ETB Acts 4:8-21

Session 5 - p.46 - Emboldened - The Holy Spirit enables believers to speak with boldness.

If you knew your employer (or someone else in the company) was engaging in deceitful and dishonest practices, what would you do? What if your employer warned you to keep quiet about it? Understanding the difference between right and wrong is one thing. Having the boldness to do what is right is something else. [ETB:PSG Spr'24]

My employer knows exactly what I would do, and it is part of the reason that they trust me with the sensitive information that they do.

Memory Verse: Acts 4:12 “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.””

Being nervous about sharing the gospel is a normal experience for believers. The only sure way to overcome this fear is to trust that Jesus keeps His promises. He has promised to be with us as we make disciples (Matt. 28:20), and He has promised that the Holy Spirit will empower us as we are His witnesses (Acts 1:8). [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

I seem to be less intimidated by speaking the truth instead of singing it for some reason. These truths are what I am trying to focus on for the next time I am singing in July. Resting in His Peace to proclaim His truths in song.

Ask: Why is it vital that we rely on the Holy Spirit for bold living as well as bold sharing? (PSG, p. 46)

Understand the Context

The healing of the lame man and Peter’s sermon in Acts 3 didn’t just catch the attention of Jews worshiping in the temple. The Jewish religious leaders also noticed, and they took action.

In the opening verses of Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested because the temple leaders were “greatly annoyed” that the members of the early church kept preaching about Jesus and His resurrection (Acts 4:2). Despite Peter and John’s sudden arrest, Luke emphasized that God was at work saving people and building His church. The Bible tells us that “about five thousand” people believed Peter’s message (4:4).

Upon their arrest, Peter and John only spent one night in prison. The next morning, they were brought before the high priest, Annas, along with several other members of this ruling family. God was providential in His work to bring attention to the proclamation of the gospel. The question put before Peter and John was tailor-made for them to answer: “By what power or by what name did you do this?” (4:7). They had a quick and sure response: Jesus. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Our lesson passage begin with Peter’s response to that questioning.

Explore the Text

Acts 4:8–12 ESV

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 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.”

Ask: How should we respond to opposition to our faith?

Filled with the Holy Spirit

Some may ask,”Wasn’t Peter with the Holy Spirit back in Chapter 2 at Pentecost? Did it wear off?” I think Paul in his letter to the Ephesians answers that best for us.

Ephesians 5:18 “18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”

Amplified Bible Chapter 5

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. [Prov. 23:20.]

Much like salvation there is an initial single point in time, but there is also a progressive growing, which ultimately leads to fulfillment.

Peter was filled, and now he is acting in faith to increase that filling so that God can use him in this situation.

if we are being examined today concerning a good deed

John and Peter knew that there was no legal reason for them to be held or tried by this group for the act of God that was done through them.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

Peter points out that trials are convened for crimes, not for acts of mercy and love. He implies that the religious leaders are corrupt (compare note on v. 2).

let it be known to all of you

This is the third time that Peter uses this sequence of events and is his summation of the Gospel. Jesus you crucified but God resurrected bodily. By this Jesus these things are true....

this man stands before you well

We get our English word “hygiene” from the word used for “well” in this verse but the Greek meaning was much more than a cleansing it was complete health. More like our word “holistic.” Not only was his physical birth defect removed but the atrophy and malnutrition with it and the word also suggests a spiritual “healthliness.”

Faith and physical health are linked together by this word in Mark 5:34 “34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.””

This Jesus is the stone

Not petros - little pebble or rock. Not petra - mass of rock that can be moved. Lithos - Large stone that takes multiple people to move. Often used for building because of its size. Jesus is The Stone that you cannot just ignore.

These are the same words and quote from Ps118 that Jesus has spoken to many in this group Himself back int Matthew 21 and Luke 20 after explaining how they did not apply the Parable of Tenants to themselves. Jesus had warned them that Matthew 21:43“43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

This Jesus… rejected by you

If they reject Jesus, then they will reject His followers too. That is still true today as those of the world do not want to be confronted with the truths of their sins and their portion in the crucifixion of Christ. The temple of Jerusalem was built with dead, inanimate stones. Christ’s church however is built with His people and living stones.

1 Peter 2:4–5 “4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Let us accept their rejection as mortar between the stone that binds us together more strongly.

rejected by you, the builders

They were not really architects, so what were these men supposed to be “building?”

