Acts 4:13-22
July 3rd, 2016
The implications of the public miraculous sign from God
I. To the established religious leaders of the time [13-18]
A. Amazed at the boldness and clear testimony of Peter and John who had been discipled by Jesus (13)
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
B. In a Quandary on account of the presence of the cured man who was lame.(14)
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had
nothing to say in opposition.
C. Deliberation and warning to Peter and John (15-17)
15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,
16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.”
D. Command to Peter and John not to speak or teach about Jesus (18)
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
II. To the witnesses of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus ......
A. They challenged the religious leaders to acknowledge the authority of God (19)
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,
B. They rejected a ban on their speaking (4:20)
20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
III. To the established religious leaders continued hardhearted response [21-22]
A. They threatened and then released Peter and John (21a)
21a And when they had further threatened them, they let them go,
B. They were intimated by the crowds who were praising God (21b)
21b finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.
C. They could not deny the reality of the miracle (22)
22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
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