Acts 4:1–22: No Other Name
Introduction
We have seen numerous parallels between the Book of Acts and the Gospels of the life of Jesus so far in the forty days of preparation for ministry, in the two men that appear at Jesus’ ascension (just as they had at his empty tomb), and in the miraculous healing of a paralyzed man. These parallels demonstrate that the apostles are not a disillusioned group trying to forge a new path forward now that Jesus has died. Rather, they are witnesses to the resurrected Christ who are carrying forward the ministry of “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” during his earthly life and ministry (Acts 1:1). Whereas the healing story from Acts 3 paralleled Jesus’ healing of the paralytic in Luke 5, the opposition of the leaders here seems to parallel the events of Luke 19–20, from the final week of Jesus’ life as our Lord approached the cross. These parallels encourage us that, because there is no salvation outside of Christ, Christians can suffer boldly.
Discussion Questions
1. Who are the different groups of people who come to arrest Peter and John (v. 1)? What might their different motivations have been (v. 2)? How does this disturbance in the temple parallel the disturbance in the temple that Jesus caused when he cleansed the temple and taught (Luke 19:45–48)? In that case and in this case, how are the people as a whole responding to the preaching and teaching about Jesus (v. 4)? What does this teach us about the inevitability of suffering for believers?
2. What kind of council did the rulers, elders, and scribes, along with the high priestly families, represent (vv. 5–6)? Why did they ask about the power and the name in which Peter and John healed the man and were teaching (v. 7)? How does Peter respectfully criticize the proceedings (vv. 8–9)? How does he confront the rulers (v. 10)? What is the significance of Psalm 118:22 (v. 11; cp. Luke 20:17)? Reflect on the full significance of v. 12. How should you respond to this truth?
3. In what sense did Peter and John exhibit “boldness” (v. 13a)? In what sense were they “uneducated, common men” (v. 13b)? What is the significance of the fact that “they had been with Jesus” (v. 13c)? How do the deliberations of the council compare with the deliberations of the rulers in Luke 20:5–6? How much success do the religious leaders have when they try to press their advantages against the apostles (vv. 18–21)? Why do they fail (v. 22)?
4. Whom do you need to speak to with boldness (not disrespect, but boldness) today? Do you need to speak to God to confess your sins and seek the salvation that Jesus offers? Do you need to apologize to someone for something you are reluctant to confess? Do you need to encourage someone to turn from sin and turn to Christ in faith? Do you need to tell someone that salvation is found in no one other than Jesus? Where do you need to suffer boldly today?
