Acts 4:1-31

Introduction:

1. Last week Peter and John offered refreshing and restoration to those who would embrace Christ.

2. Today, they become targets of Jewish persecution and champions of fearless faith.

Discussion:

I. The Interruption and Arrest (4:1-4)

A. Their largely favorable treatment ends today (2:47; 4:1-3, 13-22).

B. The ruling class came upon them seething with anger (4:1-3).

C. Resurrection in Jesus was the thorn in their craw (vs. 2).

II. Defending the Name (4:5-12)

A. The same bad actors who condemned Jesus (vv. 5-6; John 18:13, 24).

B. Who gave you the power and right to heal this man? (vs. 7).

C. The Christ they killed is alive, well, and powerful as ever (vv. 8-10).

D. The “stone the builders rejected” shows the danger of self-deceit (Matthew 13:14; 15:12-14; 21:43-44; 23:16-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 2:7-8).

E. Despite their attempts to thwart Him, He alone can save (John 14:6).

III. The Attempted Intimidation (4:13-18, 21-22)

A. Peter and John’s boldness caught them off guard (vs. 13).

B. Unable to deny the miracle (vv. 14-16, 21-22), they tried to silence the apostles to thwart the gospel (vv. 17-18, 21; John 11:45-48).

IV. Speaking Truth to Power (4:19-31)

A. Christians must submit to government (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17).

B. Unless and until government demands sin (cf. Daniel 3; 6; Acts 4-5).

C. History tells us all the apostles except John died for the gospel.

D. Acts 4:23-31 shows why they would die speaking truth to power:

1. They knew God was the ultimate and lasting power (vv. 23-26).

2. They knew He still controlled the outcome (vv. 27-28).

3. They did not ask to escape but to conquer (vv. 29-30; John 17:15).

4. God left no doubt He was with them through it all (vs. 31).

Conclusion:

1. We face increasing pressure to not speak in the name of Jesus.

2. We too must never be silenced by any force or power.

3. To succeed, we too must know He will see us through into eternity.