Acts
Chapter 4
Peter and John testify before the council, the church prays for boldness, and believers care for one another.
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Acts 4:1–22 — Peter and John Before the Council
Peter and John are arrested for teaching and proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection.
About 5,000 men had believed.
The rulers ask, “By what power or by what name?”
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, points to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
“Whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.”
Jesus is the cornerstone.
“There is salvation in no one else.”
The rulers see Peter and John’s boldness and recognize they had been with Jesus.
They command them not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name.
God or man? There is no contest—we follow God.
“We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:1–22
Acts 4:23–31 — The Church Prays for Boldness
Peter and John return and report the rulers’ threats.
The believers lift their voices together to God.
They recognize God as Creator and quote Psalm 2.
Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Israel gathered against Jesus.
Their opposition did not defeat God’s plan.
The believers do not ask for the opposition to disappear.
They ask God to let them speak His word with boldness.
Signs and wonders are through the name of Jesus.
After prayer, the place is shaken.
They are filled with the Holy Spirit.
They speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:23–31
Acts 4:32–37 — The Believers Care for One Another
The believers are of one heart and soul.
They willingly share what they have.
The apostles continue to testify to the resurrection of Jesus.
There is not a needy person among them.
Property is sold and proceeds are brought to the apostles.
Distribution is made to each as any had need.
Their giving is generous and voluntary.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, is introduced.
The apostles call him Barnabas, “son of encouragement.”
Barnabas sells a field and lays the money at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:32–37