In Acts 4 today, we will cover some very interesting topics. Know the difference between Kenites and those that were deceived. It’s very important because it is an example for today in our churches. With that, Chapter 4 and verse 1 reads.
Acts 4:1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Notice, while they spoke to the people came the Kenites. Those that crucified our Christ. These Sadducees don’t believe in life after death. This makes them atheist, why then are they in the synagogues?
Acts 4:2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
The Sadducees were upset that they preached of the resurrection.
Acts 4:3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Remember when I told you it was illegal for them to hold trial at night?
Acts 4:4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
This church is growing very fast. And why not, they are teaching Gods word.
Acts 4:5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
Remember Annas is the father of Caiaphas, so Caiaphas in no longer the high priest but his father has taken his place. We’ll find out in the next chapter that he is of the Sadducees. This John is not John of the twelve. And I wonder if Malchus (whose ear Peter cut off) was there.
Acts 4:7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Didn’t they ask Jesus by what power or who gave you this authority?
Acts 4:8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
The man that was healed in chapter 3.
Acts 4:10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Just like Jesus did in John 8;40-44. Peter told them boldly straight to their face. This is how we need to be in these end times. Bold, and speak nothing but the Truth, that is God’s Word.
Acts 4:11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Peter quotes Psalms 118:22, let’s read it.
Psa.118:21] I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
[22] The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
[23] This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
The LORD promise Salvation in the Old Testament. And Peter reminded them that there would be division and those that would kill the Passover Lamb. Back to Acts and verse 12 reads.
Acts 4:12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Unlearned and ignorant? They were given the Word of God. their eyes were opened by Jesus himself. What they said was “they didn’t study under us”. And that was a good thing.
Acts 4:14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
They could not disprove what miracle had happened.
Acts 4:15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Because they were afraid of the people, get that. When the people know the truth they can’t be told another lie. Remember it is the Lord that opens the door that no man can shut.
Acts 4:18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Peter and John will not be intimidated by these Kenites. And I hope that in these days you won’t either. Stand up with that gospel armor on and teach boldly the Word of God.
Acts 4:21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
The people glorified God, isn’t this the whole reason for anyone to teach the word of God.
Acts 4:23] And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
Peter and John go back to those that were with them and Jesus, their families and friends.
Acts 4:24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
[25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
I want us to read all of Psa.2, you’ll see why.
Psalms 2
Psa.2:1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
[3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
An example for the end times. Look around, does he not have them in derision. Does he not laugh at them?
Psa.2:5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
[6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
[7] I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Speaking to both advents.
Psa.2:8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
[9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
[10] Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
[11] Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
[12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Blessed are you for believing without seeing. But, whoa to you that keep my children from me. Back to Acts and verse 26 reads.
Acts 4:26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
[27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
[28] For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Teach boldly!
Acts 4:30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
In the name of Jesus Christ, that He may heal.
Acts 4:31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
They are putting together a great number of disciples that will go forth and spread the Word of God. What happens next does not mean that you are to sell all, but that they needed to so that they would not have need.
Acts 4:34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
[35] And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
[36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
[37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
The Apostles managed the money so that all could go out and preach the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And that no man that served the Lord was in need. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible