Acts 4
-The religious leaders again, as when Jesus was among them,
came to the apostles and were greatly disturbed because they were teaching the
people and proclaiming in Jesus’ Name, and preaching the resurrection from the
dead (Acts 4:2). They put them in jail for this proclamation until the next
day, but many had believed in their message (5,000 in fact). The next day they
examined them as to what power and name they were doing their work.
-Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed them as
a servant of Jesus Christ, the Stone which was rejected yet became the Cornerstone.
He proclaimed that there was no other Name under Heaven given to humanity by
which men may be saved (Acts 4:12). These uneducated and untrained men were
amazing the religious leaders by their confidence and power, and they had
nothing to say in reply.
-The Council conferred with one another and had a difficult
time trying to figure out what to do with them because a noteworthy miracle had
taken place and was apparent to all who lived in Jerusalem. They determined to
command them not to speak or teach any more in the Name of Jesus, but Peter and
John told them that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and
heard. *Application* What about your life and your convictions? Do you fear God
over man? In situations like these that we see here it would have been
convenient to repudiate their convictions and dismiss the whole thing. The
proof of the resurrection is right here in the text. They could not back down.
If the resurrection had been a lie, exposure would have quickly come through
this persecution. However, they had seen and heard the Risen Savior and would
not denounce Him. This should be the same with us in our witness and testimony
every day.
-They were released and rejoiced with holy praise. The Holy
Spirit filled them with boldness to speak the Word of God. The church was
growing steadily and all had a giving spirit holding all things in common with a
unified mind in Christ. They also had great power and abundant grace was upon
them all as they were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
(Acts 4:33).
Verses to Memorize:
4:11-12, 31
No comments:
Post a Comment