Acts 4:1-22 Part 1

Alex Kremer

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Introduction

The reality of persecution

From the beginning of creation God’s people have faced persecution

The world is at enmity with God and his people

The entire Bible shows this enmity, from Cain killing Abel all the way until the book of Revelation

God’s representatives face opposition throughout their lives

Persecution happens ultimately because the world hates God

John 15:18-20 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”

The New Testament warns us numerous times that we

Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 10:16-18 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. “But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

John 16:1-4 “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. “These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. “But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

We see persecution taking place today

Where we are in Acts

The church is probably only weeks or months old at this point

The early church was still habitually worshiping in the temple, where we find Peter and John

In the name of Jesus a man had just experienced a miraculous healing, opening the door for Peter to preach the gospel to the crowd

4:1-4 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

As they were speaking

The arrest took place mid-sermon

Peter and John went to the temple at around 3:00, the hour of prayer

Though we only have a few verses, it is likely that Peter’s sermon was several hours

What we have today are the highlights

The officials must have realized something out of the ordinary was going on when there was still a massive crowd present into the evening

The overall message was probably at least 2 hours, and it only ended because it was forced to end

Remember that next time I go five minutes over time

By the time Peter and John were detained, it was too late in the day to do anything with them

A wide variety of people showed up for the arrest

By any standard the party that showed up was an overreaction

The religious leaders were disturbed

The messengers are disturbing

The disciples weren’t “official,” yet they took the position as teachers

They were not priests, rabbis, pharisees or sadducees

They were Galilean fishermen, hoi polloi who were indistinguishable from the rest of the crowd

It was the religious leaders job to teach the people, and if anyone took their place it was a usurping of their authority

Despite their lowly appearance, the commanded more attention than any teacher could ever hope to get

They were able to command the power of a great crowd

One of the reasons the religious leaders opposed Jesus was that they were jealous of his popularity

They feared him because of the influence he had over the people

They were followers of the one that the officials considered to be threatening enough to execute

It was bad enough that they were part of the hoi polloi, but they were followers of the troublemaker that they had just gotten rid of

The message is disturbing

It goes against the narrative

Jesus was a blasphemer, a revolutionary, a threat to Israel's way of life

One of the main concerns of the Sadducees was keeping the peace under Roman rule. If too many followed Jesus, they believed it would lead to insurrection with disastrous results

A Messiah that went against expectations was too dangerous for Israel

It would cause too many divisions

It would lead to an ununified nation at a time they needed to stand strong before the power of Rome

John 11:48 “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

People splitting off to follow a false messiah would ultimately bring destruction to Israel

It attacks the worldview of unbelievers

Key to the Gospel message is the resurrection of Jesus

They believed that their problem was taken care of when they killed Jesus. On the contrary, he was becoming a bigger nuisance than ever

Though they might not have seen him, Jesus alive and well and we see him working through his followers

His death did not silence him, but rather ensured that he would be heard throughout their nation and throughout the world

The Sadducees, who were in charge of temple worship, did not believe in the resurrection and were particularly offended by the declaration of Jesus’ resurrection

Their version of “unapproved information.” The foolish population believed in the resurrection, as well as a few of their colleagues, but the Sadducees were above such silly beliefs

The Sadducees become one of the main antagonists of the church in Acts because their claims completely contradicted their worldview

The gospel condemns all who do not believe

It was disturbing to the religious leaders because the authoritative Scriptures that they hold dear stood in condemnation against them

Acts 3:22-23 “Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. ‘And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’

The results are disturbing

Belief in the message brings about spiritual life

One of the greatest evidences of the truth of the gospel is the life changing impact on those who believe it

A sign of the spiritual life that the gospel brings was the restoration of the beggar who sat at the gate - undeniable proof of the truth of the Apostles message!

As a result of Peter’s sermon 5,000 people were saved

In the eyes of the religious leaders, this was 5,000 people they could no longer control

If Jesus is the ultimate authority, the authority of the political and religious leaders is undermined and subject to the word of God

Despite the evil actions of men who try to prevent it by locking up his ministers, God accomplishes his purposes by bringing people to himself

Response

The authorities acted quickly, and did the only thing they could do: silence the message

They could not debate what was said, and there was no charge that could be brought against the disciples

They shut Peter and John up the only way they could: arrest and detain them

Calvin on Acts 4:1 (paraphrase) - Here it shows how watchful the wicked are, because they are always ready at an inch to stop the mouth of the servants of Christ. And, undoubtedly, they came together, as it were, to quench some great fire.

Along with Peter and John they detained the man that was healed as well

Verse 14 indicates that the man was present with them

Along with taking away the messengers, they took away the evidence of the truth of the message as well

We see similar thinking in John 12:10-11 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.

Our sinful nature drives us to trade the truth for a lie. We suppress the truth that God has given us

Romans 1:18-19, 25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them… For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

The message may be silenced, but the fruit of the message spoke louder than words

The cat was out of the bag, the Gospel was preached, and thousands responded

It’s ministers may be arrested, but the Gospel will never be silenced

2 Timothy 2:8-9 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.

The snowball was already in motion rolling down the hill. Arresting they guys that rolled it won’t stop it

5,000 men believed. They undoubtedly took the message home to their wives and children, resulting in thousands more coming to Christ

The church would continue to grow into uncountable numbers, and continues to grow to this day

Peter and John’s response

They did not resist arrest

4:5-7 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”

The next day

The scene shifts to the next day where there is an emergency court session with all of the top religious leaders

Annas and Caiaphas

Annas was the previous high priest and father-in-law to Caiaphas

This family had been in high priestly power for decades, with Annas beginning his rule in 6 AD and Caiaphas ruling after him until 36 AD

After Caiaphas, the high priesthood is given to another relative Jonathon, likely the John mentioned in this verse

Annas and Caiaphas were instrumental in planning and carrying out the murder of Jesus

John 11:49-50 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”

John 18:12-14 So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people.

