Peter And John Arrested

Background

Chapter 3 talks about Peter and John healing the man outside of the temple, Peter and John said they couldn’t offer money but a gift greater than that being God and his word and his healing

They then go to preach at Solomon’s Colonnade about how they should not be surprised by this healing in Jesus name and reminds them of how they denied Christ and set free a murderer in his place

In 3:19 He calls for repentance and turning to Jesus

It is at this point that people start getting angry which leads us to chapter 4

People tend to get indecisive when the call for repentance comes. Jesus had more than 12 people following him at one time, but when he called for repentance most left.

Chapter 4

Acts 4:1–3 CSB

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.

Peter and John are arrested here for proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead

How is this relatable?

Facing Jewish Leadership

Acts 4:5–22 CSB

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.

Verse 8 is very important because it signifies that Peter was speaking from the holy spirit and not just giving his own opinion.

Acts 4:11 CSB

11 This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone.

This verse Peter makes a connection with Psalm 118:22 Where the bible says the same statement. He makes this statement saying though the jewish leaders rejected him God made him the foundation of the church

In verse 12 Peter makes it known there is salvation in no one else

Verse 14 says they had nothing to say in opposition because the healed man was standing with them

Even though in Verse 16 they admit an obvious sign has been done through them and that they cannot deny it they still threaten them against speaking in Jesus name

300 Illustrations for Preachers Couple Receives Mixed Messages about Watering Their Lawn

During a severe drought, a couple in Glendora, California, received mixed messages from two levels of government. The city threatened to fine them up to $500 if they didn’t begin watering their lawn, whereas the state threatened to fine residents up to $500 for wasting water on outdoor use. The couple didn’t know what to do. If you’re fined if you do and fined if you don’t, decision making can be difficult.

When Peter and John received conflicting commands, one of the commands came from God. The command from local authorities went unheeded.

Have you ever had any of these moments? Examples?

It is always a good idea to listen to God over people (Verse 19)

You cannot serve two masters

Your gonna upset someone, is it better to be God or man

Prayer for Boldness

We become Bold through prayer(V.24)

We become Bold through Assembly(V.31)

We become bold by knowing Gods word (V.25)

We become bold through sharing our faith(V.30)

Unity

When we are bold, we let go of things of this world

We are not all gonna go heal someone at a temple, but what are some practical ways we can be bold with our faith?

I found it interesting in verse 31 that their prayer was answered immediately. So now we are gonna go ahead and pray a prayer for boldness. I have confidence if it is from the heart and we are obedient to act on it that God will answer it immediately.

Pray for opportunities to be bold

Pray thankfulness to God for the hope his name has in it