Acts Chapter 4
The Jewish religious leaders thought they had eliminated the problem of the people following after “the way” when they crucified Jesus. Little did they know the spread of the gospel had just been ignited. They were annoyed to learn that the apostles were preaching about a resurrected Jesus. So, they put Peter and John in prison until the next day. They thought they were powerful enough to stop the message of Jesus being spread.
Let's Reflect
1. The power that was evident and working was the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of the boldness He gave to Peter and John to speak the truth, many believed. How many?
2. The next day the religious leaders put Peter and John before them to question them. What question did they ask?
3. Peter didn’t just give a simple answer to their question, he broke out in a sermon. Why did Peter show such boldness knowing what these men had done to Jesus?
4. Just how bold did Peter get in his message?
5. It was kind of difficult to refute the message of Peter because there was someone standing right there with them. Who was standing with Peter and John? See 3:2-10 and 4:14, 22.
6. It was even more difficult to punish Peter and John for their actions because of the many believers. What did they do to Peter and John?
7. How did Peter and John respond to the council’s decision?
8. When Peter and John were released and got back to their friends they prayed. What did they pray for? See verse 29.
9. When they prayed, they quoted scripture from Psalm 2:1-2. This is a good practice for us as well. Their prayer was very powerful. What happened when they prayed?
10. Because of the way the Holy Spirit was moving amongst the people they had a deep desire to be generous in giving to the ministry. One example of someone who sold land to give the proceeds to the church is named. (He will be contrasted, in the next chapter, with another name of someone who sold their land.) What is this man’s name?
Devotionals
