Turning the Page

Focal Verses: Acts 4: 8-10 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed
Turning the Page

Setting the Stage

I. Read Acts 3:1-5

There were 3 special hours for prayer according to the Jews- 9am, noon, and 3pm.

Prayer was viewed as more precious when offered in the Temple Courts.

We see Peter and John blending their new faiths with their old customs.

Beggars sat at the entrance to the temple and people were more likely to be generous.

Read Acts 3:6-10

What did the crippled beggar do once healed? He ran into the temple courts praising God

Read Acts 3:11-16

What do we see Peter doing?
Preaching. He stresses 3 points.
1. The crucifixion
2. The resurrection
3. The power of the risen Lord

He knew the healing was of God, not himself.

Quote from William Barclay: So long as the Christian thinks of what he can do and be there can be nothing but failure, frustration, and fear. But when he thinks of “not I, but Christ in me” there can be nothing but peace.

Read Acts 3: 17-26

What is Peter’s message to the people? You have seen, now repent and return.

Read Acts 4:1-4

Backdrop: the Gate Beautiful led from the Court of the Gentiles into the Court of Women. The Court of the Gentiles was the largest and busiest of the temple courts. Anybody could enter as long as they obtained the temple laws.

Is it any wonder that this miracle would occur in the location with the greatest exposure.

Why were the Saducees “annoyed”
1. these men did not believe in the Resurrection
2. The Saducees were Roman collaborators. The Roman gov’t was tolerant until it came to public disorder and then they were merciless.

They arrest Peter and John because they are creating a scene and they just want to put them away and figure out how to deal with what has happened.

Read Acts 4:5-12

What do we learn about the situation just before Peter speaks? God speaks through him and gives him the words to say.

Where does this event take place? Before the Sanhedrin. This is the Supreme Court of the Jews. This was the same place that Jesus was sentenced to die.

The Sanhedrin had 71 members. The high priest was the leader. It was comprised of the wealthiest, most intellectual, and most powerful men in the land.

What was Peter by trade? Fisherman

When Peter made this speech, he knew he was taking his life in his hands. I think that Peter has turned the page on the 3 denials. He now has purpose and strength of conviction and the power of the resurrection behind him.

How much courage did this man display to walk back into the place where Christ was condemned to die and speak in the manner he did.

Read Acts 4:13-22

What impression is the Sanhedrin left with? That these men, though viewed as ignorant and unlearned, had been in the company of Jesus.

What does the Sanhedrin command Peter and John to do? Quit preaching and telling people about Jesus

How do Peter and John respond to the command of the Sanhedrin? They say that they can’t stop speaking the truth of God. To them it would be like asking them not to breathe. They couldn’t stop. It would be unnantural.

H.G. Wells was quoted as saying, “ The trouble with so many people is that the voice of their neighbor sounds louder in their ears than the voice of God.

The most unanswerable defence of Christianity is a Christian man.

Challenge of the Week.

1. Decide this week which role you find your life currently fitting into- Peter, the crippled beggar, or the members of the Sanhedrin. I’m guessing many of us have played multiple roles at different times of our lives.

2. If you find yourself in the role of Peter, look for opportunities to heal this week. Healing can take many forms

3. If you find yourself in the role of the crippled beggar, find a Peter and work on letting the healing process begin.

4. If you find yourself in the role of the Sanhedrin, engage a Peter in dialogue this week and go a little deeper.