III. Progress of the Church and its First Persecution 3:1-4:31 (continued)
C. Peter and John arrested (vv. 1-4)
v.1,2 Each of these groups had something to lose by allowing the gospel to be preached. The priests of course would fight for their religion, the Captain of the Temple (Levite guards) would want to maintain the status quo. The Sadducees rejected the idea of resurrection from the dead. They had previously disputed with Jesus. Mt. 22:23-33
v.3 Peter and John imprisoned and held overnight to be tried the next morning. Jer. 21:12 taught that trials were to be held in the morning. The Jews would invoke or ignore this rule as it suited their purpose. (the case of Jesus)
v.4 5,000 includes those already in the church. Adding to this number the women believers we see that Christianity in the city of Jerusalem has become a formidable opponent to the Jews.
D. Peter's defense before the council (vv. 5-12)
v.5,6 The Sanhedrin or Jewish High Court, composed of 24 priests, 24 elders and 24 scribes plus the High Priest. Annas, high priest by Jewish law, his son-in-law Caiaphas appointed by the Roman government. John 18:13 Nothing further is known of John and Alexander.
v.7 Notice that the Sanhedrin did not question the miracle, only by what power it was performed.
Mt. 10:17-19 had prepared the Apostles for just such an occasion.
v.8 The promise of Mt. 10:19 fulfilled. Notice that Peter addresses his audience with respect.
v.9 Peter questions why they were being investigated over a good deed done for an impotent or helpless man.
v.10 In answer to the question of whose name was the miracle performed, Peter replies Jesus. Notice the opportunity to preach Jesus crucified and resurrected is taken. By mentioning the fact that the Jews crucified Jesus, Peter has stepped out of the role of the accused and become the accuser!
v.11 Ps. 118:22 Peter says that the Sanhedrin has fulfilled this prophecy of Christ. Jesus previously applied this prophecy to himself, Mt. 21:42 and Peter and Paul will later make the same connection,
I Pet. 2:4-6 and Eph. 2:20
v.12 Peter concludes his defense much as He (or any gospel preacher for that matter) would conclude a sermon: If a man is to be saved it must be through the name (authority) of Christ.
E. A private consultation (vv. 13-17)
v.13 The members of the Sanhedrin marveled because they realized that these men had no formal training (education) yet they could speak boldly, that is confidently and freely concerning the things which they believed.
v.14 "It" is the boldness of Peter and John and what they had said. The lame man was healed, he was standing with them. Acts-19.
v.15,16 The Apostles were removed so the Sanhedrin could discuss openly their predicament. Notice their hypocrisy and total rejection of the truth: 1) a notable miracle has been performed, 2) through Peter and John, 3) but its known throughout the city and 4) they could not deny it. What could they do to these men?
v.17 Answer: Threaten the Apostles to make them quit preaching. They knew there was no law to threaten them with, so they just made an open threat.
F. More preaching forbidden (vv. 18-22)
v.18 The threat is made. Notice what they are commanded to stop. Preaching and speaking in the name of Christ. What about performing miracles?
v.19,20 Peter asks a question that he knows the Sanhedrin will not answer, Should I do what you say or what God says? Peter and John could only testify of the things they saw and heard, not according to the wants and wishes of the Sanhedrin.
v.21 Public sentiment saved the Apostles from punishment. There was nothing unlawful in restoring a lame man. It was popular with the people and they glorified God for it. The enemies of Jesus had this same problem in Mk. 12:12.
v.22 There was no way to prove that the healing was a delusion, taking into account the reasons given in Ch. 3 and the age of the former lame man.
G. Report of the two and prayer of the twelve (vv. 23-31)
v.23 Peter and John went to where the disciples were and reported what happened.
v.24 The report strengthened their faith and they began to pray. How did they pray? What does "one accord" mean? God is called the Master and creator.
v.25,26 What had transpired had fulfilled the prophecy of Ps. 2:1,2 The Gentiles-the Romans, The peoples - the Jews, the kings - Pilate and Herod, the rulers - The Sanhedrin.
v.27,28 The actions of all these mentioned fulfilled the prophecy concerning Christ.
v.29,30 Did the disciples ask for relief from the persecutions and threatenings? They prayed for boldness of speech. God's word would continue to be confirmed through healings, whose name should these things be done in?
v.31 In the days of miracles God would sometimes answer prayer through a physical demonstration. The Holy Spirit is measured to each one on an individual basis, depending upon their station. Each could be filled, but only to their capacity, the limit set upon that person by God.
ADDENDA
Miracles in the book of Acts.
5) Healing of the lame man at the temple gate. 3:7-11
6) God answered prayer by earthquake. 4:31