We continue our study of the book of Acts with Chapter 4, where we see the first case of persecution against the church. Peter and John are put into custody because their preaching on the resurrection of Jesus disturbed a number of the religious leaders, in particular the Sadducees who denied any resurrection. In spite of this, the number of men who believed came to be about five thousand.  After a night in jail, Peter and John are brought before the council, including the high priest and members of his family.  Challenged to explain themselves, Peter proclaims the healing was done by the name of Jesus Christ, the very one they crucified yet whom God raised from the dead and who has now become "the chief cornerstone", and in whose name alone salvation is now available.  Amazed  at Peter and John's boldness, and unable to deny that the lame man had been healed, the council sends them outside and confer among themselves. They decide to prevent the spread of the apostles' doctrine by threatening Peter and John not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus. The apostles respond that they must speak what they have seen and heard. The council, unable to do anything more at this time because of the people, simply threaten the apostles once again and let them go.

Returning to their companions, Peter and John report what has been said. Prayer is offered, asking for boldness in view of the persecution foretold in Psalms 2:1-2, and for signs and wonders to continue in the name of Jesus.  At the conclusion of the prayer, the place where they prayed was shaken and all were filled the Holy Spirit, emboldening them to speak the Word of God.

The chapter ends with a description of the continued growth of the church, with the oneness of the brethren and the empowered testimony of the apostles to the resurrection of Jesus.  The great liberality continues, meeting the needs of the saints.  One example in particular is noted, that of Barnabas, whose work is featured later in the book, and whose liberality stands in stark contrast to what takes place in the next chapter.  (Mark Copeland)

As you study this chapter, consider the following questions as an aid to gaining a better understanding of it. Put yourself in the place of the disciples.

1. In Acts 4:1-2, we find the priests and Sadducees very disturbed by Peter and John’s preaching? What was it about the teachings that annoyed them so much? What is the resurrection of the dead?
2. In Acts 4:2-3, we see the apostles are arrested, but the reasons for their arrests—their preaching—had tremendous impact on the people. What can we learn from this?
3. In Acts 4:5-7, we find Peter and John questioned by several people. Who were these people?
4. In Acts 4:8-12, we see Peter replying to the question put before him by his inquisitors: “By what power or by what name do you do this?” What was the significance of the question? What was the significance of the response.
5. In Acts 4:11-12, we see Peter quoting from the Psalms. Which Psalm did he quote from? Where else in the New Testament has this Psalm been quoted and in what context? What do you make of the statement that “there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved”?
6. In Acts 4:13-22 we find the high priests and their companions flabbergasted by the apparent wisdom and boldness of two illiterate men. How do we know that Peter and John were uneducated and why did their defence put the men in a quandary?
7. In Acts 4:23, we see the apostles released after an order from the high priests and elders not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, a command that Peter and John said they couldn’t follow. Why did they say they couldn’t follow the orders? What did they do after their release?
8. In Acts 4:32-35 we see the believers described as being of “one heart and soul” and sharing their possessions with each other. What does it mean to be of one heart and soul? What can we learn from this and from this entire chapter?