Arresting the Gospel (Acts 4:1-22)
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Good morning.... Thank you Courtney for leading us today. It sort of feels a little more normal today at Connect Community and I thankful for that. Again thank you all for joining in with us this morning…we hope you are enduring well. I again long for a time when the church can gather. This morning we are going to be in the book of Acts…chapter 4 to be exact; so you can begin to make your way there. John Stott said of this passage,
The Sadducees could arrest the apostles, but not the gospel.
I have used this quote this week as sort of a guiding light for this study. What I have found and history has shown that the Gospel cannot be stopped… It has survived… It has survived political parties, wars, chaos, book burnings, it has been hidden in caves.
The religious leaders in Jesus day thought if they killed Jesus that would stop the movement. They thought if they arrested people; it would stop the movement. We will see in a few chapters from now they hired a hitman to crush Christianity and stomp out the Gospel and it cannot be stopped. But no matter who or what tries to stamp out the Gospel it cannot be done. In today’s passage we will see one of the 1st salvos in that attempt to stop the church and the churches message… and attempt to stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So let’s begin to read this morning in Acts 4 beginning in verse 1...
Acts 4 verse 1.
The Scriptures tell us this....
1 While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them, 2 because they were annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 So they seized them and took them into custody until the next day since it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
5 The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family. 7 After they had Peter and John stand before them, they began to question them: “By what power or in what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was 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 and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. 11 This Jesus is
the stone rejected by you builders,
which has become the cornerstone.
12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 After they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign has been done through them, clear to everyone living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” 18 So they called for them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done. 22 For this sign of healing had been performed on a man over forty years old.
Prayer...
First we see a...
Power Greater than the High Court
Power Greater than the High Court
1 While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them, 2 because they were annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 So they seized them and took them into custody until the next day since it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
5 The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.
Last week we left off with Peter giving a powerful sermon in the portico where the crowds had gathered and from what we see here some of the High Priests and the Sanhedrin and the temple guard were also there. Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit has begun to establish His church and this is one of the first times we will see the persecution of the church by religious leaders; other than Jesus trials and His crucifixion. We will see this theme often between here and Acts chapter 6.
The religious elite were annoyed; bothered most by the preaching of the Resurection of the dead. The Sadducees in particular did not believe the Pentateuch taught resurection of the dead so they in particular took exception to Peter’s preaching. Not to mention the result of Peter Sermon...5000 Souls Saved from the truth that people heard…the people responded.
Now it appears here that Luke is able to put the final numbers in his writing of Acts at the time this may not reflect who gave there life to Christ at that very moment, but the result of it; after the word went forth; people to other people; families told it to each other Luke records the 5000 souls saved by the blood of Jesus....amen.
By what we see in the writing it looks as if several hundred people believed; I can tell you this it was enough people that it drew the attention of the these leaders. The result; John and Peter Arrested and spent the night in jail. Notice here they did not want to have a trial at night because it was against the Law…not so with Jesus just a few Friday’s ago.
3 So they seized them and took them into custody until the next day since it was already evening.
The next day they are taken before the full court of the Sanhedrin.
Sometimes all it take is for people to hear the truth.
Sometimes all it take is for people to hear the truth.
Peter was not telling them anything they did not know…these were religious people…don’t forget that. They were in the temple to worship and pray. They believed in God, but they were so blinded by their own religion that they missed God who was in their midst. The missed the King of Kings as He was there…what we now know Jesus was there to die for them; but they totally missed the messiah. You see they placed their own Golden Calf of religion on the alter of their lives and they missed the working of God before them.
In Exodus; Moses had gone up the mountain to commune with God and he was up there for quite a while; so the people made for themselves their own little gods to worship; some had made golden calves. This was they way they chose to worship instead of God. They placed the idol of their creation to worship in the place of God. Then when God was before; when Jesus was with them they missed.
But what we see is that Peter preached the truth of the Gospel and people got it…they knew it they missed something and they accepted the message of Christ crucified. All they needed was to hear the truth. So we must ask...
What is our response to TRUTH?
What is our response to TRUTH?
Are we going to put preconceived notions of God on an alter and worship them or are we going to accept the truth. Do we really accept the message of Jesus; that He is the way and truth and life? Do we really accept that God desires all our worship and all our praise? Do we really believe that God want you to make sure that He is the center of your life? How are we going to respond to the truth we hear and see. The choice to believe and obey lies with you…but I warn you that if you question these things; if you have not given your life to God in all areas that you may not be that good or great Christian you think you are.
2nd we see...
Power Greater than Religion
Power Greater than Religion
7 After they had Peter and John stand before them, they began to question them: “By what power or in what name have you done this?”
No image the scene…well I think I have an illustration. There was a portion of the temple called the “The chamber of hewn stone” and this was the place where the Sadducees and High Priest would meet. The high priest at the head of the room and the 30 or 35 members on one side and 35 on the other side. John and Peter would have been brought before them all; and literally surrounded by them whole council. As the trial opens the ask, ”By what power have you done this?”
Now anything can happen here. They can be sentenced to more jail time even death if we use the example of what these men did to Jesus. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit; matter fact Peter is probably on a spiritual high and he puts the Sadducees on trial. Look at verse 8.
8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was 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 and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. 11 This Jesus is
the stone rejected by you builders,
which has become the cornerstone.
12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
There is no other name than the name of Jesus; this power is of Jesus Christ; the Cornerstone. The cornerstone on which the whole building of the church will be erected…the Cornerstone which you rejected…That is by who’s power we have done this. No other name than Jesus Christ.
This is the third time that Peter has used the wording; “you killed him, but God raised him.” This has obviously been effective at getting the message across, but Peter add reference to Psalm 118. Jesus is the stone of Psalm 118 which the builders rejected but God has promoted, a text which Jesus himself had quoted.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
Moreover and you got to love this Peter adds... ‘salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. I’m thinking how is Peter not scared to death; scared of these men; scared to tell these men Christ crucified. These men who are highly educated in theology and church history and the sacrifices. 70+ men Peter and John stand in front of and Peter boldly proclaims Christ. He had to be scared, but no fear is found in Peter’s words. Wow!
Peter is not fearful because Peter believes in the One who came to save. Peter has given his whole life to Christ. He has given all of who he is to Christ and the mission of Christ. Jesus gave him the promise of the Spirit of God and he is letting it guide his words.
The Spirit of God living within you is so important. Because when you have it you can proclaim as boldly as Peter, but often in the life of a Christian we have to get out of your own way.
Get out of your own way!
Get out of your own way!
Peter was a fisherman…nothing more. But then he met the Christ; he saw the truth walking in the flesh; and Peter was forever changed. You see Peter cared more for the Gospel and for Jesus that he did for the judgment of these other religious men. Peter was preaching in such a way to allow them to see Jesus and too help them embrace the God they all knew. He cared more for the Gospel message than what the neighbor thought. He cared more for the Gospel message than what his friends may say. He cared more for the Gospel message than even his own life. Peter got out of his own way and just let it fly. There is power and salvation in the name Jesus Christ; Peter knows it and he proclaims it. Many of us need to figure out how to get out of our way.
We need to let go of our fear; let go of our doubt, embrace the Truth, and believe in the Gospel. The Sadducees have no power here; but it is Jesus who does.
Last we see a...
Power Greater than Education
Power Greater than Education
13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 After they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign has been done through them, clear to everyone living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” 18 So they called for them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done. 22 For this sign of healing had been performed on a man over forty years old.
I love this passage because somewhere in my soul I relate to Peter and John with how the Sanhedrin feel about them. They just think they are uneducated....it is sort of funny because they are amazed and dumbfounded by the miracle that was done right in front of them; they do not know what to think.
They find nothing to charge them with.
They find nothing to charge them with.
The Sadducees had enough to arrest them but there was nothing more they could do. Although a while go the drummed up charges against Jesus as a Blasphemer. But they thought they could just scare and threaten these men; they thought a threat was enough to stop a movement of the mighty hand of God. 6 trials, a flogging, a death, and guarded tomb was not enough; it will never be enough. This persecution all meant to squash Christianity just embolden it. So they release Peter and John with threat.
Verse 18..
18 So they called for them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
What was Peter and John’s response? Look at this; it is so great. Verse 19.
19 Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
You see Peter and John did not let their perceived knowledge stop them from preaching the Gospel and it was God who protected them. Nothing was going stop them and later these men spent their whole life preaching and teaching Jesus Christ. We are still talking about them today.
Application:
Application:
Today I want you to begin to...
Let go of doubt; embrace the power of God.
Let go of doubt; embrace the power of God.
Knowledge and book smarts only go so far. Knowledge of doctrine and theology are good to know, but the essential knowledge is in you if you believe. Jesus is the power and if you believe He gives you all you need. The Power of God is much more remarkable when working through regular folks. Our flaws are not barriers to the God’s love; instead they glorify God’s love with greater intensity. We need to put into practice what you do know and stop worrying about what we do not know.
Most of us know more than we give ourselves credit for...
Jesus check; I know about that guy. Died on Cross…Check…I can most likely explain the event. Grace…something we do not deserve…check…God gives to me everyday. Sins forgiven…check…paid for by Jesus. Hope in the future…yep Jesus provided that. God is our strength…check
The lists goes on and on of the things you do know about God, do not you let Satan silence the movement of God within you. Let God work through you instead of letting the sin of fear and the sin of doubt hold you back. Like Peter and John said;
19 Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
My friends testify of what you have seen in your life and what you have heard or know in your life. Embrace the power of God and the Gospel.
2nd...
Don’t let religion hold you back from the power of God.
Don’t let religion hold you back from the power of God.
What do I mean? Each of us has a religion; a system of faith we hold too; something we worship. For some it is just not God. Maybe your listening here now or you stumbled across this video and you think Jesus Christ is just not for you. You fill your time engrossed in hobbies or sports or the next celebration…not that those things are bad, but this is your focus…your religion.
Maybe your brand of religion is one like a lot of people in our churches today. You get up on Sunday…you come to a church building…you study a little while your there. You listen to a few songs and maybe you sing along; you listen to a message and you hope there is some useful information; then you go home feeling pretty good about what you have just experienced for the last couple hours, but not really much attention is given to God in between. The church is full of people who act religious but have no real depth of faith.
Maybe your religion is like these religious elite who are in the temple all the time, they know all the information; know the verses, know what to say when to say it, but in truth they missed the Gospel when he walked among them. We have religious elite in our churches today.
You see religion in it’s many forms tries to desperately to arrest the movement of God in your life, but Peter and John knew it could not be stopped; they were not going to let it be stopped. The Gospel cannot be contained; it goes forward and it is Christ in us that gives us the power to overcome. Embrace the power held in the Gospel of Jesus for your life; do not let your religion keep you from the love of God and truly letting God work in you. Embrace the power of the God of the universe and accept what He has done for you by His death on that tree.
Don’t let the gospel be silenced in your heart today. Shout it today…proclaim it today…live it today.
Pray with me.