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.
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.
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.
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.
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 gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 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.
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.
Summary of Acts Chapter 4
Acts Chapter 4 narrates significant events following the healing of a lame man by Peter and John. The chapter highlights the early church’s challenges, the boldness of the apostles, and the communal life of believers.
Key Events
- Peter and John Arrested
After healing the lame man, Peter and John are confronted by the religious authorities. The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees are disturbed by their teaching about Jesus’ resurrection.
- Trial Before the Sanhedrin
The next day, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin. They are questioned about the healing and their teachings. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly asserts that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Command to Stop Preaching
The Sanhedrin, unable to deny the miracle, orders Peter and John to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. The apostles refuse, stating they must obey God rather than human authorities.
- Return to the Believers
After being released, Peter and John return to their fellow believers and report what happened. The community responds with prayer, praising God for His sovereignty and asking for boldness in their witness.
- Sharing Among Believers
The chapter concludes with a description of the early church’s communal life. Believers share their possessions, and there is great unity among them. The apostles continue to perform miracles and preach the resurrection of Jesus.
Themes
- Boldness in Faith
The chapter emphasizes the boldness of Peter and John in the face of opposition. Their unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel, even when threatened, serves as an example for believers.
- Power of the Holy Spirit
The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in this chapter. Peter’s courage and eloquence during the trial are attributed to being filled with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the empowerment of believers.
- Community and Sharing
The early church exemplifies a strong sense of community, characterized by sharing and mutual support. This reflects the teachings of Jesus on love and generosity.
- Obedience to God
Peter and John’s declaration of obedience to God over human authorities underscores the importance of prioritizing divine commands in the life of a believer.
Character Analysis
- Peter
Peter emerges as a leader in the early church, demonstrating courage and conviction. His transformation from a fearful disciple to a bold preacher is significant in the narrative.
- John
John stands alongside Peter, showing solidarity and support. His presence emphasizes the importance of companionship in ministry.
- The Sanhedrin
The religious leaders represent the opposition to the early church. Their inability to refute the miracle highlights their spiritual blindness and fear of losing power.
- The Believers
The early Christians display unity and a commitment to prayer, showcasing their reliance on God amidst persecution.
Theological Implications
- Resurrection of Jesus
The chapter reinforces the centrality of the resurrection in Christian faith, as Peter and John boldly proclaim it as the foundation of their message.
- Role of Prayer
The communal prayer of the believers illustrates the power of collective prayer and reliance on God for strength and guidance in times of trial.
- Divine Sovereignty
The prayer of the believers acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all events, reflecting a deep trust in His plan despite external pressures.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 4 serves as a pivotal moment in the early church’s history, showcasing the challenges faced by the apostles and their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel. The themes of boldness, community, and divine empowerment resonate throughout the chapter, providing valuable lessons for contemporary believers.
