Summary
Acts 4:1–4 – Peter and John Arrested
What happens:
Peter and John return to the assembly and report the healing at the temple gate. While they speak to the people, the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees, disturbed that the apostles proclaim Jesus’ resurrection, arrest them and put them in custody. Despite threats, many who heard their message believe, and the number of men grows to about five thousand.
What it means:
Proclamation of Christ’s resurrection provokes opposition from religious authorities yet draws many to faith. God’s unstoppable work enlarges the community even when leaders seek to silence the gospel.
Acts 4:5–12 – Peter’s Bold Defense
What happens:
The next day Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin. The high priest questions them by what power they did the healing. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter declares that the man was healed by faith in Jesus—“the stone you builders rejected has become the cornerstone”—and asserts that salvation is found in no one else.
What it means:
The risen Jesus is the foundation of the church and the only means of salvation. Bold, Spirit-empowered witness confronts human authority with divine truth and calls all to trust Christ alone.
Acts 4:13–22 – Release Under Threat
What happens:
The council, amazed at Peter and John’s courage despite being uneducated, recognizes them as Jesus’ followers. Unable to refute the miracle, they warn the apostles to stop speaking in Jesus’ name but release them because they fear a public uproar. Peter and John rejoice at being counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Christ.
What it means:
Persecution may come, yet God’s people rejoice at the privilege of identifying with Christ’s suffering. Human threats cannot deter the Spirit-filled church from proclaiming the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:23–31 – Prayer for Boldness
What happens:
Peter and John report to the believers what the rulers said. The assembly lifts voices in prayer, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and quoting Scripture about opposition to Christ. They ask for boldness to continue the message and for signs of healing. The place shakes, they are all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they speak God’s word with boldness.
What it means:
Corporate prayer in the face of persecution invites God’s presence and power. The Holy Spirit honors faithful petition by empowering the church for courageous witness and confirming the gospel with miraculous signs.
Acts 4:32–37 – Generosity in the Early Church
What happens:
The believers share everything in common: no one claims private ownership, and those with land or houses sell them to distribute proceeds according to need. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, sells a field and brings the money to the apostles.
What it means:
True community reflects the unity of the Spirit and the love of Christ through radical generosity. Material sharing sustains the mission and authenticates the gospel in a watching world.
Application
- Pray corporately for boldness and the Spirit’s power when facing opposition
- Trust Jesus as the cornerstone of your life and proclaim his name despite threats
- Rejoice in suffering for Christ, seeing it as a privilege to share in his glory
- Practice radical generosity, sharing resources to meet the needs of your community
- Stand firm on divine truth when human authorities challenge your witness
