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

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

Sanhedrin2. 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 Sanhedrina) Not believe in spirits, angels, immortality of the soul or

resurrection of dead (23:8)

I.


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 priestb) 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.


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


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).


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!



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).



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.


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.


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).


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

Documents

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