Page 32 - Acts Student Textbook

Finally their minds were opened and Luke Summarizes that they "began to recognize them as having
been with Jesus" This was in truth a compliment. Jesus was also untrained in the rabbinical schools,
yet He knew the Old Testament well. He did attend synagogue school as all Jewish children (as did
Peter and John) were required to do. These leaders recognized the boldness and power of Peter and
John. They had seen the same in Jesus. However, they still wanted to keep the apostles silent, Luke
puts it this way, "when they had threatened them further” (4:21). I wonder what they threatened to
do. Jesus was raised from the dead. The man was raised from his bed; what were these leaders going
to do to Peter and John?

One of Luke’s purposes in writing (apologetic purpose) may be clearly seen here, "(finding no basis
on which to punish them)" (4:21). Christianity was not a threat to Rome or the peace of Jerusalem.

Luke ends, "on account of the people" (4:21). The eyewitnesses of the events in Jerusalem held the
early church in high esteem (cf. 2:47). The miracle was too big; the man healed had his problem for
over 40 years. The Jewish leaders were threatened by this popularity (cf. 5:13, 26). This was the main
cause for the persecution.

The apostle’s prayer and attitude (4:23-31)

This passage gives us an excellent definition of prayer. V24 says they “raised their voice to God.”
Hence, prayer is man speaking to God. At the conclusion of the prayer in v31, the record says they
had “prayed.”

It is also an excellent example of the content of prayer and of what our attitude and approach should
be when we face hardship and opposition for the cause of Christ. Note that first they praised God.
They expressed faith in Him and honor for Him. They did not begin by feeling sorry for themselves
and pouring out their woes. They first talked about who God is.

David had spoken of kings and rulers opposing God and Christ (4:25, 26)

The disciples reminded one another that what was happening was a fulfillment of Scripture. Note
that they viewed this passage of Scripture as being what God said by the mouth of David. This is an
excellent definition of inspiration; and it confirms, as do so many other passages, that the Bible is
inspired by God.

They also reminded each other that God had determined beforehand that Jesus would face rejection
(4:27, 28). All this, however, is just what God had purposed and ordained beforehand to happen
(2:23; 3:18). This does not mean that God forced good men to do evil things so that His Son would be
killed. But He did foreknow that there would be evil men willing to kill His Son, and He
predetermined to use these men for His purpose. But the Bible predicts it, so we should not be
surprised or faint when it happens (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12; Luke 6:22f; 12:51f). We should realize that it
fulfills God’s predictions and, just as these people faithfully endured it, we can do the same.

Finally, the disciples prayed for boldness to preach and confirm the gospel (4:29, 30). Note that they
did not ask for the persecution to cease, but only that they have the courage (“boldness”) to speak
God’s word despite the threats. This is the same request we should make when we face suffering for
the cause of Christ, and He has promised to provide the strength we need (1 Cor. 10:13; Eph. 3:13-
21; 6:16-18; Phil. 4:13). Not that they also did not ask for terrible calamities on their enemies, but
only that they themselves could be faithful despite them.

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