Acts 4:1-22
Read Acts 4:1-22
Helpful Background Information:
In Acts 3, Peter heals a lame beggar who then goes into the temple courts, praising God. Peter and John had the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with many onlookers. In this, Peter speaks to the crowds about the resurrection of Jesus, directly opposing the Sadducees view on resurrection. The Sadducees' religious view was that the resurrection of the dead was not true because they found it to be nowhere in their interpretations of the law of Moses.
Verse 5 contains a multitude of names, including Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander. Annas was high priest from AD 7 to AD 15 and held power and influence even outside of his time in his position as high priest. Caiaphas was the high priest from AD 18 to AD 36 and was the high priest during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. John and Alexander were members of the family of high priests. All of this is important because of the power that these people held at the time.
A cornerstone, referenced in verse 11, is a stone which unites two walls at the corner of a building, holding them together, helping to stabilize the building’s foundation. Claiming Jesus as the cornerstone implies that He is the reason for the Church and for Christianity.
Reflection Questions:
When Peter responded to the council, verse 8 says that he was filled with the Holy Spirit. How can the work of the Holy Spirit be an encouragement to you? What can you ask for from the Holy Spirit when the time comes to share your faith?
In verse 13, it is stated that the council was amazed by the boldness and the unashamedness of Peter and John. Despite their lack of education, these church leaders were still used by God to start His church. How does God still equip the people He calls? What can you ask for from the Holy Spirit for confidence in the truth?
In verses 19-20, Peter and John describe why they share their eyewitness testimony to what Jesus has done. How can you take these verses to heart? How can you follow their example of telling others about what you have seen God do and read in Scripture?