "been with Jesus" in a spiritual relationship, one will not have a lasting spiritual effect on others.
Unable to deny the undeniable miracle that had occurred (Acts 4:14), the council faced a dilemma. They acknowledged the miracle was a "notable sign" that was "evident to all those living in Jerusalem" (Acts 4:16). Yet, driven by their desire to preserve their religious authority, they decided to threaten Peter and John, ordering them "not to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus" (Acts 4:17-18). They cared only about preserving their own religious authority.
Peter and John responded with unwavering conviction: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). While Christians are called to respect governing authorities (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13), when human commands conflict with God's clear directives, our allegiance must be to God.
Faced with the overwhelming evidence of the miracle and fearing a public backlash, the Sanhedrin reluctantly released Peter and John, threatening them again (Acts 4:21-22).
The Church's Prayer for Boldness (Acts 4:23-31)
Upon returning to the community of believers, Peter and John recounted their experience. Instead of succumbing to fear, the church united in prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and power (Acts 4:24). They recognized the opposition they faced as a fulfillment of prophecy, quoting Psalm 2:1-2 (Acts 4:25-26).
In their prayer, they didn't ask for protection from persecution, but rather for boldness to continue proclaiming the Gospel: "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness" (Acts 4:29). They understood that God's divine sovereignty can use human actions to accomplish his holy purposes, even through the killing of Jesus at the hands of sinners, God was providing a way to save sinners.
God answered their prayer powerfully. Acts 4:31 describes, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." They had already received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), but a Christian who is indwelt by the Spirit can be powerfully filled by the Spirit for bold proclamation. The absence of such boldness indicates the absence of the Spirit's filling.
Unity and Generosity in the Church (Acts 4:32-37)
The chapter concludes by highlighting the remarkable unity and generosity within the early church. Acts 4:32 states, "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." Unity among God's people is critical for revealing the visible manifestation of His glory.
This unity manifested in practical ways, with believers sharing their possessions and meeting each other's needs (Acts 4:34-35). They were unified spiritually and materially. Luke provides a specific example of Barnabas, "a Levite, a native of Cyprus," who sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas, whose name meant "Son of Encouragement," exemplified the spirit of generosity and selflessness that characterized the early church.
The generosity of Barnabas is set in stark contrast to the couple that Luke describes next.
Acts 4 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of boldness, unity, and generosity in the face of opposition. It demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to witness to Christ and live out their faith in tangible ways. As we study this chapter, we are challenged to examine our own lives and consider how we can emulate the example of the early church in our own context.
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's history, showcasing both its rapid growth and the initial seeds of persecution. This chapter, a direct continuation of the events in Acts 3, reveals how the apostles' unwavering faith and the miraculous power of Jesus Christ sparked a powerful reaction, drawing both believers and opposition. Understanding the context of Acts 4 is crucial for grasping the challenges and triumphs that defined the nascent Christian community.
The Arrest and Interrogation (Acts 4:1-7)
Following the healing of the lame beggar at the temple gate (Acts 3), Peter's sermon drew a large crowd. However, this public display of faith and healing quickly attracted the attention of the religious authorities. As Acts 4:1-2 tells us, "While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead."
The Sadducees, a prominent Jewish sect, did not believe in the resurrection, making Peter and John's message particularly offensive. Consequently, they arrested the apostles and held them overnight (Acts 4:3). The next day, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, convened, bringing together the same figures who had orchestrated Jesus' crucifixion. This included the high priest and other influential leaders (Acts 4:5-6).
The Sanhedrin's primary concern was to understand the source of Peter and John's authority. They questioned, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" (Acts 4:7). This question wasn't necessarily a genuine inquiry for information, but rather a challenge to their perceived authority and an attempt to intimidate the apostles.
Peter's Bold Defense (Acts 4:8-12)
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter responded with remarkable courage and clarity (Acts 4:8). This is a stark contrast to his earlier denial of Jesus (Luke 22:57), highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to confidently witness to Christ. He boldly proclaimed that the healing was done "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 4:10).
Peter further emphasized Jesus' significance by quoting Psalm 118:22, stating that Jesus is "the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4:11). This analogy underscored the leaders' rejection of Jesus, the very foundation upon which true salvation rests.
The core of Peter's message is found in Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." He unequivocally declared that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. The name "Jesus," derived from the Hebrew "Joshua," means "The Lord saves," encapsulating His identity and mission.
The Sanhedrin's Dilemma (Acts 4:13-22)
The Sanhedrin was astounded by Peter and John's boldness and eloquence, especially considering their lack of formal rabbinical training (Acts 4:13). They recognized that these men "had been with Jesus," acknowledging the profound impact of Jesus' teachings and presence on their lives. One can receive formal theological education and degrees, but without having "been with Jesus" in a spiritual relationship, one will not have a lasting spiritual effect on others.
Unable to deny the undeniable miracle that had occurred (Acts 4:14), the council faced a dilemma. They acknowledged the miracle was a "notable sign" that was "evident to all those living in Jerusalem" (Acts 4:16). Yet, driven by their desire to preserve their religious authority, they decided to threaten Peter and John, ordering them "not to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus" (Acts 4:17-18). They cared only about preserving their own religious authority.
Peter and John responded with unwavering conviction: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). While Christians are called to respect governing authorities (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13), when human commands conflict with God's clear directives, our allegiance must be to God.
Faced with the overwhelming evidence of the miracle and fearing a public backlash, the Sanhedrin reluctantly released Peter and John, threatening them again (Acts 4:21-22).
The Church's Prayer for Boldness (Acts 4:23-31)
Upon returning to the community of believers, Peter and John recounted their experience. Instead of succumbing to fear, the church united in prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and power (Acts 4:24). They recognized the opposition they faced as a fulfillment of prophecy, quoting Psalm 2:1-2 (Acts 4:25-26).
In their prayer, they didn't ask for protection from persecution, but rather for boldness to continue proclaiming the Gospel: "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness" (Acts 4:29). They understood that God's divine sovereignty can use human actions to accomplish his holy purposes, even through the killing of Jesus at the hands of sinners, God was providing a way to save sinners.
God answered their prayer powerfully. Acts 4:31 describes, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." They had already received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), but a Christian who is indwelt by the Spirit can be powerfully filled by the Spirit for bold proclamation. The absence of such boldness indicates the absence of the Spirit's filling.
Unity and Generosity in the Church (Acts 4:32-37)
The chapter concludes by highlighting the remarkable unity and generosity within the early church. Acts 4:32 states, "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." Unity among God's people is critical for revealing the visible manifestation of His glory.
This unity manifested in practical ways, with believers sharing their possessions and meeting each other's needs (Acts 4:34-35). They were unified spiritually and materially. Luke provides a specific example of Barnabas, "a Levite, a native of Cyprus," who sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas, whose name meant "Son of Encouragement," exemplified the spirit of generosity and selflessness that characterized the early church.
The generosity of Barnabas is set in stark contrast to the couple that Luke describes next.
Acts 4 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of boldness, unity, and generosity in the face of opposition. It demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to witness to Christ and live out their faith in tangible ways. As we study this chapter, we are challenged to examine our own lives and consider how we can emulate the example of the early church in our own context.