Acts Chapter 4 shows the tension between the Holy Spirit working and the religious authorities, highlighting the themes of boldness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As Christian’s we are to remain steadfast in our faith despite societal pressures and persecution. While challenges will arise, rely on God and seek His boldness through prayer and the empowering of the Holy
Spirit to continue to share your faith.
A. Lessons For Christian Service: 1st Persecution of the Church: 4:1-22
1. Peter and John Arrested: 4:1
a) For Preaching the Word of God.
b) By the Leaders of the Temple.
1) Priests - the class of religious leaders that mediated between people and God.
These offered the sacrifices of the people.
2) Temple captain - people who made their living off of their religion (Cf 19:21-27)
3) Sadducees - the political leaders - didn’t believe in God.
Just used their religion for power - a religious aristocracy!
2. Suffered Abuse: 4:2-4
a) Arrested. 4:3
b) Rewarded. 4:4 – 5,000 more souls saved.
3. Credited CHRIST with the Power to Heal and Change Lives: 4:5-10
a) Gathered Before the Sanhedrin. 4:5-6
b) Questioned about the Power and Name Attributed to This
Miracle and Message. 4:7
c) Filled With the Holy Spirit. 4:8
d) Responded. 4:9-10
1) By the Name of Jesus. 4:10a
2) The Jesus “Ye Crucified”. 4:10b
3) The Jesus “whom God raised from the dead”. 4:10c
4. Proclaimed SALVATION. 4:11-12
a) Christ is the Head. 4:11
b) Christ alone Saves. 4:12
5. Presented EVIDENCE. 4:13-14
a) Clear Evidence: Boldness and Power. 4:13
b) Indisputable Evidence: The Healed Man. 4:14
6. Waited for Verdict: 4:15-16
7. Threatened by the Court: 4:17-18
Sanhedrin declared it ILLEGAL to preach, teach, or witness in the name of Jesus.
8. Refused to Compromise The Message: 4:19-20
a) God is to be OBEYED Before Man. 4:19
b) A Man Must Testify to What He Has Seen and Heard. 4:20
9. Result: Everyone Glorified God. 4:21-22
B. Celebration of the Victory. 4:23-37
1. Peter and John Released. 4:23-24
a) Reported to the Church. 4:23
b) Rejoiced with the Church. 4:24
c) Convicted in the Church. 4:24-30
1) God’s Power. 4:24
2) Man’s Futility. 4:25-26
3) God’s Providence and Plans. 4:27-28
4) Missions. 4:29-30
a. Need for Protection
b. Need for Proclamation - Boldness to speak the Word of God (not tongues).
c. Need for Power – to Glorify the Name of Jesus.
2. Results of Praise Service. 4:31-37
a) Place was shaken. 4:31a
b) FILLED with the Spirit. 4:31b
Notice this another fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
c) Witnessed Boldly. 4:31c
d) United. 4:32
1) In Jesus’ Lordship and Mission.
2) In their love and willingness to share “all things”.
e) Gave WITNESS to the Resurrection. 4:33
1) Great Power. 4:33a
2) Great Grace. 4:33b
f) Took care of all with needs. 4:34-35
Agape Love
1) No one lacked. 4:34a
2) All repented of hoarding and gave everything BEYOND necessities. 4:34b
3) The needy received ONLY what they needed. 4:35
g) An encourager and exhorter named: Barnabas 4:36-37
