The Arrest of Peter and John (Acts 4:1-4)

The Confrontation at the Temple

After healing the lame man and preaching salvation through Jesus Christ, Peter and John face opposition. While they are speaking to the people at the temple, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confront them. They are greatly disturbed because the apostles are teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection of the dead through Jesus (Acts 4:1-2).

Arrest and Detention

Peter and John are arrested and put in jail until the next day, as it was already evening. Despite their arrest, the message of the gospel continues to spread, and the number of men who believe grows to about five thousand (Acts 4:3-4).

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-22)

The Trial

The next day, rulers, elders, and teachers of the law gather in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others of the high priest’s family, are present. They begin to question Peter and John, demanding to know by what power or name they had healed the lame man (Acts 4:5-7).

Peter’s Bold Witness

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter fearlessly addresses the Sanhedrin, proclaiming that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified but whom God raised from the dead. Peter boldly declares that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:8-12).

The Leaders’ Dilemma

The members of the Sanhedrin are astonished by the courage of Peter and John, noting that they were unschooled, ordinary men who had been with Jesus. Observing the healed man standing with them, they have nothing to say in opposition. After a private consultation, they command Peter and John not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13-18).

Apostles’ Response

Peter and John reply that they cannot help speaking about what they have seen and heard. The Sanhedrin, unable to decide how to punish them and fearing the people’s reaction because everyone is praising God for the healing, release them (Acts 4:19-22).

The Believers’ Prayer for Boldness (Acts 4:23-31)

Prayer for Courage

After their release, Peter and John return to their community and report everything the chief priests and elders had said. The believers raise their voices together in prayer to God, asking for boldness to speak His word and requesting that He continue to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus (Acts 4:23-30).

The Holy Spirit Empowers

As they pray, the place where they are gathered is shaken, and they are all filled with the Holy Spirit. They speak the word of God boldly, demonstrating the immediate answer to their prayers and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31).

The Believers Share Their Possessions (Acts 4:32-37)

Unity and Generosity

The believers are united in heart and mind. They share everything they have, with no one claiming private ownership. The apostles continue to testify powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s grace is powerfully at work in them all. Those who own land or houses sell them and bring the money to the apostles to distribute to anyone in need (Acts 4:32-35).

Example of Barnabas

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles call Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), sells a field he owns, brings the money, and places it at the apostles’ feet, exemplifying the radical generosity and communal support characteristic of the early Christian community (Acts 4:36-37).

Theological Significance

Connection to Jesus Christ

Acts 4 highlights the apostles’ commitment to proclaiming Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith and the source of salvation, linking directly to His teachings and resurrection. Their boldness in witnessing under persecution reaffirms the power of Christ’s name and His impact on their lives.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter demonstrates God’s love through the communal life of the believers, who care for one another’s needs, and through the apostles’ healing ministry, which continues Jesus’ work of restoration and compassion.

Contemporary Relevance

Acts 4 remains relevant today as it encourages Christians to stand firm in faith amidst opposition, to rely on the Holy Spirit for boldness, and to live out the gospel in both word and deed. The unity and generosity of the early church serve as a powerful model for how Christians are called to live in community, supporting one another and extending grace to those in need.

Conclusion

Acts 4 provides a compelling narrative of early Christian witness and communal life, driven by a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It challenges modern believers to consider their own response to opposition, their dependence on divine power, and their participation in a community of faith that transcends individualism in favor of a shared life of worship and service.