Acts 4
BSB1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6 along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought in 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 examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, 10 then let this be known to all of you and to 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 This Jesus is ’the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response. 15 So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak 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. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. 20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ 27 In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. 28 They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. 29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, 30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. 33 With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Study Notes — Acts 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 4
- Themes from Acts 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts chapter 4 begins with the apostles Peter and John being arrested by the priests and Sadducees for preaching about Jesus Christ. The next day, they were brought before the Sanhedrin, where they boldly testified about their faith in Jesus. The Sanhedrin, unable to deny the miracle that had occurred, threatened the apostles and commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus. However, the apostles refused to obey, saying that they must obey God rather than men. After their release, the apostles returned to their fellow believers and reported what had happened. The believers then prayed, asking God to give them boldness to continue preaching and for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders. The place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking the word of God with boldness. The chapter concludes by describing the believers' practice of sharing their possessions and resources with one another, demonstrating their love and unity as a community.
Context for the Chapter
Acts chapter 4 is part of the larger narrative of the early Christian church, as described in the book of Acts. The chapter follows the events of Acts chapter 3, where Peter and John healed a lame man and preached about Jesus to the crowd. The chapter also sets the stage for the events of Acts chapter 5, where the apostles are again arrested and persecuted for preaching about Jesus. The chapter is part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel to transform lives.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution. We are called to be bold in our witness, to trust in God's sovereignty, and to pray for His guidance and protection. As we face challenges and difficulties in our own lives, we can learn from the example of the early Christian church and trust in God's power to overcome them.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the early Christian church and how they responded to persecution. The apostles, Peter and John, were arrested and threatened, but they continued to preach about Jesus. The believers prayed for boldness and God answered their prayer, giving them the courage to continue sharing the gospel. As we read this chapter, we can learn about the importance of standing firm in our faith and trusting in God's power to overcome any obstacle. As stated in Acts 4:12, there is salvation in no one else but Jesus, emphasizing the importance of faith in Him.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of doctrines, but a living, breathing, powerful force that can transform lives and change the world.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Christian life is not a life of ease and comfort, but a life of sacrifice and service, as we seek to follow Jesus and obey His commands.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Apostles' Arrest and Testimony (Acts 4:1-12) — The apostles, Peter and John, were arrested by the priests and Sadducees for preaching about Jesus. They were brought before the Sanhedrin, where they testified about their faith in Jesus and the miracle of the lame man's healing.
- The Sanhedrin's Response (Acts 4:13-22) — The Sanhedrin, unable to deny the miracle, threatened the apostles and commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus. However, the apostles refused to obey, saying that they must obey God rather than men.
- The Believers' Prayer (Acts 4:23-31) — After their release, the apostles returned to their fellow believers and reported what had happened. The believers then prayed, asking God to give them boldness to continue preaching and for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders.
- The Community's Unity and Generosity (Acts 4:32-37) — The chapter concludes by describing the believers' practice of sharing their possessions and resources with one another, demonstrating their love and unity as a community.
- Conclusion (Acts 4:37) — The chapter ends with a description of the community's generosity and unity, highlighting the importance of living out our faith in practical ways.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is able to overcome any obstacle and achieve His purposes. The apostles' testimony and the believers' prayer demonstrate their trust in God's power and authority.
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the face of persecution. The believers prayed for boldness to continue preaching and for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders.
- The Unity of the Church
- The chapter describes the early Christian community as a united and loving group, where believers shared their possessions and resources with one another. This sense of community was a result of their shared faith in Jesus and their commitment to one another.
- The Exclusivity of Salvation in Jesus
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, stating that there is salvation in no one else. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and is highlighted in Acts 4:12.
Lessons from Acts 4
- The Importance of Boldness in Witness — The apostles' boldness in preaching about Jesus, despite the threat of persecution, is a lesson for us today. We are called to be bold in our witness, to trust in God's sovereignty, and to pray for His guidance and protection.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the face of persecution. The believers prayed for boldness to continue preaching and for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders. This is a lesson for us to trust in God's power and to pray for His guidance and protection.
- The Unity of the Church — The chapter describes the early Christian community as a united and loving group, where believers shared their possessions and resources with one another. This sense of community is a lesson for us today, to prioritize unity and love in our own churches and communities.
- The Exclusivity of Salvation in Jesus — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, stating that there is salvation in no one else. This is a lesson for us to prioritize evangelism and to share the gospel with those around us.
