Topic: Persecution and Prayer
Acts 4 continues the story of the spread of the gospel in Jerusalem after Jesus' ascension into heaven (Acts 1:8–9). When the priests and the temple guards see Peter and John preaching to the crowd, they arrest them because they are teaching that Jesus rose from the dead (Acts 4:1–4).
The next morning, the Sanhedrin presents the same question that the people did: Where did you get the power to heal this man (referring to the miracle of chapter 3)? Peter explains that the power came from Jesus of Nazareth whom they crucified, and that Jesus died and rose again. In fact, His death and resurrection provides salvation for mankind. Peter's intelligent and insightful testimony stunned the Sanhedrin members because they knew Peter and John were not formally trained. The council could not deny the miracle, so they ordered the apostles to quit speaking publicly about Jesus. Peter and John responded with boldness: “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment” (Acts 4:19).
When Peter and John return to the other Jesus-followers, they do not pray for protection. They prayed for courage. They quote David who said the nations and leaders will rise against God's followers, but their efforts will be in vain. That does not mean God will always protect the church from harm (Acts 12:1–2). But, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they choose to face that danger with boldness in order to continue their mission of bearing witness to Jesus (Acts 4:23–31).
The church members echo this unity of purpose in their unity of life. The believers currently in Jerusalem, not all of whom live there (Acts 2:9–11), supported the apostles in their work. They shared their possessions so that everyone had what they needed. Some even sold their land or houses to give the money to the apostles. One of those individuals was a Levite from the island of Cyprus named Barnabas. Barnabas was a sold-out Jesus-follower. Soon, he will be the man who integrates Paul, a former persecutor (Acts 8:1–3; 9:26–27), into the mission of the church (Acts 4:32–37).
Keep following Jesus!
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem