Acts 4

Acts 4:1-22

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin (which, simply put, is an assembly of Jewish leaders)

¹ The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. ² They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. ³ They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. ⁴ But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

⁵ The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶ Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’^[a],

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵ So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶ “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Footnotes:

1. Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22

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Observation

Priests, captain of temple guard, and Sadducees were disturbed by the apostles' teaching about and proclamation of Jesus (v. 1-2).

The number of men who believed the message they preached grew to about 5,000 (v. 4).

Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (v. 8)

*Salvation is found in no one else* (Acts 4:12).

Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men. Rulers and elders noticed this and were astonished (v. 13).

Even though unschooled and ordinary, under the Holy Spirit, Peter quoted scripture (v. 11).

The rulers and the elders were speechless for the healed man was standing there, so they could not refute the apostles (v. 14).

Peter and John expressed that they would still preach--a direct disobedience to the rulers and elders' command to not teach in the name of Jesus (v. 18-20).

The people were praising God for what happened (v. 21).

The man who had been healed was over 40 (v. 22).

Interpretation

Peter and John were met with opposition after doing God's work, even by the spiritual leaders of the people. I will be met with opposition when I do the work of God.

The Holy Spirit used ordinary men to share His gospel. Through the testimony of the beggar and the opportunity to preach the gospel that came through that testimony, the number of men (I'm assuming that were added to the Christian body) grew to about 5,000.

In Mark 13:11, Jesus tell Peter, James, John, and Andrew "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." This word is proven true in this passage of scripture.

In response to the leaders and rulers' command to not preach in the name of Jesus, Peter and John declare that they and will do what is right in the sight of God, not man. They respond with boldness and courage instead of fear.

The Sanhedrin could only threaten them. They had no control over what Peter and John would do after they let them go. They did not have true power.

Question:

Even though the people were praising God, the Sanhedrin really wanted to punish Peter and John for teaching in the name of Jesus. Why? What was their motivation for being leaders and teachers of the law? Did they truly believe that teaching in His name was heretical, or were they set of preserving what had always been/maintaining their status?

The beggar that God healed through Peter was over 40 years old. God radically changes things that seem impossible/people that seem like they will be the same forever. He brought glory and praise to His name by healing the beggar and added to the church. My testimony is a means of salvation. Through it, if I make use of the opportunity, God saves.

Under the Holy Spirit, Peter spoke with authority and courage. As I look through other passages where the Holy Spirit is at work, we will see if this is characteristic of the Holy Spirit.

Under the Holy Spirit, Peter declared that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (v. 12). Words of God, not man.

Application

Will I respond like Peter and John did when there is opposition against the proclamation of Christ's name? Boldly and without apology?

Under the Spirit, Peter spoke with courage and authority. But he also had knowledge of the Scriptures and of Jesus. I can be a ready vessel for the Spirit to use/prepare myself to be used by Him by making myself knowledgeable about the Scriptures and about the life and purpose of Jesus.

In verse 4, many who heard the message believed. I need to share the message in order for people to believe. And not all who heard believed, but Peter was called to preach.

Moreover, when Peter healed the beggar, I do not know if he knew that that action was going to turn into a gospel-sharing moment. In any case, when the opportunity presented itself, he made use of it. He used the testimony of this man to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I must make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel:

Colossians 4:5

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

1 Peter 3:15

... Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have....

What would it look like if in the face of opposition, I still said that I would preach in the name of Jesus? If I obeyed man rather than God?

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Lord, I pray that it would be so. That I would serve You and love You above man. I pray that I would obey You no matter what the circumstance or the outcome, even to the death. Make my faith in You that strong. I thank You Lord for being who You are. I praise You for having superb character. Hallelujah. In the name of Jesus the Christ I pray, let it be so, Amen.

1:36 am (Tuesday 6/21/11)

Acts 3 Continued...

Acts 3:11-26

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

¹¹ While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

¹⁷ “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸ But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰ and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹ Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. ²² For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’^[a]

²⁴ “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. ²⁵ And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’^{[b] 26} When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Footnotes:

1. Acts 3:23 Deut. 18:15,18,19
2. Acts 3:25 Gen. 22:18; 26:4

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Observation

v. 11 - The beggar is still holding on to Peter and John.

v.11 - People are astonished and come running to them.

v.13-15 - Peter lets them know that they gave over and betrayed Jesus.

v. 16 - Peter places emphasis on Jesus' name and on faith.

v. 17 - Peter acknowledges that they acted in ignorance.

v. 19 - Peter tells the people that through repentance, their sins can be forgiven.

Peter preached this message after the beggar had been healed. He had the people's attention, so he shared the gospel through the beggar's testimony.