- The Importance of Living Out Our Faith — The chapter concludes by describing the believers' practice of sharing their possessions and resources with one another, demonstrating their love and unity as a community. This is a lesson for us to live out our faith in practical ways, to prioritize love and unity in our own churches and communities.
Themes from Acts 4
- Persecution and Prayer — The chapter describes the early Christian church's response to persecution, highlighting the importance of prayer and faith in the face of opposition.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is able to overcome any obstacle and achieve His purposes. The apostles' testimony and the believers' prayer demonstrate their trust in God's power and authority.
- The Unity of the Church — The chapter describes the early Christian community as a united and loving group, where believers shared their possessions and resources with one another. This sense of community is a lesson for us today, to prioritize unity and love in our own churches and communities.
- The Exclusivity of Salvation in Jesus — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, stating that there is salvation in no one else. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and is highlighted in Acts 4:12.
- The Importance of Living Out Our Faith — The chapter concludes by describing the believers' practice of sharing their possessions and resources with one another, demonstrating their love and unity as a community. This is a lesson for us to live out our faith in practical ways, to prioritize love and unity in our own churches and communities.
Questions for Meditation
- How do you respond to persecution or opposition in your own life? What can you learn from the example of the apostles in this chapter?
- What is the significance of the believers' prayer in Acts 4:23-31? How can you apply this to your own prayer life?
- How does the chapter describe the early Christian community? What can we learn from their example about living out our faith in practical ways?
- What does the chapter teach us about the sovereignty of God? How can we trust in His power and authority in our own lives?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ? What does this mean for our own lives and witness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Apostles' Arrest and Testimony (Acts 4:1-12)
| 4:1 | The apostles, Peter and John, were arrested by the priests and Sadducees for preaching about Jesus. |
| 4:2 | The priests and Sadducees were annoyed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah. |
| 4:3 | The apostles were put in jail until the next day, when they would be brought before the Sanhedrin. |
| 4:4 | Many people believed in Jesus as a result of the apostles' preaching, and the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. |
| 4:5 | The next day, the Sanhedrin, the elders, and the teachers of the law met to question the apostles. |
| 4:6 | The high priest, Annas, and Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the other members of the high priest's family were there. |
| 4:7 | The apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin and asked, 'By what power or in whose name have you done this?' |
| 4:8 | Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, 'Rulers and elders of the people, if we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are asked how he was healed, 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.' |
| 4:9 | The Sanhedrin was amazed at the apostles' boldness, considering that they were unschooled, ordinary men. |
| 4:10 | The Sanhedrin realized that they had been with Jesus, and they saw the confident faith of the apostles. |
| 4:11 | The Sanhedrin was unable to deny the miracle that had occurred, but they warned the apostles not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus again. |
| 4:12 | The apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.' |
2. The Sanhedrin's Response (Acts 4:13-22)
| 4:13 | The Sanhedrin was amazed at the apostles' boldness, considering that they were unschooled, ordinary men. |
| 4:14 | The Sanhedrin realized that they had been with Jesus, and they saw the confident faith of the apostles. |
| 4:15 | The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles to be taken outside while they discussed what to do with them. |
| 4:16 | The Sanhedrin said, 'What are we going to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.' |
| 4:17 | The Sanhedrin decided to warn the apostles again and to threaten them, hoping to stop them from speaking in the name of Jesus. |
| 4:18 | The Sanhedrin called the apostles in and commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus again. |
| 4:19 | But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.' |
| 4:20 | The apostles said, 'We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.' |
| 4:21 | The Sanhedrin threatened the apostles again and let them go, finding no way to punish them because the people were praising God for the miracle. |
| 4:22 | The man who was healed was over forty years old, which made the miracle even more amazing. |
3. The Believers' Prayer (Acts 4:23-31)
| 4:23 | When the apostles were released, they went back to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. |
| 4:24 | When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God, 'Sovereign Lord, you made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.' |
| 4:25 | The believers said, 'You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?"' |
| 4:26 | The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' |
| 4:27 | Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. |
| 4:28 | They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. |
| 4:29 | Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. |
| 4:30 | Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' |
| 4:31 | After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. |
4. The Community's Unity and Generosity (Acts 4:32-37)
| 4:32 | All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. |
| 4:33 | With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all |
| 4:34 | that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales |
| 4:35 | and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. |
| 4:36 | Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'son of encouragement'), |
| 4:37 | sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the apostles' response to the Sanhedrin's warning?
The apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men' (Acts 4:19-20). They refused to stop preaching about Jesus, even in the face of persecution and threats.
