Acts 4

Sadducees: See “The Sadducees” Profile.

Throughout the Bible, God's people often experienced persecution. God's servants often encountered hostility and opposition (Deuteronomy 30:7; 1 Kings 18:13; Nehemiah 4:1–3; Jeremiah 37–38; Matthew 23:34–37; Luke 11:49–51; 1 Thessalonians 2:14–15). Jesus was also persecuted (Luke 4:29; John 5:16). He warned his disciples to expect similar treatment (Matthew 10:23; 24:9; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12; John 16:2). However, he promised that the Holy Spirit would provide them with strength (Acts 1:8; Luke 12:11–12; 21:15).

The book of Acts records many examples of persecution (Acts 4:3; 5:17–41; 7:54–8:3; 9:1–2; 11:19; 12:2; 13:50; 14:19; 16:19–24). But it also emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers apostles to testify in such situations (4:8–13; 6:10; 7:55). The courage of Peter and John before the hostile Jewish high council shows how Christians should face persecution with courage and power (4:20).

and the number of men grew to about five thousand: See study note on Matthew 14:21.

they were unschooled, ordinary men: This means they were not scholars or trained teachers of the Scriptures. Peter and John were working men without higher education.

The members of the Jewish high council were educated, and people saw them as authorities on the Scriptures and religious matters. Because of this, the council members were amazed to hear untrained men speak so boldly about these topics.

They acknowledged the miracle but still tried to prevent the message. Jesus had experienced similar resistance (Matthew 19:8; Mark 10:5; see also Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4).

The apostles shared a principle that can guide God’s people in dealing with hostile authorities (see also 5:40; compare 1 Samuel 15:22; Jeremiah 7:23; Luke 20:20–26; Romans 13:1–7). Jesus had predicted that his disciples would encounter hostility and persecution (Luke 21:12–19).

The believers heard the report that their leaders had been threatened and commanded never again to speak about Jesus (4:18). The Christian movement was clearly under attack from the religious authorities, so they united in prayer. They turned to God, sharing their troubles and asking for courage to speak the message. They also asked God to send signs and wonders to confirm that the message was true. God answered their request in a clear and powerful way.

This passage quotes Psalm 2:1–2, which describes how the Gentile (non-Jewish) nations react to the Lord’s anointed king. Similarly, the Jews and Gentiles in Jerusalem had gathered together against Jesus and now against his followers.

The Hebrew term Messiah (which means "anointed one") originally referred to Israel’s anointed king. Later, it referred to the Messiah, God's chosen future king of Israel who would establish God's kingdom forever (2 Samuel 7:14–16; Psalm 89:36–37; Isaiah 9:6–7; 11:1–9; 61:1; Jeremiah 23:5–6; 33:14–16; Luke 1:32–33).

God had been guiding events to fulfill his purpose. The Old Testament also shows God's guidance in his people's lives (see Ezra 7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 31; Nehemiah 2:8, 18; Ecclesiastes 9:1; Ezekiel 8:1; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:6).

The sharing among the early believers was remarkable (see also 2:44–45; compare 6:1). They were united in heart and mind (they thought alike and shared the same purpose). They freely shared what they owned to meet the needs of other believers. This sharing was voluntary and not forced. It responded to real needs in the community and was motivated by Christian love and care for one another.

Barnabas is presented as an example of generous and unselfish giving in response to real needs in the Christian community.