Acts 4

Acts 4 describes the early persecution faced by the apostles as they preached about Jesus’ resurrection and healed in His name. After Peter and John’s miracle at the temple, they are confronted by the religious authorities, including the Sadducees, who oppose their message. Despite intimidation, Peter boldly proclaims Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation. Though threatened, the apostles continue in their mission, leading to the communal unity and generosity among the early believers.

Acts 4:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Peter and John’s public preaching disturbed the Jewish leaders, especially the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection. To stop their message, the leaders had the apostles arrested, intending to intimidate them and prevent further preaching about Jesus. However, the apostles’ message was powerful and persuasive, leading many people to believe in Jesus, showing that persecution could not stop the spread of the gospel.

Acts 4:5-7 (NKJV)
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,
6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family 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 you done this?”

The high priests and influential Jewish leaders gathered to question Peter and John, emphasizing the seriousness with which they viewed the apostles' activities. By asking “by what power or name” they performed the miracle, the leaders were challenging the source of their authority, perhaps expecting them to claim some earthly power. This moment allowed the apostles to boldly proclaim Jesus as their authority.

Acts 4:8-12 (NKJV)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spoke with courage and clarity, attributing the miracle to Jesus Christ, whom the leaders had rejected and crucified. By quoting the prophecy about the cornerstone, Peter emphasized that Jesus is central to God’s plan. He declared that salvation is found only in Jesus, underscoring the exclusivity and importance of faith in Christ.

Acts 4:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

The authorities were surprised by Peter and John’s confidence, especially since they were ordinary men with no formal training. Their boldness and association with Jesus were undeniable. Additionally, the healed man stood as undeniable evidence of the apostles’ power and message, leaving the leaders unable to refute their testimony.

Acts 4:15-18 (NKJV)
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, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

The leaders recognized the miracle but were more concerned about containing the influence of the apostles’ message. In an attempt to silence Peter and John, they warned them not to preach in Jesus’ name. This action reveals the authorities’ unwillingness to accept the truth and their priority on maintaining control over the people.

Acts 4:19-22 (NKJV)
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
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 no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Peter and John boldly declared their commitment to obeying God rather than men, emphasizing their personal witness of Jesus. Their response highlights the apostles’ integrity and dedication to their mission. The authorities, fearing public backlash, had to release them, while the people glorified God for the miracle, showing the impact of faith and God’s power.

Acts 4:23-31 (NKJV)
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Upon returning, the apostles joined their fellow believers in prayer, expressing trust in God’s sovereignty. They recognized that opposition had been foreseen in Scripture, interpreting their experience in light of God’s purpose. They prayed for courage to continue preaching, and God responded by filling them anew with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to boldly proclaim His word.

Acts 4:32-37 (NKJV)
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

The believers shared a deep unity, caring for one another and sharing their resources. This radical generosity demonstrated their love and commitment to the community. The apostles continued to preach with authority, and “great grace” was upon them all, as they sought to meet each other’s needs. Barnabas’ example of selling his land reflects the spirit of encouragement and selflessness that characterized the early church.