What did the believers pray for in Acts 4:23-31?
The believers prayed for boldness to continue preaching and for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders (Acts 4:29-30).
How did the community demonstrate their unity and generosity?
The community demonstrated their unity and generosity by sharing their possessions and resources with one another, and by selling their lands and houses to support those in need (Acts 4:32-37).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 4:1 → Matthew 10:18 | The apostles' arrest and testimony in Acts 4:1-12 is reminiscent of Jesus' instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10:18, where He warned them that they would be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to Him. |
| 2 | Acts 4:8 → Luke 12:11-12 | Peter's boldness in Acts 4:8 is similar to Jesus' instruction to His disciples in Luke 12:11-12, where He told them not to worry about what to say when brought before authorities, because the Holy Spirit would give them the words to say. |
| 3 | Acts 4:12 → John 14:6 | The statement in Acts 4:12 that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus is consistent with Jesus' claim in John 14:6 that He is the only way to the Father. |
| 4 | Acts 4:23-31 → Psalm 2:1-2 | The believers' prayer in Acts 4:23-31 quotes Psalm 2:1-2, which describes the nations raging against God and His Anointed One. |
| 5 | Acts 4:27 → Psalm 2:7 | The statement in Acts 4:27 that God anointed Jesus as His holy servant is consistent with Psalm 2:7, where God says, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' |
| 6 | Acts 4:29 → Ephesians 6:19-20 | The believers' prayer for boldness in Acts 4:29 is similar to Paul's request for prayer in Ephesians 6:19-20, where he asks for boldness to proclaim the gospel. |
| 7 | Acts 4:32 → 2 Corinthians 9:7 | The community's unity and generosity in Acts 4:32 is consistent with Paul's instruction in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where he says that each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion. |
| 8 | Acts 4:36 → 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 | The sale of Joseph's field in Acts 4:36 is similar to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem described in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, where Paul instructs the churches to set aside a portion of their income to support those in need. |
| 9 | Acts 4:1-12 → Matthew 5:10-12 | The apostles' persecution in Acts 4:1-12 is reminiscent of Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:10-12, where He says that those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed. |
| 10 | Acts 4:23-31 → Romans 8:28 | The believers' prayer in Acts 4:23-31 is consistent with Paul's statement in Romans 8:28, where he says that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. |
Sermons on Acts 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Brother Yun - Heavenly Man by Brother Yun | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of losing his first love for God while being caught up in the busyness of ministry. He emphasizes that past obedience is |
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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(Israel) Preaching Christ With Authority by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with spiritual authority. He shares a personal experience of a young man who came seeking wisdom |
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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(Blood Covenant) 1 - Blood Covenant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the covenant between God and His people. The speaker refers to various passages in the Bible, such as Genesis |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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Book of Acts - Short Overview by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of fervent prayer and bold proclamation of the Word of God in the face of opposition. The story of Peter and John being threat |
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(Europe 2008) Session 1 - a Man Sent From God by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a revival in London and the world. He mentions that before the Wesleyan revival, there were no gospel churches in London, but wh |
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A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l |
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Purity and Fire - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching repentance. He criticizes the popular approach of avoiding the topic of sin and repentance in favor of a painless |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 4
In Acts 4, we see the early Christian church facing persecution and opposition from the Jewish leaders. Despite this, the apostles continue to preach boldly about Jesus, and the believers pray for boldness and protection. The chapter teaches us about the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity, and trusting in God's power and sovereignty. As Matthew Henry notes, the apostles' boldness was a result of their faith in God and their trust in the power of the gospel. The chapter also highlights the importance of prayer and the unity of the church, as the believers come together to support one another and to pray for their leaders. Ultimately, the chapter shows us that God is sovereign and that He can overcome any obstacle, achieving His purposes through the faith and obedience of His people. As Henry notes, 'the gospel is not a mere set of doctrines, but a living, breathing, powerful force that can transform lives and change the world.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Apostles' Courage
The apostles showed great courage in the face of persecution, refusing to stop preaching about Jesus despite the threat of imprisonment and violence. Their courage was a result of their faith in God and their trust in the power of the gospel.
The Importance of Prayer
The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the face of persecution. The believers prayed for boldness to continue preaching and for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders. Their prayer was a demonstration of their dependence on God and their trust in His sovereignty.
The Unity of the Believers
The chapter describes the early Christian community as a united and loving group, where believers shared their possessions and resources with one another. This sense of community was a result of their shared faith in Jesus and their commitment to one another.