Read · Listen · Study

Acts 4 · Berean Standard Bible

Playback speed

¹While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, ²greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. ³They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day. ⁴But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. ⁵The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, ⁶along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family. ⁷They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, ¹⁰then 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. ¹¹This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ ¹²Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” ¹³When 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. ¹⁴And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response. ¹⁵So 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. ¹⁷But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸Then 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, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. ²⁰For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ²¹After 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. ²²For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. ²³On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴When 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. ²⁵You 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? ²⁶The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ ²⁷In 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. ²⁸They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. ²⁹And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, ³⁰as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. ³²The 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. ³³With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. ³⁴There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ³⁵and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. ³⁶Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), ³⁷sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Acts

Acts 4

Boldness in the Face of Opposition

✦

Objective

Acts 4 reveals the early Church's growing boldness as the apostles face opposition for proclaiming the name of Jesus. Peter and John, arrested for healing the lame man and preaching the resurrection, stand firm before the Sanhedrin and refuse to be silenced. The chapter demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit in emboldening believers, the unity of the early Church, and the unstoppable advance of the Gospel despite opposition. This commentary explores how Acts 4 inspires Christians to live boldly for Christ in the face of adversity.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

After the healing of the lame man (Acts 3), Peter and John are confronted by the temple priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees. The religious leaders are disturbed by their teaching about Jesus' resurrection and arrest them. The next day, they are brought before the Sanhedrin, including Annas the high priest and Caiaphas, who question their authority. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declares that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead. He proclaims Jesus as the cornerstone rejected by the builders and declares, "Salvation is found in no one else." Despite recognizing their boldness and seeing the healed man as evidence, the Sanhedrin forbids them to speak in Jesus' name. Peter and John refuse, saying, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Central Themes

Boldness Through the Holy Spirit: Peter and John's courage stems from the Spirit's power, fulfilling Jesus' promise in Luke 12:11-12 that the Spirit would give them words when brought before authorities.

Jesus as the Cornerstone: Peter's use of Psalm 118:22 emphasizes Jesus as the foundation of God's plan, rejected by religious leaders but essential for salvation.

Obedience to God Over Man: The apostles' refusal to obey human commands to stop preaching underscores their ultimate allegiance to God.

Cultural & Historical Context

The Sadducees and the Resurrection: The Sadducees rejected the concept of resurrection, which made the apostles' message about Jesus particularly troubling to them (Acts 23:8). The Sanhedrin: The ruling council of Jewish leaders had significant authority in religious and civic matters. Their rejection of Jesus and His followers reflects their fear of losing power. Jesus as the Cornerstone: This imagery, drawn from Psalm 118:22, also appears in Isaiah 28:16 and is applied to Jesus in Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:6-7.

Key Verse

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

Peter and John stand firm before the imposing council, their faces calm but resolute. The light streaming through the room illuminates their expressions, as if the Spirit's presence radiates through them. The healed man stands nearby, his joy silently testifying to the power of Jesus. The members of the Sanhedrin shift uncomfortably in their seats, their authority challenged by the apostles' boldness.

The Church's Prayer for Boldness

A room filled with believers, their voices rising together in fervent prayer. The air seems to thrum with expectation, and as they pray, the ground begins to tremble. The shaking is not one of fear but of power, as the Spirit fills each heart with courage and resolve.

The Generosity of the Believers

A bustling community courtyard where believers bring their offerings to the apostles. A joyful buzz fills the air as goods and money are distributed to those in need. Barnabas steps forward, laying his offering at the apostles' feet, his face glowing with the joy of giving.

Song

Bold in His Name

Verse 1

Before the council, they boldly stood, Declaring Christ, the righteous and good. Rejected stone, the builders defied, But salvation comes through the crucified.

Verse 2

Together we pray, our hearts aligned, The world may rage, but God's design. The earth may tremble, the heavens declare, His Spirit gives courage beyond compare.

Chorus

Oh, bold in His name, we stand unshaken, In the power of Christ, we're awakened. No fear of man, no chains restrain, For His Spirit moves in Jesus' name.

Bridge

One heart, one mind, a family of grace, Sharing all, love's truth embraced. Generous hands, hearts set free, In Christ, we are one for eternity.

Outro

For His Spirit moves in Jesus' name.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Pray for boldness to proclaim Christ in your daily life, even when facing opposition or discomfort. Trust the Holy Spirit to give you the words and courage you need.

Reflect on the generosity of the early Church and consider how you can be more selfless with your time, talents, and resources to serve others.

Community & Society

Foster unity and care within your church or community. Seek to live out the principles of being "one in heart and mind," prioritizing love and mutual support.

Stand together with fellow believers in the face of societal or cultural opposition, drawing strength from prayer and the Holy Spirit.

Global Perspective

Pray for persecuted Christians around the world, that they may have the boldness of Peter and John to stand firm in their faith.

Support global missions that bring the message of salvation to places where the Gospel is opposed.

Conclusion

Acts 4 showcases the unstoppable power of the Gospel as the early Church faces opposition with courage and faith. Peter and John's boldness, the believers' prayer, and their radical generosity demonstrate what it means to live Spirit-empowered lives. As modern Christians, we are called to the same boldness and unity, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us as we proclaim the name of Jesus to the world.