Proof in the People

Introduction

Myron’s story

The Reading plan

The Mission - “We are a community of Christ-centered disciples who Love God, Love Others, and Make Disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The Pathway (Gather, Grow, Give, Go)

Set the scene...

Acts 4:1–7 NASB95

1 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. 5 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”

The witness of men (vv. 8-13)

v. 8

“filled with the holy Spirit”

Luke 12:11–12 “11 “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.””

v. 9 - “benefit done to a sick man”

v. 10-12- testimony of Jesus

v. 10 - “by the name of Jesus”

v. 11 - “the chief cornerstone” Psalm 118:22

v. 12 - “there is salvation in no one else”

exclusivity of the gospel

John 14:6 “6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

v. 13

“observed the confidence”

“began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:20 “20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.””

Luke 21:12–15 “12 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. 13 “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.”

The witness of the miracle (vv. 10b, 14-16)

v. 10, 14

“this man stands before you.” (10)

“seeing the man…standing with them” (14)

v. 16

“a noteworthy miracle has taken place”

Acts 4:21 “21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;”

Acts 2:46–47 “46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

“we cannot deny it”

Conclusion (vv. 17-22)

Persecution vs Praise

They were both attractive and growing, yet hated and attacked. This description of the early church cuts us two ways. If on the one hand, we experience no attacks or persecution for our faith, it means we simply are being cowards. We are not taking risks in our witness, we are not being bold. On the other hand, if we experience attacks without a … fruitfulness and attractiveness (i.e., if we get lots of persecution and no affirmation), it may mean that we are being persecuted for being harsh or insensitive or strident. Jesus said we would only be blessed if we were persecuted “for righteousness’ sake.” It is quite possible (indeed, it is very normal) for Christians to be persecuted not for their faith, but for their discourtesy, insensitivity, and lack of warmth and respect in their dealings with others. Insensitive, harsh Christians will have persecution but not praise. Cowardly Christians will have praise but not persecution. Most Christians (whose walk with God is weak) actually get neither! But Christians who are closest to Jesus will get both, as he did. (Evangelism, 45)

- Tim Keller

Exalting Jesus in Acts With All Boldness (Acts 4:1–31)

If we cannot cite evidence of at least mild forms of persecution at work in our own lives, it is possible that we have a nimble faith—or perhaps a closet faith—that evades opposition. I heard a preacher once say that everywhere Paul went there were riots, and everywhere American Christians go there are conferences!