All of their religious tenants and teachings that did not have a foundation in Christ as the Messiah were crumbling structures and would not last. Salvation it by no other name, and neither is any teaching that will last.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 4

This One rejected by you, this One who went to hell for you is the Rock of Deuteronomy 32 (verse 4), the Cornerstone of Psalm 118 (verse 22), the Smiting Stone of Daniel 2 (verse 35), the Rock of our salvation.”

This Jesus.. has become the cornerstone

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised Cornerstone

While all the passages indicate the stone at the corner, there appear to be two conceptions: (1) the foundation stone upon which the structure rested (Job 38:6; Isa. 28:16; Jer. 51:26 [RSV, AV, “corner”; NEB “corner-stone”]); or (2) the topmost or capstone, which linked the last tier together (Ps. 118:22). In both cases it is an important stone and figurative of the Messiah, who is “the First and the Last.” In Job 38:6 it beautifully expresses in figures the stability of the earth, which Yahweh created. In Zec. 10:4 the leader or ruler in the messianic age is represented by the corner-stone.

The phrase in the Greek is “head of the corner” which used to be translated as “capstone” by some English versions but it appears that they have edited that out in later releases. Cornerstone are meant to be immovable as they were what the builders would continue to come back to and check their measurements from. Guards were sometimes posted to prevent tampering with the stone if sabotage was expected. A stone that could not be trusted to stay in place or give accurate and “true” measurements every time would be rejected. If the cornerstone was faulty or unstable, the entire building would be in jeopardy. Jesus however is always true, faithful, and the solid rock. We should continue to come back to Him and verify we are building correctly in our lives things that would glorify and magnify Him.

By this Jesus… salvation in no one else

No one, no thing, no where else - Solus Christus!

This message of singularity is throughout the Scriptures.

Psalm 146:3 “3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.”

1 Timothy 2:5 “5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

Do you have a favorite verse that speaks to the uniqueness of Christ as the only means of salvation.

John 14:6 “6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Ask: Why was it important for Peter to identify Jesus as he did? How do people typically respond when believers claim Jesus is the only way to salvation? (PSG, p. 50)

Opening Up Acts The Jewish Rulers Intimidate and Release Peter and John (vv. 13–22)

Unbelief is not an intellectual, head issue, but a moral, heart issue. The Sanhedrin saw a miracle and heard the Word of God preached, yet they still refused to repent and believe.

James reminds us that the demons “believe” in Jesus intellectually. We cannot convince someone to believe what they perceive as a lie, but God can change their heart and mind to see the truth of His evidence before them. We must keep telling people the exclusivity of God’s way to salvation.

This Jesus… by which we must be saved

Today if you asked a person “are you saved?”, they would ask “from what?” But those that Peter was speaking to knew exactly what this salvation was about and from. God’s wrath and eternal punishment was at the forefront of their beliefs and the reason for all their ceremonies and sacrifices. They knew what “being saved” meant, they were just continuing to try and provide it for themselves the wrong way.

Acts 4:13–18 ESV

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

when they saw the boldness of Peter and John

This boldness and confidence is a fulfillment of what Christ had told them would happen.

Luke 12:11–12 “11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.””

Luke 21:15 “15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Ask: Why might a person view sharing about Jesus as a threat? How are many people today like the ones who confronted Peter and John? (PSG, p. 52)

uneducated, common men

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 4

Uneducated and common (“nonprofessional”) men like Peter and John were not expected to speak so confidently before the supreme court of the land. The two words do not mean that they were illiterate or unintelligent but rather that they had not gone through the advanced training of the rabbinic schools. they had been with Jesus. It is impossible to imagine how much the disciples would have learned from spending three years in close association with the Son of God living on earth, listening to him teach, hearing him pray, and watching him interact with the most difficult challenges. They knew Jesus, and in knowing him they knew much more than all the learned scribes of the Sanhedrin.

Some of their fellow scholars had nearly the same reaction when they heard Jesus speaking.

John 7:15 “15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?””

