A Lame Man Is Healed by Peter, 3:1-10.
[1-2] This was a period of change. Christ had come to bring a new law (Jeremiah 31:31; Hebrews 8:7; 1:1-2). The law of Moses had served its purpose and was taken out of the way (Galatians 3:24-25; Colossians 2:14-17). But the early disciples often went to the temple to pray. That was why Peter and John went to the temple. This was a good time for a miracle. Many people were at the temple at this time. A miracle would bring attention to the apostles. It would give them a good opportunity to tell about Christ.
[3-10] Peter was a poor man, but he had something more important than money. The power to perform this miracle was in the name of Jesus. Peter and the other apostles received this power through the Holy Spirit. The purpose of such power was to convince people to believe in Jesus. The stories of the miracles were written to cause men to believe (John 20:30-31).
Peter’s Second Sermon, 3:11-26.
[11] The multitude gathered at the porch. This was an open court covered by a roof. It provided a good place for people to gather around the temple. This porch was called after the name of Solomon, one of the ancient Hebrew kings.
[12-14] The people did not understand. They thought that the power to heal came from Peter and John themselves. Peter explained that it was not through their own power or godliness. They said that the power was from God. This was the God of the Jews, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. These men were important ancestors of the Jews, and everyone respected them very highly. Peter said that God glorified Jesus. Here he explained exactly what he had said on Pentecost (Acts 2:22-40).
The people had done a terrible thing. They had denied the Holy One of God. Peter reminded them of the events related to the death of Christ. Pilate had wanted to release Christ (Luke 23:4). The Jewish leaders did not want this. Instead, they cried for Barabbas to be released, even though he was a murderer. The prophets had spoken of the Christ (Isaiah 42:1; 53:lf.), but the Jews rejected Him. Their sin is even greater because the heathen ruler Pilate wanted to release Jesus. He did not find sin in Him (John 19:4). But the Jews rejected Jesus. They also killed Him. Christ was the author of life, but they cried, instead, for the release of a murderer, one who took away life.
[15-16] Christians trusted in the authority of Christ. He had all authority (Matthew 28:18). Many people were troubled by sickness like this crippled man. Others were troubled by evil spirits. Christians used the authority of Christ to overcome all powers. Demons were forced to obey the power of Christ (Luke 10:17; Mark 1:21-39). Christians were assured of victory through Christ (Romans 8:37-39).
Christians may be faced with false prophets, magic, and evil spirits like those faced by Elijah, the prophet of God (1 Kings 18). Who had the greater power, God or Baal? The people saw the greater power of God and cried, “The Lord is God” (verses 37-39). No prophet or sorcerer can defeat a Christian today. We have the greater power (1 John 4:4; Luke 10:17; Acts 5:12-16).
Acts 4:17-26
17 “My brothers, I know you did those things to Jesus, because you didn’t know what you were doing. Your leaders did not understand, either. 18 God said that these things would happen. All of the prophets who spoke for God long ago said that His Messiah would suffer and die. I have told you how God made this happen. 19 So, change your hearts! Come back to God, so that He may wipe out your sins. 20 Then the Lord will give you times of spiritual rest. He will send you the Messiah – Jesus. 21 But Jesus must stay in heaven until the time when all things will be made whole again. God told about these things long ago when He spoke through His holy prophets. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up a prophet for you who is like me. He will come from among your own people. You must obey everything he tells you. 23 If any person does not obey that prophet, he will die, cut off from God’s people.’ Deuteronomy 18:15, 16, 19 24 Samuel and all of the other prophets after Samuel who spoke for God talked about these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets. You have received the agreement which God made with your ancestors. God said to Abraham, your ancestor, ‘I will bless all nations of the earth. I will use one of your descendants to do this.’ Genesis 22:18 26 God has raised up His special servant. God sent him to you first, to bless you by turning each one of you away from doing evil things.”
[17-18] Peter noted that what had happened had been foretold by the Jewish prophets (Isaiah 53).
[19-21] At the end of Peter’s sermon, he told them what they should do. If they were to receive forgiveness, they had to change their hearts. This carried the same meaning as Acts 2:38. There the people were told to repent and be immersed. Here they were told to repent (change) and come back to God. It was this act which brought one into a new relationship with God (Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27). In Romans, Paul explained that we are raised from immersion to a new life (Romans 6:4).
