ACTS CHAPTER 4 the first persecution Acts 4:1 And as they (Peter & John) spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, The captain was an official second only to the high priest. (Wars of the Jews, Josephus VI.5,3) The priest were mostly Sadducees.

WHY WERE THE SADDUCEES SO GRIEVED? Acts 4:2-3 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. They didn’t believe in the resurrection which was being preached. They were being accused of putting a righteous man to death. Many were saying they had seen Jesus alive. Jesus was being preached as the Messiah and how many believed?

5000 men believed! The Sanhedrin was made up of: Acts 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. [5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, The Sanhedrin was made up of: 24 “rulers”, usually Sadducees 22 “scribes” usually Pharisees 24 “elders”

All in the family! Acts 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. Caiaphas was Annas’ son-in-law, and legally high priest at that time having held that office from AD 25-37. John and Alexander probably belonged to this family of Annas who had it all tied up.

What is meant that Peter was filled with the holy spirit? Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: [12] For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Why was the holy spirit so involved? Acts 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; [10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Here gathered were the very rulers and family that put Jesus to death. The Psalms display feelings and Psalm 2 portrays God’s feelings towards these wicked rulers in putting His son to death. Psalm2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

THIS TEMPLE FOUNDATION STONE HAS A SPIRITUAL MEANING! Acts 4:11-12 This is the stone which was set at nought (despised) of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 9 references where this stone is used. Psa. 118:22,23; Isa.28:16; Mt. 21:42-45; Mk.12:10-12; Luk 20:16-18; 1Pe. 2:6-8; 2Ki. 16:10-14; Isa. 8:14; Dan 2:34 and upon which salvation “in Christ” is built. NO OTHER NAME! How does King Ahaz fit into this? King Ahaz changed the temple layout and they physically stumbled over this stone. Isa.8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling …

How would this have VEXED them? Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant <2399> men, they marvelled; … [14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. [15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 2399 idiotes {id-ee-o'-tace} n m AV - unlearned 3, ignorant 1, rude 1; 5 They were made to look bad plus accused of murder by what they saw as unlearned idiots. This fulfilled Psa.2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

When there is a conflict of authority what do we do? Acts 4:17-18 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. [18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. The higher authority is obeyed. What has happened through time is that human authority becomes corrupted, having left the true source of authority, the word of God which is happening today.

Why would this have really vexed them? Acts 4:20-22 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. [22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed. They could find nothing how they might punish them even though they had been shown up in their own arena by unlearned "idiots who accused them of murder!

What PSALMS were sung here? Acts 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. [24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Psalm 146:6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Also Psalm 2 which also was sung.

THEY SANG PSALM 2:2 BEING MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? [26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. This is taken from Psalms 2 and in the 1st century (“heathen” = Gentiles) (“people” = Israel) (“kings” = Herod and Pontius Pilate) (“rulers” = Annas, Caiaphus) In the future (“heathen” = Gentiles nations (“people” = those who oppose Jesus upon David’s throne) (“kings” = Gentile leaders) (“rulers” = religious rulers). In the future those nations (image Daniel 2) will arise as “Babylon the Great” against Christ.

suggested 1. Jesus’ return as a thief. 2. Resurrection & Judgment 3. (Marriage of Christ/saints) 4. Armageddon Joel 2:1-10,20 5. Jesus on David’s throne 6. Gospel preached, Joel 2:23. 7. Spirit gifts given Joel 2:28,29 8. Image begins to stand seeing Jesus as the Antichrist. 9. Great and terrible day, Joel 2:31 * 7 thunders – Rev. 10:3; Joel 3:16 10 Millennium Joel 3:18

The partial fulfillment in 1st century gives insight to the full fulifllment to come. Acts 4:25 …Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? [26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. [27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, History will repeat for the “heathen” (nations) and the world’s “people” will be deceived by Babylon the Great that Jesus who has returned is the Antichrist. 2 Thes. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Psalm 2 also gives insight to the future! [1] Why do the heathen (nations) rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings (political leaders) of the earth set themselves, and the rulers (religious leaders) take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, (restriction put on the nations by Christ) & cast away their cords from us. (nations deceived TH.2:11 “strong delusion”) [4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (The 1st century gives insight for they had killed His son. In the future they will again try to destroy His son!) [5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. (The nations will be judged as sheep and goats, Mt. 25:31-46) [6] Yet have I set my king (Jesus Psa. 48:2) upon my holy hill of Zion. [7] I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. [8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. [9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (The image in Daniel 2 is ground to power!)

Why “child” when here Jesus is at God’s right hand? Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, [30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child <3816> Jesus. 3816 pais, n m/f AV - servant 10, child 7, son (Christ) 2, son 1, manservant 1,maid 1, maiden 1, young man 1; 24. ASV & BBE translate “servant”. The KJV translators showed their Trinitarian bias not wanting to used the word servant which is Jesus role at God’s right hand. (Acts 2:33) God granted this request as seen in v.31

The high point of Christ's ecclesia? Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. [32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. [33] And with great power <1411> gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 1411 “dunamis”, n f AV - power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, misc 9; 120 Our English word “dynamite” comes from “dunamis” which implies how vigorous this power of the holy spirit was. Maybe for in Acts 5 two members lied.

List reasons for socialism here? Acts 4:34-35 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. There was the need to replace the welfare assistance provided under the Jewish synagogue system. There was the feeling that Jesus’ return wasn’t far away as seen in Acts 1:6. The holy spirit gifts provided a strong force for unity as seen in v.32 where they were of one mind and soul. The apostles were involved i.e. Peter knew when Ananias and Sapphira didn’t give all of the money and when they lied both immediately died.

Could a Levite own land outside Israel? Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, [37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Under the law Levites were not to own lands (Num. 18:21-24). The way around this was to own foreign lands. Barnabas may have been the same Barnabas that accompanied Paul on his 1st missionary journey. Some think Barnabas was the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18. What about the appearance of evil? Numbers 18:23 … that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

What about this appearance of evil? How does 1 Cor.8:1 help? 1 Cor. 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, …[4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. [9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. Gambling can be addictive and be a huge stumblingblock to our weak brother. Certain types of cards are associated with gambling and therefore have the appearance of evil. Today there are many things that are addictive therefore when addiction is involved we must be extra careful.

THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:… Romans 12:9 …Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Deut. 13:17 And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: