Passage
13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response. 15 After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it! 17 However, so this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” 18 So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done; 22 for this sign of healing had been performed on a man over 40 years old.
Study Questions
Acts 4:13-14
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What did the rulers and elders observe in these two verses? What conclusions could they have drawn from this and what actions could they have taken?
Unlike others who were bold out of their knowledge, Peter and John were bold due to a different reason. The leaders of the Jewish synagogue realized this and were curious as to how this was the case. The confidence that came from the two unlearned and ignorant men were out of the world and they did not have anything to refute their statements.
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What would have been required for one of them to respond reasonably and humbly to the truth before them?
They needed to be willing to listen to the Truth before them. Due to their pride, the leaders tried looking for a comeback. However, as Scripture mentions, they realized Peter and John had been with Jesus and they were speaking the Truth. Since they were unwilling to listen, they were not touched by it and kicked the disciples out.
How do we let our pride get over ourselves sometimes? I have seen numerous people who realized they were wrong in the middle of an argument yet kept going because they did not want to admit that they were wrong. How is it that we are willing to keep on going on false pretenses instead of admitting our mistakes? These people are the hardest to work with and often unable to lead effectively. There are others who only listen to those who they respect even when truth is looking at them in the face. We need to humble ourselves to the possibility that Truth can come from those that seem ignorant.
Acts 4:18-20
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Consider the parallels between what the rulers attempted and today’s social climate toward speech about Jesus. How have I experienced this?
As stated above, there are many people who refuse to acknowledge the Truth even when the evidence clearly points back to it.
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What is behind Peter and John’s courage? How can I grow in my courage to speak for Jesus in a forbidding environment?
As the leaders clearly saw, Peter and John’s boldness came from Jesus Christ. With the empowerment from the Holy Spirit, they were able to speak clearly and courageously to those who were against them. I need to ask the Holy Spirit so that I can be empowered and speak the Truth even when surrounded by those who wish to persecute me.
Free Thought
Dear Father, please allow me to be empowered by your Spirit so that I can be equipped to speak the Truth on your behalf. Please give me wisdom so that I can be the salt that you’ve asked me to be. Please give me strength to do your will especially when Satan tries to tempt me away from you. Amen.
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