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Lesson 11

Acts, Chapter 4

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Time Frame (Acts 4)

Exact Date Not Known Immediate continuation of events

began in Chapter 3 Conflicts with Unbelievers Begin

Chapter four records the first official persecution of Christians with the imprisonment of Peter and John

Also recorded is the response of the disciples (continued boldness)

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Peter and John Arrested (vs. 1-5) 1

Peter & John both addressed the people (“they”)

Priests, Captain of the Temple, Sadducees “Captain” probably a Jewish official

who commanded a guard of Levites who protected the temple (cf. 1 Chron. 9:11; 2 Chron. 31:13; Neh. 11:11)

Sadducees (Note: The preaching of the resurrection would have been obnoxious to these Jewish leaders)

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Peter and John Arrested (vs. 1-5) 2

These leaders were “greatly disturbed” (cf. Acts 17:6, Thess.)

Sadducees disturbed concerning the preaching of Christ’s resurrection

They “laid hands on them” Arrested Peter and John, and

perhaps the lame man (cf. 10, 14)

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Peter and John Arrested (vs. 1-5) 3

The Preaching led to more conversions

3,000 on Pentecost Now, 5,000 men alone had

responded to the gospel Faith comes by hearing (Rom.

10:17) Best interpretation is that the

total number of Christian men from Pentecost now totaled 5,000

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 1

Three groups of officers made up the Sanhedrin Rulers, Elders, Scribes “The Sanhedrin was the high

court of the Jewish people. It was composed of 72 members (authorities vary from 70-72 members for the Sanhedrin). It would have its counterpart in our American Society in the Supreme Court.” (Reese, page. 174)

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 2

Annas the High Priest Had been deposed by Romans, but

still was legal high priest of Jews by family progression.

Caiaphas Was the man recognized by the

Romans as the official high priest John & Alexander

Little known of these men who were obviously influential in the Sanhedrin

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 3

A Question of Authority The question of authority was

legitimate (it always is) “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

However, the miracle itself established their mandate as divine

Further, they rejected the testimony of the apostles regarding the Lordship of Jesus Christ

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 4

Peter’s Response to the Sanhedrin What is the validity of being judged

(charged) for doing what was obviously a good work?

Note: Jesus had promised them help if such false accusations were made (cf. Matthew 10:17-20)

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Matthew 10:17-20

But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 4

Peter’s Response to the Sanhedrin What is the validity of being judged

(charged) for doing what was obviously a good work?

Note: Jesus had promised them help if such false accusations were made (cf. Matthew 10:17-20)

Peter gave the glory and credit for the miracle performed to Jesus

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 5

Peter’s Response (2) Peter charged the Sanhedrin with

being guilty of the death of Jesus (cf. 2:36)

He referred to Psalm 118:22 to say that they had rejected the “chief cornerstone”

He affirmed that Jesus was the singular Savior of mankind. (Again, by referring to His name.) i.e. – Every world religion, including Judaism falls short in the saving of men’s souls.

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 6

The Reaction of the Sanhedrin (1) First, they recognized something

special in these “uneducated and untrained” men. (vs. 13)

These disciples had received their training, not at the feet of a rabbi (Hillel, Shammai). They had received their instruction from Jesus

Amazement indicates a recognition of accomplishment.

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 7

The Reaction of the Sanhedrin (2) Quick note: Compare with the call to

train preachers in colleges and seminaries.

Also, the magnificence of the miracle performed on the lame man made it unassailable. “They could say nothing against it.” (vs. 14)

They adjourned for private discussion

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 8

The Private Counsel Nothing said about the legitimacy of

the Apostles’ claims Only concern was how to further their

own cause Note: The miracle was undeniable (v.

16) Determined to intimidate the apostles

“let us severely threaten them” so that the gospel would not spread.

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 9

The Warning “And they called them and

commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”

The Response “But Peter and John answered and

said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’”

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The Sanhedrin (6-22) 10

Further Threats and Warnings (21) The threats were without teeth, as

the people would not have been accepting of the punishment of men who had done the miracle

Again, the miracle was undeniable, as the lame man had been so since birth, and was now over 40 years old. (22)

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The Disciples’ Prayer (23-31) 1

The Apostles’ Release (23) Not sure who the “companions”

were. Other Christians. Maybe a reference to the apostles only.

Peter and John reported what the Sanhedrin had said. (Note that the threats [persecution] was a cause of rejoicing, as indicated by the prayer that followed).

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The Disciples’ Prayer (23-31) 2

They raised their voice to God (24) This an example of public, audible

prayer. “With one accord” indicates a unity

of mind. Today, as we give mental or verbal

assent to a leader’s prayer (Amen), we are joining “with one accord” in that prayer to God

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The Disciples’ Prayer (23-31) 3

Praise to God (24) “Lord” (gk. despota, not kurios)

References the highest magistrate (absolute authority) (our word, despot).

“You are God” (Creator) Psalm 2 (25-26) This Psalm of David prophesied the

persecution of the Christ (Herod and Pilate, cf. vs. 27)

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The Disciples’ Prayer (23-31) 4

Persecution (29) The Persecution of Christ continues

with these threats. These (kings and nations) now threaten Christ’s disciples.

The disciples ask God for courage, that they may boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ.

They pray for the signs to continue to verify that Gospel. (30)

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The Disciples’ Prayer (23-31) 5

God’s Witness (31) Physical manifestation of an

earthquake. Another example (Paul & Silas in

prison, Acts 16:25-26) Another episodic manifestation of

the Holy Spirit, renewed as the apostles continued to speak boldly the word of God.

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Sharing in All Things (32-37) 1

Account of early church benevolence and hospitality begins here (32-37) Unfortunate chapter break here, as

these final verses would work better in chapter 5.

Disciples showed love and a benevolent (charitable) spirit in helping one another materially.

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Sharing in All Things (32-37) 2

Apostles continued their preaching (33) Note: Evangelism more important

than benevolence (cf. Acts 6:2). Significant benevolence led to

fulfilled needs (34-35) Barnabas introduced, as his gift of

benevolence was received by the apostles as well. (36-37)