[22-23] Peter referred to a statement by the prophet Moses. Moses had said that God would raise up another prophet. Peter explained that that prophet was Christ. Moses had said that when that new prophet came, all people should listen to him. He had taught the importance of hearing Christ. The Jews in the Old Testament followed the law of Moses. But in the New Testament we are to follow Christ. In times past, God spoke through the prophets, but now He speaks through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Now we are to stay in the doctrine of Christ (John 8:31-32; 2 John 9).
(24-26) All the prophets had spoken of the days of Christ. They looked forward to the Messiah and to the freedom that He would bring. Those who heard Peter’s sermon were sons of those prophets. For this reason, they should have honoured the prophets by receiving Christ. The Christ came to take away their sins. Peter appealed to the people to repent of their sins and to turn to Christ.
Acts 4:1-4
1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, some men came to them. There were some Jewish priests, the officer of the temple police, and some Sadducees. 2 They were upset, because the two apostles were teaching the people. Peter and John were preaching that people can rise from death through the power of Jesus. 3 They arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already evening, so they kept Peter and John in jail until the next day. 4 But, many of the people who had heard Peter and John preach believed the things that they said. There were now about 5,000 men in the group of believers.
Peter and John Are Arrested, 4:1-4
[1-4] Peter’s teaching was interrupted when some religious leaders came. They did not like what he was preaching. Peter was teaching about the resurrection of Christ. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection (Matthew 22:23). The priests also opposed Peter, probably because he was disturbing the people around the temple. The people listened, and the religious leaders did not want this.
Since it was late in the evening, they took Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. In spite of this persecution, many believed Peter’s message. At that time, the number of men who were followers was about 5,000. It was a custom only to count the men, but probably there were also several thousand women who had been immersed by that time. Truly, the Lord’s church was growing rapidly.
Acts 4:5-12
5 The next day the Jewish leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas (who was the high priest), Caiaphas, John, Alexander and everyone from the high priest’s family were there. 7 They made Peter and John stand in the center. The Jewish leaders asked them again and again, “How did you make this crippled man well? What name did you use? By whose authority did you do this?” 8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. He said to them, “You elders and leaders of the people: 9 Are you questioning us today about the good thing which was done to this crippled man? Are you asking us who made him well? 10 We want all of you and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made well by the authority of Jesus from Nazareth, the Messiah! Although you nailed him to the cross, God raised him from death. This man who was crippled is now well and able to stand here before you because of Jesus! 11 Jesus, ‘the stone which you builders thought was worthless, has become the cornerstone.’ Psalm 118:22 12 Jesus is the only one who can save people. His authority is the only power given to the world by which we can be saved.”
Peter’s Defense, 4:5-12.
[5-6] These rulers and elders and scribes formed the main body of the Jewish high court or Sanhedrin. Annas was a high priest. He had been deposed by a Roman ruler, and Caiaphas, his son-in-law, was sometimes called high priest. Nothing is known about John and Alexander, but they were obviously men of high authority. These men assembled to determine what to do with Peter and John.
[7] Peter and John faced the same group of judges which condemned Christ. Christ had told His apostles they would face such situations. He told them the Holy Spirit would be with them (Matthew 10:17-19). The judges wanted to know what power produced the miracle.
[8-10] The Holy Spirit was there to help Peter. Peter first pointed out that they were being judged for doing a good deed. They had only healed a crippled man. Peter then pointed out that the power producing the miracle was from Christ Himself. The judges could not deny what had happened. The healed man was standing there in the meeting.
[11-12] Peter described the judges as men who were supposed to be builders. They were religious leaders. They should have been supporting the plans of God. God’s plans had been spoken through the prophets (Isaiah 2:1-4; Joel 2:28-32; Daniel 7:13-14). They had told of the coming Messiah. They had spoken of the building of the church. Christ had come to complete these plans of God. But the religious leaders rejected Christ.
When constructing a large building, a strong stone is selected to be placed in the corner. This stone gives strength to the whole building. Christ was like that cornerstone. He had been selected by God. But these religious leaders rejected the stone selected by God.
The importance of Christ was clear. Salvation was to be found in Him and in Him alone. Some Jews wanted to return to Moses. Some people want to call on their ancestors. This must not be done. The Jews could not turn to Moses or Abraham or the prophets. These men all spoke of the coming of Christ. They taught that Christ was greater than they were. If people were to be saved, they must come to Christ Himself. Even in modern days, men arise, claiming to be prophets. They cannot offer salvation. Salvation comes only through Christ.
