Acts 4 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Acts 4

Peter and John Before the Council

4:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you 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 is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus¹ is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.² 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men³ by which we must be saved.”

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,⁴ said by the Holy Spirit,

  “‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26   The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers were gathered together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed’⁵—

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Footnotes

[1] 4:11 Greek This one
[2] 4:11 Greek the head of the corner
[3] 4:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women
[4] 4:25 Or child; also verses 27, 30
[5] 4:26 Or Christ

Commentary

v1: The priests and Sadducees have their own soldiers, as in Matt 26.47.

v2-4: The summary of the message, "in Jesus the resurrection from the dead," a particular offence to the Sadducees. As a result of their preaching, many believe, but the leaders are "greatly disturbed;" the two strands of revival and rebellion. Generally the opposition is from the Jewish leaders.

v5-7: Peter and John, 'guilty' of the healing of the beggar, are brought before the Sanhedrin to explain their actions.

v8: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks boldly of Jesus. No apology, simply a declaration of truth. His audience includes Annas and Caiaphas, who were responsible for Jesus' death; there could be no more antagonistic audience. Yet Peter addresses them respectfully, "Rulers and elders of the people!"

v9-10: The proof of the power of Jesus' Name; a changed life cannot be denied. Peter speaks more of the salvation of Christ, than of the healing that has occurred. The message is Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead. Yet signs follow the preaching of the word.

v11: The Jews' rejection of Jesus is prophesied, and Peter shows the Scripture being fulfilled.

v12: Jesus Christ is marked out as unique, the only Son of God. And there is salvation only in Him. His name, Jesus, means salvation, as in Matt 1.21. Peter urges his audience to believe, "by which we must be saved."

v13: Peter and John have been with Jesus; there is boldness from absolute assurance, not education. The religious leaders of the day are well educated, and would have some confidence in their heritage as well; so Peter's words come with extra boldness and power. There is value in learning, but greater value in knowing Christ.

Jonathan Edwards writes; ‘When men have been conversing with Christ in an extraordinary manner, there is a sensible effect of it remaining upon them; there is something remarkable in their disposition and frame, which if we take knowledge of, and trace to its cause, we shall find it is because they have been with Jesus.’ (Religious Affections)

v14-16: The Sanhedrin discover that facts are stubborn things. This miracle is already well-known throughout the city, v21-22.

v17-18: Their only resort is to demand that the apostles keep silent.

v19-20: Peter and John respect authority; but God is greater than man. They are fired up by God, and cannot keep silent.

v21-22: Peter and John know they will meet more resistance. They endure threats. But they have seen God at work through them, and many in Jerusalem know of God's work.

v23-31: The disciples respond together to the threats.

v23: Reporting back to the others; 11.1; 15.12. Here is accountability and sharing.

v24: Their first resort is to prayer, as in 12.5; prayer must never be our last resort. They pray "together," 'with one accord,' indicating agreement and unity. As in v32, they are united in purpose.

They pray to God who made all things. They pray from their sense of dependence upon God. What else can they do? They have prayed and praised since the Ascension of Christ, see Luke 24.52-53. The events since then, particularly of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, have not reduced their need to pray, but have intensified their desire to pray.

They pray to the Sovereign Lord, the creator of all things.

v25-26: Prayer based on Scripture. Such Scriptures perceptively teach us what we will encounter, and provide answers for us. Gentiles and Jewish leaders conspire together against Christ, and His people. It is wise that our prayers are informed by scripture.

v27-28: The Scripture is applied to the present day; David wrote about Herod and Pontius Pilate! Although these things are determined by God beforehand, men are still responsible for their actions. The OT scriptures find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ; and these man, gathered for prayer, have seen them fulfilled before their eyes.

v29: Prayer for boldness; we need strength to maintain our testimony in the face of man's threats. This is perhaps their greatest concern as they pray; their main request is to remain faithful, even bold, in the circumstances.

v30: Request for signs, to authenticate the words spoken, and to give honour to Jesus.

v31: The Lord's answer, more than they asked for. There are a number of incidents in the early years of the church, which appear not to have been repeated, but which indicate God's approval and blessing, both authenticating His word, and protecting His people. (5.1-11 is similar.)

v32-35: These verses summarise the on-going life and development of the church.

'One in heart and soul' - 'they did not think the same about everything; they did not leave their previous ideas at the church door.' (Stan Mast, Centre for the Excellence of Preaching)

There is no explicit command for all the Christians to sell their possessions, yet the disciples give up all they have, to ensure that none lack anything. Here is utter unselfishness. Such was the priority of the early Church.

In contrast how sad that many Christians today suffer the constant lack of even the basic necessities of life.

Much grace is upon them all, as they testify to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has changed their lives, and they cannot live as they did. They are utterly gripped by the resurrection of Christ.

v36-37: Barnabas is picked out as a man of commitment. Lands and houses, much valued by unbelievers; but Barnabas finds something more important. He is picked out here, for he joins with Paul later in ministering far beyond Judea. It is noteworthy that their first journey is to Cyprus, 13.4.