Interpretation

The sharing of our testimony is an opportunity through which we can tell the good news of Jesus. Through our testimony, we can offer the opportunity to repent and to God (v. 19).

Verse 16

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Question:

Was it the faith of the beggar or the faith of Peter that healed the him? What does Peter mean when he says "faith that comes through Him"? Who's faith came through Him?

Peter does not hide the fact that the people gave over God's Chosen One (v.13-15). He makes it clear that they betrayed Him. But He also acknowledges that they acted in ignorance and gives them the opportunity to repent (v. 17, 19). We must know our sins and where we have done wrong yes, but the next step is to turn to God so that those sins may be wiped out.

Faith in the name of Jesus brings healing (v. 16). The is power in His name.

Application

When I end my prayers with "in the Name of Jesus" do I really believe that change and healing will come? Do I pray understanding that there is power in praying in the name of Jesus?

I need to be aware of my sins so that I can turn from them. Cannot turn away from something if you do not know it is there.

Verse 12

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Peter acknowledges and is fully aware that the healing power is not by him. When God does awesome things through me, do I acknowledge that it is Him, not me, doing the work?

I should be willing to share my testimony and use that opportunity to share the gospel. Every testimony should be a gospel sharing moment. Revelation 12 says that that is how we triumphed over Satan; "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (v. 11). I should be ever eager to share!

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Lord, thank You for Your word. Thank You that it is ever-living and that You are always speaking through it. Thank You for the power that is in the name of and in faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, may I be like Peter, ever-ready to share the gospel, making use of every opportunity. May I know that it is by Your Spirit and power that awesome things happen, not my own. May I not run away from You Holy Spirit. Be with me over the next week as I seek to hear Your voice. Please show me what You would have me do. I pray for clarity and direction. In Christ's Name -- the powerful name, in which mighty and awesome things happen -- I pray, Amen.

Acts 3

Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar

¹ One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ² Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

¹¹ While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. *It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him*, as you can all see.

¹⁷ “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸ But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ^[a] would suffer. ¹⁹ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰ and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹ He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. ²² For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’^[b]

²⁴ “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. ²⁵ And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’^{[c] 26} When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Footnotes:

1. Acts 3:18 Or Messiah; also in verse 20
2. Acts 3:23 Deut. 18:15,18,19
3. Acts 3:25 Gen. 22:18; 26:4

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Observation

v. 1 - Peter and John going to the temple at the time of prayer.

v. 2 - The beggar was put at the temple gates every day to beg -- did not go into the temple to pray.

v. 4 - Was the beggar looking at their hands instead of their face? Assuming that he was sitting down and sought monetary gain, perhaps.

v. 7 - Peter took the cripple by the right hand and helped him up. When Jesus healed, did he usually just command them to walk or rise?

v. 8 - After the beggar was healed, he went inside the temple courts with Peter and John. He entered praising God.

v.9 & v. 10 - The people were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him.

Interpretation

The beggar did not seek the face of God (he did not go inside the temple to pray). Instead, he sought money from the people who went inside the temple to pray. What does this say about the beggar's relationship with God?

Peter says that he does not have silver or gold, but what I have I give you. Then he heals the beggar. Peter deals with the actual problem and does not treat the symptom. The easy thing to do would be to give him money and be on his way. But he brought glory to God by healing the beggar.

The reaction of the beggar was to go into the temple courts and praise God. He was sharing his testimony. Through that, Peter was able to share the gospel. Go God.

v.6 - There is mad power in the name of Jesus. His name was able to heal a cripple from birth!

Questions:

God is worthy of praise, regardless of whether or not the beggar was healed. Aren't we supposed to praise God for who He is, not what He has done. His actions point to His character yes, but we are supposed to praise Him for His character right?

Application

Christ's name and faith in His name (v. 16) was able to heal this cripple from birth. There is POWER in the name of Jesus! When I pray, do I pray in faith?

Peter was not content to give the beggar money and be on his way. He went much deeper than that. When I have the opportunity to go deeper with someone who is in poverty, will I take advantage of it?

When God does something awesome for me and in my life, do I proclaim it in the temple? Will I allow God to use the testimony as a means to share His gospel?

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Lord Jesus, I thank You for these verses. You have taught me and drawn out so much in just the first 10 verses. Thank you for examples like Peter and John who, though far from perfect, were men of God who gave their lives to serve You. I pray for a boldness and wisdom like Peter's. I pray that I will be so in tune with Your will. I pray for a better understanding of and a stronger belief in the power of Your Name Jesus. Please increase my faith in You, my capacity for You, and my desire for You. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.