Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
Acts 4:1-22
Two definitions you need to know in order to under this chapter.
• Sanhedrin is the “supreme judicial council.” You will see this many times throughout Acts.
• The Sadducees were a religious group similar to the Pharisees. Both groups were against Jesus. The Sadducees were the smaller group. Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That’s why they were sad, you see. (Play on words).
The Sadducees were disturbed because Peter and John were preaching Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. Therefore, they seized the apostles and put them in jail. Because it was in the evening, they had to stay in jail until the next day.
In Chapter 2 when Peter preached the first sermon, 3,000 were saved. From hearing Peter and John speak about Jesus Christ, 2,000 more were saved. That accounts for the 5,000 mentioned in Verse 4.
Verses 5-7 show the names of the top religious leaders who met to question Peter and John for preaching Jesus Christ. They asked, “By what power or name did they do this?” Peter explained that it was by the name of Jesus that the crippled beggar was healed. (See Chapter 3).
Pay close attention to Verses 13-17 for the discussion questions below. Notice what the Sanhedrin thought about Peter and John and how they agreed to handle the two apostles.
Notice in Verse 22, we are told how old the man was who was healed in Chapter 2 at the Gate Beautiful.
Questions
1. How could Peter stand up so boldly and speak at the Sanhedrin before the religious leaders?
2. What is the conclusion the members of the Sanhedrin made in Verse 13-17?
3. What did the Sanhedrin order Peter and John not to do?
4. What was Peter and John’s reply to what they had been told not to do?
The Believer’s Prayer
Acts 4:23-31
After Peter and John left the Sanhedrin, they went back to their own people and told them what had happened. The first thing they did after hearing this, they prayed together. Notice the format of the prayer. They prayed about what happened in the Old Testament before proceeding to compare it to the time Jesus was threatened. Then they prayed about the threats against them. Pay attention to what happened at the end of the people’s prayer.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
Acts 4:32-36
Many people did not go back to their homes after the Passover and the coming of the Holy Spirit in Chapter 2. Because so many people were still in Jerusalem without homes and jobs, it became the responsibility of the residents to take care of visitors. Therefore, they sold their possessions so no one would go lacking. Everyone had what was needed.
What Barnabas did Verses 36 sets in motion what will happen in Chapter 6 but with different results. Keep what Barnabas did in mind as you read and discuss the next chapter. Also, remember Barnabas throughout the Book of Acts.
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