Sermon Tone Analysis

The first persecution

Sadducees were ‘modernists’, denied the supernatural, didn’t believe in the resurrection (that’s why they’re “Sad u See”!).

Orientated towards ethics rather than the theology, despised the Pharisee’s.

The most monied and powerful Jewish sect.

Sadducees were ‘modernists’, denied the supernatural, didn’t believe in the resurrection (that’s why they’re “Sad u See”!).

Orientated towards ethics rather than the theology, despised the Pharisee’s.

The most monied and powerful Jewish sect.

Sadducees were ‘modernists’, denied the supernatural, didn’t believe in the resurrection (that’s why they’re “Sad u See”!).

Orientated towards ethics rather than the theology, despised the Pharisee’s.

The most monied and powerful Jewish sect.

Sadducees were ‘modernists’, denied the supernatural, didn’t believe in the resurrection (that’s why they’re “Sad u See”!), they hailed largely from the Jewish aristocracy and saw the economic and political benefit of peaceful co-existance with the Roman establishment.

In contrast the Pharisees were dedicated the Mosaic Law and largely hailed from the Jewish middle classes.

Though most Jews believed in resurrection, the Pharisees were very much in the minority in the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court), mostly making up the scribes (lawyers) of the court.

Whereas the Priests were mostly Sadducees and by this time the High Priest was always a Sadducee.

Sadducees were ‘modernists’, denied the supernatural, didn’t believe in the resurrection (that’s why they’re “Sad u See”!).

Orientated towards ethics rather than the theology, despised the Pharisee’s.

The most monied and powerful Jewish sect.

The Pharisee, were the first to line up against Jesus because of his teachings, however, the preaching of the resurrection angered them and was a threat to their beliefs

The Pharisee, ritualists.

;

The numbers were growing, from 120 in

to 3,000 in

to 5,000 (probably only counting men too)!

Considering Peter had healed the lame man at around 3PM (9th hour), and at this point was preaching at Solomon’s Portico/Colonnade, that’s a lot to add in a few hours!

So they were thrown into jail to await the next morning, when the Sanhedrin would meet.

This is the first recorded persecution of the new church!

Foreshadowing

It’s easy to miss but Jesus also preached at the same location:

How does Jesus’ words relate to what we see happening with Peter & John?

Notice the parallels:

the talk of eternal life

the prophecy that the sheep will follow him (as we now see happening)

Jesus shows them good works and they attempt to stone him and arrest him - just like Peter & John and the lame man.

As we’ve seen before, following Jesus will lead to persecution.

The Hearing

Acts 4:5-

Annas was the first high priest, who questioned Jesus, Caiaphas was the current high priest, and Annas’ son-in-law.

John was probably Jonathan, who succeeded Caiaphas as High Priest.

These were the most powerful Jews in the world at that time.

Peter and John and the healed cripple (see ) were brought before them.

What do you notice about the first question?

They don’t query a miracle was done, they already accept that.

Something powerful has happened and they need to understand why.

Of course Peter has already answered in

But now he gets his chance to answer the Sanhedrin itself

The Defense

First, it’s important to note that Jesus had already predicted this and left instructions:

Remember, Jesus has the answer!

Peter puts this in practice, he is filled with the Holy Spirit - the helper sent by Christ

Peter does not mince his words here, just as he did in he accuses the Sanhedrin of killing Jesus (which of course they played a key role) and then shows them how their own scriptures predicted it using words that would be very familiar to the Sanhedrin members:

Notice they ascribe glory to Jesus

Who is in the dock with Peter and John?

Quite literally, the healed cripple is there (see also )

There is but one way.

Peter does not mince his words here, just as he did in he accuses the Sanhedrin of killing Jesus (which of course they played a key role) and then shows them how their own scriptures predicted it using words that would be very familiar to the Sanhedrin members:

Jesus!

They go on:

There is but one way.

Peter does not mince his words here, just as he did in he accuses the Sanhedrin of killing Jesus (which of course they played a key role) and then shows them how their own scriptures predicted it using words that would be very familiar to the Sanhedrin members:

Peter does not mince his words here, just as he did in he accuses the Sanhedrin of killing Jesus (which of course they played a key role) and then shows them how their own scriptures predicted it using words that would be very familiar to the Sanhedrin members:

I

In doing so, he echoes Jesus’ own attribution:

Luek 20:17

What does it mean that Jesus is a stumbling stone?

You can’t bypass Jesus, he can’t be ignored he is either accepted or rejected

One Way

Which leads to the most important proclamation:

What does this say about salvation?

There is but one way, choose Jesus.