Peter Defends the Gospel
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction
Introduction
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Acts
Who were the Sadducee's?
They were a very different group to the Pharisees.
Sadducee’s were what we would call “Liberals”, while the Pharisees were “conservatives.” Their philosophical persuasions were quite opposite.
Theologically they were different as the Sadducee’s did not believe in a resurrection, or in life after death, and they did not look for a Messiah.
They thought that the Messianic Age had already begun in the revolution of the Maccabees.
This leads to viewing the kingdom of God in a strictly earthly, political, and humanistic way.
Because they did not believe in an after life, they co-operated with the Romans and took high positions in the colonial government.
Pharisees were opposite in that they strong among the party as “teachers of the law”.
They were legalistic and conservative and much more middle class than the Sadducee’s.
They did not approve in co-operation with the Roman government; they believed the Bible very literally and hoped both for a Messiah and for an after-life.
Peter Defends the Gospel
Peter Defends the Gospel
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 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.
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,
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.
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,
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.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought 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.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
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.
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
The church experienced both suffering and sharp persecution and they experienced enormous favor with the people.
They were both attractive and growing, yet hated and attacked.
This truth cuts us two ways:
If we are not experiencing any attacks or persecution on account of the gospel, we are most likely not living up to the calling that God wants from us. We are not taking enough risks in witnessing for Christ.
If we are experiencing attacks and persecution without fruitfulness and attractiveness, we are only being persecuted for being harsh, insensitive, or strident Christians.
Jesus said in that we are only blessed if we are persecuted “for righteousness’ sake.”
It is unfortunate that many Christians “suffer” persecution for being discourteous, imbalanced, insensitive, and lack warmth and respect in their dealings with others.
Christians who are not bold for Christ will have praise, but not persecution.
Harsh, insensitive Christians will have persecution, but not praise.
Most Christians actually have neither persecution, nor praise, and this is because our walk with God is weak.
Christians and the church need to strive to come closer to Jesus, imitating His example, and the more closely we do this, the more we will experience a right blend of attractive Christianity with persecution.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
By what power, or by what name, have you done this?
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
So we learn that, in general, the powerful and influential are more confused and threatened by the gospel than the masses of people. In people of influence and status, there is a particularly strong resistance to the idea that we are saved by sheer grace.
threatened by the gospel than the masses of people. In people of influence and
status, there is a particularly strong resistence to the idea that we are saved
sheerly by grace.
Inner Witness
Inner Witness
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.
20 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 shewed.
18
What was the central part of the disciple’s witnessing program?
Personal Testimony! They spoke the things which they saw and heard.
This is a very important point to understand from examining the book of Acts.
The most powerful witness of Jesus’ grace and power is the witness of a personal testimony.
When a testimony is shared with someone with a heart overflowing with grace it has power to affect the life of the one who is listening to you.
Here are some other verses related to personal testimony:
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Christ’s Object Lessons Chapter 13—Two Worshipers
The work of redemption involves consequences of which it is difficult for man to have any conception. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation. A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Holiness finds that it has nothing more to require. God Himself is “the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26. And “whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:30. Great as is the shame and degradation through sin, even greater will be the honor and exaltation through redeeming love. To human beings striving for conformity to the divine image there is imparted an outlay of heaven’s treasure, an excellency of power, that will place them higher than even the angels who have never fallen.
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Referring to ; especially .
Desire of Ages Chapter 35—“Peace, Be Still”
The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to preach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a few moments only these men had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the power of Christ. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. John, the beloved disciple, wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; … that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1–3. As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.
1 jn
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
This form of witnessing is actually following the example of Christ:
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
jn 3 31-
When Power Attends Prayer
When Power Attends Prayer
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
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:
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.
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,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
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 Jesus.
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.
To be justified by God means to be forgiven by God, and through this experience we have peace with God.
There are a few points to gain for the prayer of the apostles and believers:
1. There is a connection between their human weakness and God’s omnipotence.
They are sharing the gospel in the first few chapters of Acts with great success and demonstration of the power of the Spirit.
In they encounter persecution and opposition.
Now they are truly beginning to follow in the steps of Christ and this acknowledge when they quote , how the kings of the earth and rulers assemble together against God and His Christ.
They are here acknowledging that what they are encountering, God and Christ have already encountered.
God is identified with their current situation.
The work of righteousness is peace and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. In the Songs of Solomon, he writes that this experience of peace is the result of finding favour in God's eyes.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
So then to be justified means to experience peace, and peace is the result of knowing that we have favour with God, or assurance that we are His children, all through the offering of the Son of God.
The disciples are not only asking for boldness but before they ask, they praying to have a change of heart to endure the hardships in front of them.
It is through Christ that we have access, by faith, into this 'grace' as the Paul puts it, wherein we stand.
They are praying to remove any fears and weaknesses in them in order that they might pray to be bold.
The word grace that he uses has many different variations of meanings in English, but all can quite easily fit into the meaning he wants to get across when looking at the context, and it can mean steadfast love, compassion, kindness, favour, good will (as was declared by he angels to the shepherds at Jesus' birth).
They look away from ourselves, our weaknesses, and look to God and pray to receive His strength.
So we can read the text in various ways;
2. They connect their current situation with God’s omniscience.
"By whom we have access by faith into this steadfast love...
As mentioned already, the believers connect with with their current situation.
Just as the leaders in Jerusalem were breathing down threats on the disciples, so the kings and rulers of earth have risen up against God and Christ.
Not only do they quote , but in they acknowledge how Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were gathered together “against Thy holy child Jesus.”
But in verse 28 they are divinely enlightened that everything that had been connected with the persecution and crucifixion of Christ was done only with the counsel determined before to be done.
They realize that the persecution they are now suffering and especially their fate is all in the hands of God, and so whether they live, or whether they die, as their Lord did, that everything is in the hands of God to control and to bring His purpose according to His “counsel determined before to do.”
Whether they live or die, if they are living or dying in God’s will, God will love and honor, and use them for His glory and eternal purpose, and they will triumph with God.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
20 Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always, so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.
21 For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me. Yet I do not know what I shall choose.
23 I am in a difficult position between the two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,
26 so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.
Desire of Ages Chapter 60—The Law of the New Kingdom
This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, “For to me to live is Christ;” for his life revealed Christ to men; “and to die is gain,”—gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. “Christ shall be magnified in my body,” he said, “whether it be by life or by death.” Philippians 1:21, 20.
0-26
3. There is no request for protection!
In their prayer in , they do not pray to God to protect their lives or the lives of their families. (It does not mean that you can’t pray for protection, but this reveals that it is not a primary want in the service for God.)
First, they ask for boldness to articulate the gospel message (v.29)
Second, that God would continue to manifest His divine power in healing and that signs and wonders done by the name of Jesus Christ would give proof that their words were indeed the words of God to a broken world.
What were primary marks in this prayer?
It was corporate - They prayed together (v.23)
It was more absorbed in worship to God, His strength and foreknowledge than in their human weakness and perplexing situation.
Their prayer was with appropriate Scriptures to guide them and what they should actually pray for.
They were growing and being strengthened whilst in prayer, and so strength and unity were gained while they were praying.
Their prayer’s primary focus was the presence, and the glory of God to be revealed in their lives and ministries for the furtherance of the gospel.
"By whom we have access by faith into this compassion...
"By whom we have access by faith into this kindness...
"By whom we have access by faith into this favour...
"By whom we have access by faith into this good will or good purpose...
"Wherein we stand". It is this experience that we find solid footing in the narrow way. We find grounding, that despite what we must go through, we need not fall but stand-fast until the end. This was gospel that the Corinthian church stood upon, and indeed all the churches that the apostles established. Probably why Paul was so disappointed when they fell away from this gospel to man-made ones.
"Rejoice in hope of the glory of God". This experience is more then reason enough for rejoicing, as explained in verse 11 of Romans chapter 5, that we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we receive the atonement.
In we are to hold fast not only our confidence, but also our rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
What is the "hope" of the glory of God? The glory of the mystery of God in this world is "Christ in you, the hope of glory", or in other words, Christ identifying Himself so much with those who have consented to it, that the character of Christ is reproduced in them according to their utmost capacity.