Sermon Tone Analysis

The First Imprisonment (4:1-3)

We have learned that Peter and John were just by the temple gate called Beautiful.

They healed a lame man.

People were amazed at the act they did; seeing the event and recalling that this lame man was indeed that once lame man, who is now walking, and “praising God.”

Then we have learned that these people who were looking at Peter and John as if they have certain power to heal.

Peter, however, proclaimed that the power was/is in the name of Jesus and not in him.

Then he explained what they did and how they denied Christ; how they killed the Source of life, who God hath raised Him from the dead.

Moreover, Peter also said that they were “witnesses” of that event.

He then calls them to repent and turn back.

It is hard to tell if Peter was calling for a personal repentance of corporate repentance.

The reason is, the corporate call is in line with the Jewish understanding of that time, that the repentance of Israel would usher God’s kingdom to come!

While this was going on, the trouble comes.

Peter and John’s Arrest

But, before going into this chapter, we have to recall of what Jesus ALREADY told His disciples.

So, Jesus gave them instructions and warnings about the persecution.

Here in chapter 4:1-3, we see that persecution already.

The Sadducees who do not believe in resurrection are having issues.

Verse 2 says they were grieved - provoked to anger!

Why because they were continuously teaching the people and were preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

So we learn that both of them are in custody (v.

3).

However, they were not able to stop God from accomplishing His plan.

God’s Mission Continues

What is God’s mission?

Saving His people.

Peter’s Speech Before the Authorities (4:5-22)

The Setting

The Question

The inquiry here is not a matter of the legitimacy of the miracle, but a matter of authority.

They question the “source” - by what power or by what name, have you done this?

The Response

Then Peter filled with the Holy Spirit said - this means that the Spirit inspired Peter to speak.

Be it known to you all - Peter is making it known publicly.

The source of this healing is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, however, God raised Him from the dead.

In other words, you have no excuse after you listen to what I am saying now.

No Excuse.

Peter then quotes in verse 11.

Psalm 118:22

Jesus is the rejected stone; the leaders of Israel are the builders.

What is the point of this insertion by Peter?

Acts: Expanded Digital Edition (Explanation of the Text)

This application of Ps 118:22 has a fourfold significance.

First, Jesus has been vindicated by God.

Second, the Jewish leaders have been mistaken in their rejection of Jesus.

Third, the fatefully misguided action of the Jewish leaders has been reversed by God, who has raised Jesus from the dead.

Fourth, God is building a new building; the reference to a cornerstone suggests a monumental building—a new (spiritual) temple in which God’s presence among his people is based on Jesus’ death and resurrection, and thus contingent upon the acceptance of God’s revelation in Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, and upon faith in the significance of Jesus for God’s people.

The Source of Salvation

Peter affirms that salvation is found only in Jesus.

The Reaction of the Sanhedrin

They saw boldness in Peter and John

What does Jesus say in Luke 21:12

The Holy Spirit God gave them words and that boldness.

The Jewish authorities have nothing to say.

They were in shock and shame.

Yet, they have to do something.

Imposing a Ban - Do not speak in the name of Jesus

Rejecting the Ban - Not happening

It is not right thing to do for us, nor for you.

God is above all, above you, He placed you where you are now, and He has appointed us for a task.

The Result

Conclusion:

In spite of persecution when we serve the Lord with all our heart, God will give the words and boldness we need when we face obstacles.

The Prayer of the Persecuted

The Report (Acts 4:23)

After the release of Peter and John, they reported to their friends of what happened.

The Response

Notice the “company” or these “people” did not call on the Lord to either curse the authorities or the destroy the authorities.

What did they do?

Their response was seeking God’s face through prayer.

They heard it, and they lifted up their voice to God with one accord.

The corporate prayer?

This is what they did in Acts 1:14

They address to the Sovereign Lord.

The Greek term used here is despotes, which means God who is in control of all things.

The Content of Their Prayer

With in this content of prayer I see a few things:

The Past Events - Acts 4:24-26.

The Present Events - Acts 4:27-28.

The Future Events - Acts 4:29-30.

The citation of Psalm 2:1-2

In the Acts passage we note that these Gentiles rage (action undefined - it happened at some point); why do these people plot in vain?

(again, undefined aspect - the action took place in the past).

Further the text says the Kings set themselves, and the rulers gathered together against the Lord, and against the Anointed (Jesus Christ).

If you notice, all these are past verbs.

In other words, they have already made up their minds to oppose the Lord, and His work.

The Power of Their Prayer

So what can we learn from 4:29-30?

The Prayer of the Persecuted

They understood and acknowledge the threat in their prayer v. 29a

They prayed and asked God to give them boldness of speech v. 29b

They prayed to use these circumstances to continue to carry out the Gospel mission v. 30.

Their prayer was heard, and their request was granted by the Lord v. 31.

The Sharing of Property 4:32-37

The Unity In the Saved People

So we see the attitude of unity in these saved people.

They were of one heart and soul - they are all “one.”

They were sharing things - common.

Isn’t this what the body of believers (a Church) need to be doing?

Sharing things, showing kindness, being gracious, etc?

The Ministry of the Apostles

While this was one of the main things going on in the Church, on the other side, Luke suggested the ministry of the Apostles with great power - by the power of the Holy Spirit.