The Acts of The Apostles

Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Four
(4:1-37)

Intro:

In Chapter 4 many practical lessons can be learned. The key word seems to be BOLDNESS. Herein we see how these early believers received this boldness. They were filled with the Spirit (vs. 8,31), they prayed (vs. 29) and relied upon the Word of God (Vs. 25-28).

Vs. 1-4

The persecution of the early church begins. The religious leaders are upset by the preaching of Peter and it isn't any wonder Peter has been very pointed in his remarks thus far. (3:13-15)

The religious leaders are upset about the resurrection "from the dead" as opposed to the resurrection "of the dead." The Sadducees objected to the doctrine of Resurrection. The other Jews looked for a final resurrection but now one had already risen! This posed some problems. They could see that if someone came back before the last judgment, he must be more righteous than those that must come up at the end. Christ has no sin to judge, hence....he was eligible for resurrection from the dead. God's righteousness, Jesus Christ had arrived, (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:25,26) and the resurrection of Christ is proof positive that His righteousness was far superior to that of any sinner. (See Rom. 1:4; Jn. 11:25,26; Acts 4:33; Mk. 12:18-27; Mk. 9:9; Acts 17:32; 23:6; 26:6)

The apostles are thrown in jail till the next day, but many are converted through the message, The believers now number 5,000 men.

Vs. 5 -12

The religious groups concern grows. The priests, captain and Sadducees (vs. 1) are joined by the rulers, elders, and scribes (vs. 5). Annas and Caiphas (Lk. 3:2; Jn. 11:49; 18:13) and their families take aim at the apostles. By the way, Caiphas (Jn. 11:49) as Balak (Num. 22-24) were both prophets, yet not of the Lord.

Vs. 7

The question of authority is one thing the scribes, Pharisees, etc., are always interested in. "Who said you could do this?" They don't glory in the results at the invitation, they are threatened by someone else having more apparent power and authority than them. (Matt. 21:23; Mk. 11:28; Lk. 20:8; Jn. 5:27)

Vs. 8

Peter answers, directing his answer to rulers and elders of Israel, people of Israel (vs. 10) in the name of Jesus we have done this (3:16 and Jn. 14:11-14) He then quotes (Ps. 118:22), the same scripture Jesus quoted them in (Matt. 21:42). He is the stone of (Dan. 2:34-35; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:6-8; Isa. 8:14). And you aren't going to find salvation in any other name. "Not even Jehovah!"

Vs. 13 -22

Here are a bunch of commercial fishermen who are not trained in rabbinical school; aren't Pharisees, nor are they members of the Sanhedrin, but when the preach they ring the bell every time with scripture. It seems that anytime a man uses scripture properly and in context, that men perceive that he is unlearned and ignorant. They listened and knew that this man had been with Jesus (Isa. 29:21).

Vs. 13-16

They saw the boldness of Peter and the results of his ministry "facts are facts" (vs. 14) and they were speechless. They called a summit conference.

Vs. 17,18

Knowing that there were numerous witnesses of the healing, but yet unwilling to listen to Peter's rebuke, they have to resort to "mafia tactics." "We're gonna give you one more chance to be good boys, next time we'll have to take stiffer measures against this heresy.

Vs. 19

Peter then says, "Should we do what you tell us to do, or what God tells us to do?"

Vs. 20

We must tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Vs. 21

To show how weak their threats were, after openly defying their threat, they can't follow through so they give them one more chance. A man that had been lame for over 40 years is healed perfectly (3:16), the people are praising God. The hearts the people continue to turn to God (See Acts 5:29; Ex. 1:17; Prov. 29:25; 1 Sam. 15:22).

Vs. 22-30

The apostles maintained their separation (their own company), a missions report is given. The group began to praise God with one accord. They then quote (Ps. 2:1,2).

Vs. 26

"His Christ": (Lk. 2:26). "The Lord's Christ" (remember Luke is one author of Acts) , this implies there are other christs and there are. (Eze. 28:14 "anointed", Ps. 2:1,2).

Vs. 27

"Thy (God's) holy child Jesus" - Jesus is God's child. The new translations change child to servant here and in (vs. 30), destroying the deity of Christ implied! The context is clearly (Lk. 1:59 66,76,80; Acts 2:21,27,34,40).

Vs. 29

The apostles pray for boldness to preach (not tongues) and to strengthen them in the apostolic ministry of signs and wonders (Mk. 16; Jn. 14:11-14; Acts 3:16)

Vs. 31-37

There is power in prayer. "The place was shaken." They were again filled and their prayer was answered. (Mic. 3:8; Prov. 28:1)

Vs. 32

The results of the preaching of the Word are evidenced...one heart, one soul, unselfish. No tongues...Why? ... No unbelievers! The message became the message of the Resurrection; great power and grace was manifest upon all.

Vs. 34,35

The material needs of all were taken care of.

Vs. 36,37

These verses aren't just incidental. Barnabas (Joses) is a Levite, he's a priest, he is throwing his money in just like everyone else and commands no special favor, benefits, or position. "Son of consolation" (Acts 11:23). Barnabas is from Cyprus (vs. 36) and in (Acts 13) he takes Paul there on his first missionary journey.

Vs. 37

The chapter ends with the collections being brought into the local church for the sustenance of the congregation and the support of the ministers. (1 Cor. 9:6-10; Rom. 15:26; Acts 11:29)

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