Rulers

This likely refers to the Sanhedrin, the religious supreme court

This would be made up of mostly Sadducees, but there were also Pharisees who made up part of it

This was the court that condemned Jesus to death

Elders

Likely refers to various civil leaders, chiefs, and family heads

Perhaps a type of city council, made up of older representatives of Jerusalem

Scribes

Made up of mostly Pharisees, these men served as the biblical scholars and lawyers of their day

It was their job to study and interpret the law

They were some of the main antagonists of Jesus during his earthly ministry, often challenging and criticising him on Scriptural grounds and receiving Jesus’ condemnation

Luke 11:52-54 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.” When He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile and to question Him closely on many subjects, plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say.

They were pulling out all the stops to hammer the Apostles

It was not just authorities in the religious realm that brought them to trial, but members of the civic and legal realm as well

The authority of Jesus is not only within the civic realm, but all authority in heaven and earth is given to him

There were representatives of all of these civic realms present because the gospel threatened all of their authority

Me on Friday - “Those who came and questioned the apostles represented all realms of authority. There were people who had authority in the religious realm, in the civic realm, and in the legal realm. They were challenged because the authority of Jesus is ultimate everywhere. All authority belongs to him. It is not only the Christian who is subject to the authority of Jesus, but the religious leaders of all religions. Not just religious leaders, but all authorities are subject to the authority of Jesus, from the highest kings, presidents, and dictators, to the lowest mayors, clerks, policemen, and dog catchers. All laws are subject to the authority of Christ, all lawmakers are subject to the law of Christ, and all who practice in law will answer to the law of Christ. The authority of Jesus is unquestionable, inescapable, and absolute, and the Christian in proclaiming the gospel is proclaiming that Jesus and his word is the ultimate authority in every aspect of life. We do not bow or answer to those who seek to usurp the authority of Jesus, but to Jesus alone. It is not the Christian who will answer for not obeying the usurpers of Jesus' authority, but those who usurp it will answer to God for placing themselves in his place.”

Peter and John are placed in the center

It was an intimidating scene

Peter and John were placed in the center of a semicircle facing all of the leaders of Israel

Imagine standing in a room before the House, the Senate, the President, the Supreme Court and the Attorney General, the Pope and his Cardinals and bishops

The question is asked: “By what power or in what name have you done this?”

By what power, or authority?

This hearkens back to Acts 3:12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?”

In the original language the “you” is stressed

What power or authority gave this right to you?

This is as if to say “We possess rightful authority, it is ours to give or hold as we see fit, and we certainly didn’t give any of it to you.”

There is also a trap built into this question

The man was undoubtedly healed, something that only God could do

If the apostles claimed an authority other than God, they could be charged with blasphemy

They challenged Jesus in a similar way, seeking to find an excuse to put him to death

Luke 20:1-2 On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him, and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

In a similar way, they were likely searching for a reason to have Peter and John put to death as well

How would you respond to something like this?

If as a result of your testimony you faced criminal charges, what would you do?

This is not hypothetical. Many Christians throughout history have faced persecution, imprisonment, torture, and death for their Christian testimony

Many brothers and sisters throughout the world constantly face losing their jobs, their possessions, and their lives for following Christ

Wherever the Gospel is, opposition will be there as well

We are not exempt from this

We have been blessed in this nation for a long time. We have grown comfortable, enjoying the freedoms that we have had

However, there has been persecution even here, and over the past few years it has began to grow more intense

Christians have lost jobs and job opportunities, have been publicly shamed, and have even been arrested for preaching the gospel

Now, there are some cities where churches are being fined for meeting, pastors and elders are being arrested, assets are being taken from people simply for going to church

Persecution will not be called persecution

Christians are called bigots for believing that God created us male and female, and not lying by affirming people can be whatever made up gender they choose

Christians are called hateful for believing God’s view of marriage opposed to the world, and refusing to join the world in celebrating that which God calls an abomination

The message of Christianity is dangerous and harmful because it confronts people's sins and calls for repentance, and that trusting in Christ is the only way to escape God’s judgement

Our message is anti-science because it affirms God as creator and designer, man as created in God’s image and more significant than any other creature, and that Jesus died and physically rose from the dead

We must be prepared with the solid foundation of the word of God

Matthew 7:24-25 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.”

Paul, when warning Timothy of the challenges that will come along, points him to the solid foundation of the Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:12-17 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

We must ultimately trust that Christ is on the throne and that nothing happens apart from his permission

Jesus warned of persecution during his earthly ministry, yet he called persecution a blessing

We can trust that Jesus is with us through his Spirit living within us, and that he is working through us even in our distress

We don’t need to be afraid when we are confronted for our faith. Our comforter is right there with us and is using our circumstances for our good and his glory

Matthew 10:19-20 “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

We may not know exactly how we will react when the moment comes, but we can be certain that God will be with us and supply to us the strength to endure and the words to glorify him