Lesson 8: First Persecution Against the Church (4:1-37)

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study A.Identity of the Jewish Leaders (4:1, 5, 6) 1.The priests – these were probably members of the Sanhedrin 2.The captain of the temple – in charge of Levites who guarded temple (chief of police) 3.The Sadducees – “aristocrats” of the Jews & majority party in the Sanhedrin a)Not believe in spirits, angels, immortality of the soul or resurrection of dead (23:8) I.

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study A.Identity of the Jewish Leaders (4:1, 5, 6) 4.The Sanhedrin (Gk word translated “the council” in English) a)Highest Jewish court, 70 members plus the high priest b)Three classes made up the court (4:5, 23): 1)“Rulers” or “Chief Priests” (former high priests & families) 2)“Scribes” (scholars who interpreted the law, mostly Pharisees) 3)“Elders (tribal and family heads, secular nobility of Jerusalem) 5.The high priesthood, at this time, was “between” Annas & Caiaphas (4:6; cf. Lk. 3:2). a)The Romans appointed the high priests of the Jews. b)Annas was still recognized as high priest such by Jews. c)Roman governor had deposed Annas & set Caiaphas in place. d)Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas, was the “legal” high priest. I.

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study B.Peter and John were arrested and tried before the whole Sanhedrin assembly (4:1-7). 1.They kept teaching and preaching “in Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (4:2). a)This infuriated the Sadducees, for they did not believe in the resurrection (23:8). b)This infuriated the Pharisees, for they didn’t want anything “in the name of Jesus.” 2.Notice that they delayed trial “until the next day, for it was already evening” (4:3). a)Jewish law prohibited having trials at night, which was ignored with Jesus’ trial. 3.The Sanhedrin’s efforts, however, could not stop the church from growing (4:4). I.

A.Despite opposition and persecution (or maybe because of it), the church still grew (4:4)! 1.It continued to grow throughout the book of Acts, even in the face of persecution. 2.The faith of the teachers and the faith of the believers was truly strong and firm. II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study C.Peter and John preached Christ to the Jewish leaders (4:7-12). 1.The council asked, “By what power or by what name…?” (4:7). Who gave the right? 2.Peter preached that Christ is the authority/power by which the man was healed (4:10). 3.Peter preached that Christ is the promised cornerstone exalted by God’s power (4:11). 4.Peter preached that Christ is the only (and no other) means of salvation (4:12). I.

B.There continues to be an emphasis on the name (or authority) of Christ in Acts! 1.The lame man was healed “by the name/authority/power of Jesus Christ” (4:10). 2.“There is salvation in no other name/authority/power than Jesus Christ” (4:12). 3.Miracles done “through” the apostles were “done through the name of” Christ (4:30). II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

C.No one can be saved except through Jesus and His Word (4:12)! 1.Jesus insisted, “I am the way…No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6). 2.In this one verse (Acts 4:12), God condemns all religious groups, churches, doctrines and practices that do not conform to the words of His Son! 3.God will not change the plan to fit the man; the man must change to fit the plan! II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study D.Peter and John were threatened not to teach any more in the name of Jesus (4:13-22). 1.The work of the Lord continued to invoke “marvel” from the people (2:7; 3:12; 4:13). 2.That a miracle had been done in their midst (i.e., healing lame man) was undeniable (4:14, 16, 21). 3.The Sanhedrin resorted to intimidation (first time that preaching was forbidden) (4:17, 18, 21). I.

D.Miracles of God were definitive, absolute, obvious and undebatable! 1.In Greek, the perfect tense signifies an action in the past and the results still remain. 2.The lame man had “been made well” (9), “stands whole” (10), “had been healed” (14), “standing with them” (14), “what had been done” (21), “had been performed” (22). II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study E.Peter and John responded to the council with boldness and unyielding faith (4:19-20). 1.First, they appealed to their consciences – “in the sight of God…you judge” (4:19). 2.Then, they abjured their order, stating they were not able to stop speaking (4:20). 3.Finally, they affirmed Christianity is founded upon real, discernible evidence (4:21). I.

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study F.When Peter & John were released, the apostles prayed together for boldness (4:23-31). 1.Needing His protecting power, they called upon the Lord as the Creator (4:24). 2.They acknowledged that opposition was prophesied and effected (4:25-28). 3.They made only two requests: look on threats and grant boldness to speak (4:29-30). 4.The Lord heard their prayer and responded in dynamic fashion (4:31). I.

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study G.The early church was a united, caring and sacrificial body of believers (4:32-37). 1.The early Christians “were of one heart and one soul” (4:32). 2.The early Christians were selfless, not seeing their own things as their own (4:32). 3.The early Christians were sacrificial, selling goods to help brethren in need (4:34-35). 4.The early Christians were steadfast, and kept right on preaching the gospel (4:33). 5.Barnabas is introduced as an example of great encouragement to others (4:36-37). I.

E.The prayer of the apostles demonstrated hearts of faith and confidence in God! 1.The apostles were not looking for “a way out” or even “vindication.” 2.The apostles asked the Lord for continued courage to keep speaking up for Him! F.The unity of the early church was remarkable! 1.They were not communists or socialists, for their actions were voluntary, not forced. 2.God’s people were caring for the needs of God’s people & making sacrifices to do it. 3.As a result of their loving selflessness, “great grace/favor was upon them all” (4:33). II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

A.May our hearts learn to say, “We cannot but speak the things” about our Savior! 1.When others do not want us to speak about Jesus, let us not be silent! 2.Let’s not stop. Let’s not cower. Let’s not back off or back down. B.After hearing Peter & John, it was obvious they’d been with Jesus! 1.When people hear us and see us, is it obvious to them that we have been with Jesus? C.Jesus is called a Servant (4:27, 30), David called a servant (4:25) and the apostles called servants (4:29). 1.Could we be called “servants”? Could you be called “a servant”? D.In time of crisis, let’s seek God’s help, lay the matter before Him and let Him handle it! E.The apostles spoke the Word of God with boldness. Do we? Do you? F.Barnabas was given that name because he was an encourager. 1.What name could be given to you based upon your attitudes and actions? III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives