Acts of Jesus Study Guide: Acts 4

Overview

In the previous chapter we saw the surprising work of Peter healing a lame man on the steps of the temple. While many marveled and celebrated this amazing intervention of God, not everyone was so pleased. The established leaders of the Temple and the religious community were fearful and attempted to stop Peter’s words and, more significantly, the work of God in their midst.

~Read Acts 4~

Key Questions

In the last chapter we saw the pious crowd amazed at Peter’s act of healing. This chapter begins with the temple rulers being disturbed (verse 3) by Peter’s words. Why were they not focused on what happened, and what did they find so disturbing that they placed him in jail?

In verse 7 they ask Peter by what power and by what name (authority) did he do this? Since they heard him speak previously and surely know his answer already, why are they asking the question? What does this imply about their attitude and belief?

Reread verses 11-12. Jesus is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with God. There is no other name by which men can be made right with God. The leaders listening to Peter were angry by the exclusivity of his claim and what that implied. Many are still angry with that claim and what it implies. What does that imply, and why does it make people angry? What do you believe about the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus?

The leaders were astounded by the power, wisdom, and composure of Peter. Their only explanation was that he had been with Jesus. Think back to chapter 1 during the 40 days of being with Jesus and listening to His words. Why does it matter that we spend time with Jesus and His words today? How can that change us? Do you know of anyone who has made a radical change because of their relationship with Jesus?

In response to persecution, the early church doubled down and dedicated themselves to hearing God’s word and growing together. How committed is the average believer to their church today, and how does this challenge us?

Applying Truth

The spiritual life that Jesus calls us to can put us at odds with popular religion. When a religious system is more concerned with temporal power and historic precedent than responding to the work and words of God it should be rejected.

The religious nationalism of the day led people away from the true message of Jesus. Afterall, the thinking went, isn’t it better that one man (Jesus) die than the power structure the Jewish leaders had negotiated with Rome.

The words and works of Jesus have always challenged popular religion. It still does today. May we be committed enough to follow the leading of God’s Spirit even to places that set us at odds with some of the religious and political systems around us.