Although it may have been a deriding thought in the religious leaders mind’s, the words that Luke uses are not slanderous but used as a contrast to those being addressed. Uneducated vs. Educated. Those listening has all been trained and schooled in public speaking, the scriptures, debate, and other scholarly pursuits. Peter and John had learned to fish. Common vs. Elite. Not everyone was selected to be a leader in a synagogue, much less to preside on the Sanhedrin council in Jerusalem the Jewish religious center of the world. John and Peter came from a town that we have a hard time finding on a map today. These contrasts were noted by those listening as they perceived wisdom and intellect that at least matched if not surpassed their own being displayed by Peter and John. More of God’s power been shown to them, but which they eventually deny.

recognized that they had been with Jesus

Do you remember Jesus turning the questions asked Him back on those that tried to trap Him? Or asking questions to some of these same leaders in ways that made them stop quizzing Him? Something about the plain way that John and Peter were responding to them reminded them of Jesus. They had picked up His speech and logic by being in His presence and listening to Him constantly for 3 years and now the Holy Spirit was reminding them and prompting them with all of these things. There were times that it did not seem like the disciples were really “getting” Jesus messages, but apparently they did as He is being seem through them vividly.

they had nothing to say

The disciples speech and logic were flawless. Their empirical proof of their claim was standing right beside them irrefutably.

In Luke 21:15 “15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Now we understand that sometimes the “mouth and wisdom” is figurative but can be just as real. One of my past leaders told me that God does not need us to defend Him, He can do that quite well on His own. We just need to be ready to present His evidence.

Since they had no empirical or judicial reason to detain or deter the disciples, some other tactic must be used for them to put these fishermen back in their place.

they conferred with one another

The last time we studied this group being recorded as meeting behind closed doors like this was about 50 days ago.

Matthew 26:59 “59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,”

This time however, there was no one who could give a false testimony as the man who was lame for 40 years wasn’t any more. Verse 22 tells that “all were praising God for what had happened.” Which should have made these men happy, but since this blessing was not attached the them in any way it made it look as if God was not with them and their authority over the people was greatly diminished, which was true - but they did not want to accept it.

What shall we do with these men?

They cannot win with logic, speech or law. The disciples were arrested because there believed to be “causing a riot” but it was an act of God that they cannot refute. Letting them go without some reprimand would be a sign of the abuse of power in having the held overnight.

But in order that it may spread no further among the people

Do you think they would have wanted to “stop the spread” if Nicodemus had healed the man?

let us warn them

Some translations have “let us threaten them.”

What would the “threat” or “warning” be?

This time the council only warned them with words. Later in Chapter 5 they will be told the same things again but also beaten. Eventually escalating just like it did with Jesus, to murder/execution.

speak no more in this name

Saying the name was not really the issue. There were plenty of other “Jesus’” around in that day. The Council did not want them to “teach” or “witness” about Jesus. That is what makes people ask questions and then believe and then more “talking” happens.

The disciples however knew that the council had no authority to ask that of them.

Acts 4:19–21 ESV

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

Peter and John answered

Peter and John recognized that although they had not broken any laws to this point, now that they had been given a order by the council it was as good as a religious law on the books. They knew the consequences for disobedience would be severe. But they also knew that this command from the was not good and was against God’s edict to give Him glory and magnify His Son. The disciples knew the council probably would not listen to the truth, but they confronted them with the unrighteousness of the edict that they have given.

The disciples were beginning to experience some of the same situations that the prophets of old were put into.

Amos 7:15–17 “15 But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ 16 Now therefore hear the word of the Lord. “You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ 17 Therefore thus says the Lord: “ ‘Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided up with a measuring line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.’ ””

But the same Spirit that had emboldened the ancient prophets, now filled them to speak truth and uncover sin.

Micah 3:8 “8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.”

Jeremiah 1:7 “7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.”

Cannot but speak

The best apologetic for the power of God is the testimony of a transformed life. Witnessing comes out of the overflow of God’s work in our lives. Even if they had wanted to honor the Sanhedrin’s command, Peter and John could never stop sharing the gospel.

A similar sentiment is expressed in many Psalms, where the writers rejoiced in testifying about God’s work (Ps. 8; 67; 93; 96; 117; 145). The prophet Jeremiah noted that when he thought about abandoning his ministry, God’s words became a fire in his heart (Jer. 20:9). Apparently, the apostles felt the same way. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Share: They knew that they were accountable to Him, and they did not want to compromise their commission from Acts 1:8. They also believed He was ultimately in control, so nothing the leaders could do really intimidated them.

Apply the Text

· Believers can share the truth of the gospel with confidence.

· Believers should expect others to discourage the sharing of Jesus.

· Believers are expected to share what they have seen and know with others.

Ask: What habits could your group develop to embolden one another to witness for Christ?(PSG, p. 54)