Acts 4:13-22
4 13 The Jewish leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak. They were amazed because they understood that the two men had no education or training. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. 14 When they saw the man standing there beside the two apostles – that he was healed – they could find nothing to say against the apostles. 15 So, the Jewish leaders ordered them to go outside. The Jewish Council wanted to talk among themselves. 16 They asked, “What shall we do with them? Everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that these men have performed a great miracle! That is clear. We cannot deny it. 17 However, we must make them afraid to talk to anyone about this man. Then this problem will not spread among the people.” 18 So, the Jewish leaders called Peter and John in again. They warned the apostles not to say anything or to teach anything by the authority of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “What do you think is right? What would God want? Should we obey you or God? 20 We are not able to be silent. We must tell people about the things we saw and heard.” 21-22 The Jewish leaders could not find a way to punish the apostles, because all of the people were praising God for what had been done. (This miracle was a proof from God. The man who was healed was more than 40 years old!) So, the Jewish leaders threatened them again and then let them go free.
A Private Conversation, 4:13-17.
[13] The judges were amazed at the boldness of Peter and John. They were not educated men, yet they showed no fear of the judges. They knew that God’s Spirit was with them. Their behaviour showed that they had been with Jesus. Such is the example for Christians today. We ought to live pure lives to show that we are God’s people.
[14] The judges could not deny that a miracle had happened. The evidence was before them. The man who was crippled stood before them, whole again.
[15-17] The public meeting had failed. The leaders could find no evidence to condemn the apostles. Then they held a private meeting. They could not deny the miracle, but they wanted to do something to stop the teaching of these men. They decided to threaten them. They thought this might stop their preaching.
The Apostles Are Forbidden to Preach, 4:18-22.
[18] The leaders could give no reason, but they commanded the apostles not to preach. They did not want the people to know about Jesus. If the apostles had been fearful, this might have stopped the growth of the church. How Satan would have rejoiced! But they were not afraid.
[19-20] Peter and John showed that the choice was whether to listen to the ruler or to God. They showed that they must put God first. This is our example. We must put God first in everything (Matthew 6:33).
[21-22] The leaders were in a difficult position. They did not dare punish the apostles because they had done no wrong. They knew that if they harmed the apostles, the people would bring trouble upon them.
Acts 4:23-37
23 Peter and John left the meeting of the Jewish leaders and went to their own group. They told the group everything which the most important priests and the Jewish elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they prayed to God with one purpose, “Master, You are the One who made the land, the sea, the sky, and everything in the world. 25 Our ancestor, David, was Your servant. With the help of the Holy Spirit he wrote these words: ‘Why were the nations so mad? Why did the people of the world plan things against God? That is hopeless! 26 Why did the kings and the rulers of the earth, come together against the Lord God and against His Messiah?” Psalm 2:1-2 27 “These words came true when Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate, the nations of the world, and the Jewish people all ‘came together’ against Jesus here in Jerusalem. Jesus is Your holy servant, the one You made Messiah. 28 These people who ‘came together’ against Jesus made Your plan come true; it happened because of Your power and Your will. 29 And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid! Lord, we are Your servants. Help us to speak the things You want us to say without fear. 30 Show your power: make sick people well, give proofs, and cause miracles to take place by the power of Jesus, Your holv servant.” 31 After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak God’s message without fear. 32 The group of believers were joined in their hearts and they were united in spirit. No one in the group said that the things he had were his own. Instead, they shared everything. 33 The apostles used great power to give evidence that the Lord Jesus had been raised from death. All of the believers felt very thankful for God’s great blessings. 34 They all received the things they needed. Everyone who owned fields or houses sold them. Then they brought the money 35 and gave it to the apostles. Each person was given the things he needed. 36 One of the believers was named Joseph. The apostles called him Barnabas. (This name means “a person who encourages others.”) He was a Levite, born in Cyprus. 37 Joseph owned a field. He sold it and brought the money and gave it to the apostles.
A Time for Prayer, 4:23-31.
[23-30] When Peter and John were released, they went immediately to report to the other disciples. Great prayers were lifted up to God in thanksgiving. Note the contents of the prayers: (1) They recognized God’s creative acts. (2) They referred to the Holy Spirit speaking through the prophets. (3) They remembered recent events about God’s care. (4) They wanted to be brave. (5) They wanted God to continue being with them.
[31] At the conclusion of the prayer, there was physical evidence of the presence of the Spirit. The place was shaken like an earthquake. They were all filled with the Spirit. There was no fear in these followers. They knew that the Spirit was with them, and they spoke the Word with boldness