Acts Chapter 4

Acts Chapter 4

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

1.  Why were the Sadducees against this teaching?

 The Sadducees: During the time of Christ and the New Testament era, the Sadducees were aristocrats. They tended to be wealthy and held powerful positions, including that of chief priests and high priest, and they held the majority of the 70 seats of the ruling council called the Sanhedrin. They worked hard to keep the peace by agreeing with the decisions of Rome (Israel at this time was under Roman control), and they seemed to be more concerned with politics than religion.

1. They were extremely self-sufficient to the point of denying God’s involvement in everyday life. 2. They denied any resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23; Mark 12:18-27; Acts 23:8). 3. They denied any afterlife, holding that the soul perished at death, and therefore denying any penalty or reward after the earthly life. 4. They denied the existence of a spiritual world, i.e., angels and demons (Acts 23:8).

 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. Matt 28:11-15 (NIV)

  

2. Why did they keep them in jail till the next day? Why didn’t they do that with Jesus?

 

 1. Jewish law permitted only daylight proceedings. The trial of Jesus Christ was without legal precedent. He was convicted and executed even though Pilate (the local Roman authority) found Him innocent!  Let’s briefly notice the twelve outstanding reasons why the arrest, trial and conviction of Jesus were illegal.

  2. There was no legal basis for Jesus’ arrest because no one had presented a formal charge of any crime; He simply was taken.  Moreover, those who went with Judas to have Jesus arrested included the priests and elders–His judges (Luke 22:52)–among whom were the ones who bribed Judas!

3. Jesus was subjected to a secret preliminary examination at night (John 18:12-14, 19-23), Jewish law permitted only daylight proceedings.

4. The indictment against Jesus was illegal because the judges themselves brought up the charge without any prior testimony by witnesses.  The Jewish court (the Sanhedrin) by law was not allowed to originate charges.

5.  The court illegally proceeded to hold its trial of Jesus before sunrise so no one would be available to testify on His behalf.

 6.  The trial began on a day before an annual Sabbath (John 18:28), even though Jewish law did not permit the trial of a capital offense to begin on a Friday or the day before an annual Sabbath.  Jesus was arrested and tried on the 14th of Abib, the day before the first annual Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

7.  Jesus’ trial was concluded in one day.  Jewish law says: “If a sentence of death is to be pronounced, it [a criminal case] cannot be concluded before the following day” (Mishna, “Sanhedrin” IV, 1).  This was to allow sufficient opportunity for any witnesses in support of the accused to present themselves.  Jesus’ trial was conducted in private and completed in less than nine hours!

8.  Two false witnesses charged Jesus with saying He would destroy the temple made with hands (Mark 14:58); yet He was condemned by the court on another false charge–that of blasphemy.  He was condemned on His own testimony (Luke 22:67-71).  But according to Jewish law, a person could not be condemned on his own testimony.

 9.  The merits of Jesus’ defense were not considered.  Despite Deuteronomy 13:14, the high priest did not “inquire, and make search, and ask diligently” to see whether Jesus’ statement was blasphemous.  The law in the Misha says: “The judges shall weigh the matter in the sincerity of their conscience” (“Sanhedrin” IV, 5).  Instead, the court pronounced sentence instantly and unanimously!

10.  Those who would have voted against condemnation were not at Jesus’ trial.  Joseph of Arimathaea was a member of the court, yet he was not there (Luke 23:50-51).  Jesus’ opponents had made sure that only those who hated Him would be there.

11. The sentence was pronounced in a place forbidden by law. The trial took place at the high priest’s house (Luke 22:54).  According to the law, a death sentence could be pronounced only in the court’s appointed place.

 12. Most of the judges were legally disqualified to try Jesus.  Some had bought their way into office, according to Josephus.  Also, since they were known enemies of Jesus, Jewish law required that they disqualify themselves so He could be tried by impartial judges.

