Acts 4

Commentary

Acts 4 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Acts, as it marks the beginning of the persecution of the early church. In this chapter, Peter and John have been arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for healing a lame man in the name of Jesus. The Sanhedrin is amazed at the boldness of Peter and John, and they are further amazed when they realize that the two men are uneducated and untrained. The Sanhedrin orders Peter and John to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, but Peter and John refuse. Peter boldly proclaims that they must obey God rather than men, and he testifies to the power of Jesus and the resurrection. The Sanhedrin is so angry that they want to put Peter and John to death, but they are afraid of the people, who have been praising God for the miracle. The Sanhedrin instead orders Peter and John to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, and they are released. This chapter marks the beginning of the persecution of the early church, and it is a reminder of the courage and faith of the early believers. They were willing to stand up for their faith, even in the face of danger. This chapter also serves as a reminder that God is always with us, and He will give us the strength to stand firm in our faith.