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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 4

BEHOLD THEIR THREATENINGS

The Word of God instructs us to obey those in authority over us, including government officials,
as long as our obedience does not violate the Word of God. So although Peter and John are
instructed to no longer preach the gospel, Jesus commanded them (and us) to go into all the
world and preach the gospel.

Most of us will never experience the persecution the early disciple faced, but if we are ever in a
situation similar to theirs, God will fill our mouths with an answer. God can accomplish much
through the unity of believers. When we give willingly to the Lord and walk in unity, favor will
be upon our lives and many will be supernaturally ministered to.

PETER, JOHN, AND THE RELIGIOUS COUNCIL (1-23)

Peter and John are brought before the religious council. They want to put a stop to the
message Peter and John are preaching. Peter and John are held overnight to be questioned the
next day.

Peter, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit preaches a salvation message to the council.
Observing their boldness, the Council recognizes that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Yet
they cannot deny the miracle of the lame man, and they fear the people.

They finally release Peter and John threatening to punish them if they speak about Jesus, but
these disciples respond by saying they must obey God. Upon their release, Peter and John go
to the local church and report everything the chief priests had said.

PETER AND JOHN ARRESTED

Act 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the
Sadducees, came upon them,

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the
Sadducees, (suddenly) came upon them,

Verses 1 through 4 describe the results of Peter’s sermon in chapter 3. This captain is in charge
of the 30 guards stationed throughout the temple. Peter’s sermon, like Jesus’ sermons, will
result in the salvation of some and adverse reactions by others. Opposition to Peter’s message
will come from organized religion, just as it had in Jesus’ministry.

Act 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection
from the dead.