13. The court illegally switched the charges from blasphemy to treason before Pilate.  Jesus’ opponents wanted Him killed, but they did not want to do it themselves.  So they charged Him with treason (Luke 23:2)–a Roman crime–so the Romans would be responsible for His death.  No evidence was presented (John 18:29-30).  Pilate, after a brief interview, saw that Jesus was not guilty (John 18:38, 19; Matthew 27:18).  Fearing the crowd, however, he allowed the crucifixion of an innocent man.  Pilate did not even pronounce Him guilty; he merely turned Him over to the soldiers.

  

5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone’. 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

3. Who were these rulers?

 

Annas – Though this man was not now actually in the office of high priest, yet he had possessed it for eleven years, bore the title all his life, and had the honor of seeing five of his sons fill that eminent place after him – an honor that never happened to any other person from the commencement of the Mosaic institution. He is the same who is called Ananus by Josephus, Ant. b. xx. c. 8.
And Caiaphas – He was son-in-law to Annas,John 18:13, was now high priest, and the same who, a short time before, condemned Christ to be crucified.

John  was Jochanan ben Zaccai, who was very famous at that time in the Jewish nation. Of him it is said in the Talmud, “Rabbin Jochanan ben Zaccai the priest lived 120 years. He found favor in the eyes of Caesar, from whom he obtained Jafneh. When he died, the glory of wisdom ceased.

Alexander – This was probably Alexander Lysimachus, one of the richest Jews of his time, who made great presents to the temple, and was highly esteemed by King Agrippa. Of the kindred of the high priest – the family out of which the high priests were chosen.” It may, however, comprehend those who belonged to the families of Annas and Caiaphas, and all who were connected with the sacerdotal family. Luke distinctly mentions all these, to show how formidable the enemies were against whom the infant Church of Christ had to contend.

4. By what power?

 By what power … – A similar question was put to Christ in the temple, Matthew 21:23.

 ByG1722whatG4169 authorityG1849 doestG4160thou these things?G5023 andG2532whoG5101gaveG1325 theeG4671 thisG5026authority?G1849

 Greek Word:  1849 ἐξουσία Transliteration: exousia

Vine’s Words: Authority,Juridiction,Liberty,Power,Right,Rightly

 from <G1832>(exesti) (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subject)force,capacity,competency, freedom, or (object) mastery (concrete magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence :- authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

ByG1722 whatG4169power,G1411 orG2228 byG1722whatG4169 name,G3686 have yeG5210doneG4160 this?G5124

Greek Word: 1411 δύναμις Transliteration: dynamis

 Vine’s Words: Ability,Able,Meaning,Might (Noun),Mighty,Mightily,Mightier,Miracle,Power,Strength,Strengthenfrom <G1410>(dunamai);force(literal or figurative); specially miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself) :- ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, might (wonderful) work.

  

By what name – That is, by whose authority. It is very probable that they expected to intimidate the apostles by this question. They claimed the right of regulating the religious affairs of the nation. They had vast power with the people. They assumed that all power to instruct the people should originate with them; and they expected that the apostles would be confounded, as having violated the established usage of the nation. It did not seem to occur to them to enter into an investigation of the question whether this acknowledged miracle did not prove that they were sent by God, but they assumed that they were impostors, and attempted to silence them by authority. It has been usual with the enemies of religion to attempt to intimidate its friends, and when argument fails, to attempt to silence Christians by appealing to their fears. Barnes.

5. What is different in the way Peter is speaking?

 Peter does a good job of speaking to these men. Up to this time, every time Peter opened his mouth, he put his foot in it. But this time, I tell you, he has his “…feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). He is filled with the Holy Spirit, and he is saying the right thing: “Are we on trial for the good deed we did for the sick man?” That is a searching question!  J. Vernon McGee’s Thru The Bible

On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matt 10:18-20 (NIV)

 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)

6. What stone are they talking about?

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalms 118:22-23 (NIV)

 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, Thestone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Matt 21:42-44 (KJV)

16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. Isaiah 28:16 (NIV)

 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:23-24

and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Isaiah 8:14 (NIV)

 “He came unto his own and his own received him not” (John 1:11).

7. Why is Jesus such a stumbling block for the world? Buddha doesn’t cause all this trouble?

 There were two significant truths of Jesus’ ministry that created the conflict: the lack of His militaristic triumph over the Roman Empire, and His pattern of spiritual conduct that contradicted their existing religious system. Both in the flesh and in the Spirit, Jesus did not measure up to the Messiah that the people were expecting. Jesus literally became a stumbling block in all areas for many of the people of Israel.
The Israelites had preconceived ideas of who God was and what His plan was for them. Then, in the midst of their distorted beliefs came the Truth. Many of them didn’t believe that Jesus could possibly be the promised Messiah, since He didn’t fit the bill. They thought, since He was the Son of David, that He was coming as a king to re-establish the kingdom of Israel in the physical realm. This was only partially true. Yet the way in which Jesus conducted Himself went against everything that the people expected. Even though Jesus literally fulfilled the Scriptures, and manifested God Almighty to them, the nation of Israel did not readily accept Him. Jesus was a very purposefully placed, spiritual roadblock for those who thought they were on the path to righteousness. Jesus was in their way, so to speak, and they could not understand that He was the Way. Their unrighteousness blinded their spiritual eyes. They could not see that Jesus came as the only way to righteousness. His teachings were founded in both truth and mercy, two things about which the religious leaders of Israel knew nothing.

  

Jesus goes on to designate this stone a skandalon, σκάνδαλον. We get the word scandal a stumbling block: “the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” (Mat. 21:44) Here, another verse from the Hebrew Bible has stumbled into this parable to trip us up. Isaiah prophesied that Lord of Hosts will became “a stone one strikes up against,” that God will become “a rock one stumbles over.” (Isaiah 8:14) Jesus is saying then, that the weak stone is stumbled over when it is rejected.

  

8. Salvation in no other name? What about tolerance?

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

9. Should we obey the government or God?

 

We are to obey both. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, ….5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)

10. What about when there is a conflict between government and God?

“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.

 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.

  

11. What is the implication of this verse from Psalm 2?

 1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. …….. 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. …….10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalms 2:1-12 (NIV)

5 “Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! 6 I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. 7 But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations.   Isaiah 10:5-7 (NIV)

 God has the final authority, and even when kings and governments think they are in control they are only fooling themselves. The Sanhedrin though they could cover up what was clearly a sovereign supernatural act of God,  and that Peter and John were subject to their authority, contrary to what God’s what God was telling them.

  

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

  

12. How bold should we be? Should we be out on street corners screaming out the gospel?

 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

We need to always be ready to defend what we believe. Do we know how to defend and can we do it with respect. When they insult you, can you take it without losing your temper? Do you know where in the bible to find the scriptures that define what you believe?

 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

13. So should we become communists?

 It is regularly abused and misused, usually by the left – both religious and secular. It has often been used to justify communism, socialism, redistributionism, and the welfare state. The truth is, it can justify none of these. And this was not a mandatory policy or something commanded of all believers for all times. In short, it was a temporary and voluntary reaction to a crisis, and it was nowhere commanded of Christians, and nowhere held up as some sort of biblical paradigm of economic practice.

And in Acts 12:12 we find another counter-example. There we read that Mary the mother of John owned her own home, complete with a servant girl. Peter was there, and he did not chew her out for being an evil capitalist pig!

ESVN………….ESV Study Bible Notes 

                                                JFB…………..Jamieson  Fausset Brown Commentary

VWS……………..Vincent Word Studies                                                   

MSBN…….MacArthur NASB Study Notes

CMM………….Commentary on Matthew and Mark                 

NIVSN…..NIV Study Notes        

BDB………….. Barclay’s Daily Study Bible (NT)                         

JVM ….J Vernon McGee,        

Darby………..John Darby’s Synopsis of the OT and NT                   

ACC …. Adam Clarke’s Commentary         

Johnson………Johnson’s Notes on the New Testament.                    

BN …..Barnes Notes         

NTCMM…………..The New Testament Commentary:  Matthew and Mark.  

CN …… Constables Notes

IC……….Ironside Commentary

NET………Net Bible Study Notes.

·         JFB…………..Jamieson  Fausset Brown Commenta ·        

 http://www.ivybaptistchurch.org/assets/acts_chapter4.pdf

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