Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin - Acts 4:1-22
Understand It
- Why did the religious officials approach Peter and John? (4:1-2) When?
- What did the officials do to the apostles? (4:3)
- In spite of opposition, how did the early church fare? (4:4)
- After a night in jail, whom did Peter and John face the next day? (4:5-7)
- To what event did the Jewish leaders refer when they questioned the apostles? (4:7)
- What empowered Peter to speak? (4:8)
- How did Peter answer the council’s question? (4:8-10)
- How did Peter’s reference to Psalm 118:22 relate to the resurrected Lord? (4:11)
- How did Peter’s remarks about salvation relate to the healed man, the audience, and the Old Testament passage referring to Christ in Psalm 118:22? (4:10-12)
- How did the authorities respond to Peter and John? (4:13-14)
- After the Sanhedrin consulted together, what action did they take against the apostles? (4:15-17)
- What was the apostles’ reply to the judgment handed down by the council? (4:18-20)
- Why was the Sanhedrin powerless to take action against Peter and John? (4:21)
- How old was the man who had been healed? (4:22)
- What was amazing about the healing that caused this controversy? (4:22)
Apply It
- For which public leaders will you pray today that God would call them to repentance and salvation?
- In what way could you strengthen your sense of courage about being a Christian in your place of work, neighborhood, or family?
- To whom might you be able to tell the Good News this week? How?
The Believers' Prayer - Acts 4:23-31
Understand It
- Where did Peter and John go after they were released by the Sanhedrin? (4:23)
- How did the believers respond to the apostles’ report? (4:24)
- In the prayer, how did the believers express their view of the persecution they faced? (4:24-26)
- How did the believers use the Psalms in their prayer? (4:25-26)
- How was God’s hand in all that was plotted and done against Jesus? (4:27-28)
- How would God orchestrate the destruction and defeat of Jesus’ enemies? (4:28-30)
- What did the Christians ask God to do? (4:29-30)
- How would the believers be enabled to carry out God’s work? (4:30)
- What was the effect of the believers’ prayer? (4:31)
- What did the Christians experience and do after they finished praying? (4:31)
Apply It
- What changes can you make in your personal prayer life today?
- When can you pray for the leaders and ministries of your church?
- How might you participate in times of prayer with other Christians over the next month?
The Believers Share Their Possessions - Acts 4:32-37
Understand It
- What attitude did the believers have toward one another? (4:32)
- How did the Christians show their unity? (4:32)
- How effective was the apostles’ witness? (4:33)
- What godly quality enhanced the unity and service of the early Christians? (4:33)
- How was the command of Deuteronomy 15:4 exemplified by the members of the early church? (4:34-35)
- What did some better-off Christians do from time to time? (4:34-35)
- Why were there no needy persons among the members of the early church? (4:34)
- Who dealt with the common fund of the church? (4:35)
- How did the early wealthy believers disburse the money they got from selling their lands or houses? (4:35)
- Who was Joseph? (4:36)
- Who was Barnabas? (4:36)
- What was exemplary about Barnabas? (4:36-37)
- How was Barnabas’ generosity singled out? (4:36-37)
- What did Barnabas do? (4:37)
Apply It
- What is one change you can make to improve your relationships with others in your church?
- What can you do to show Christian generosity to someone in need this week?
