Acts 3:1-4:31 -- 4/25/07 (The Lord's Church)

Wednesday Evening, April 25, 2007

Acts 3:1-4:31

Acts 3

1. Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Notice that they went up to the temple at the hour of prayer, which was 3:00 in the afternoon. Bruce comments: "The apostles continued to live as observant Jews, attending the set season of worship in the temple at Jerusalem" (Acts, Bruce, p. 83).

The ninth hour (3 p.m.) was the time of the evening sacrifice. At that time, people would gather in the temple precincts for a time of public prayer. Apparently this is why Peter and John were coming to the temple at this time.

2. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

The temple was a very "complex complex." It wasn’t just a simple building. The outermost section was the "court of the Gentiles." Inside it were various courts, such as the Court of the women and the Court of Israel and the Court of the Priests. The Gentiles could only enter the court of the Gentiles. There were signs posted which warned them not to go any farther, upon pain of death. There were several gates leading from the court of the Gentiles into the inner courts. (Edersheim says 13; Bruce says 9). One of those gates was "the Beautiful Gate," which we have mentioned here. This was a common place for beggars to be stationed. It was here that Peter and John encountered this lame man, who was waiting for people to bless him with charitable donation.

3. Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [a few mss do not have "arise and"]7. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Sure enough, when this lame beggar saw Peter and John approaching the gate, he asked them if they might be able to help him. This is what this man would have asked anyone coming through the gate. He saw nothing different about these two men, but when Peter looked him squarely in the eye and asked him to give them his attention, he must have anticipated that they were going to give him something. Peter’s response is quite well known. He said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Don’t you know that was a shock to this man! In all his years sitting at the gate, nothing like this had ever happened. Who knows what he thought at first.

The fact is, this man didn’t have much time to think about it. Believing that God was working, Peter took the lame man by the hand and lifted him up. Notice the word "immediately." God immediately strengthened his feet and ankles. The man stood. And then he walked. But that wasn’t enough. With great joy, he entered into the temple with Peter and John, "walking, and leaping, and praising God."

We know this was a great miracle. We know that this man had been lame from birth, and later in 4:22 we learn he had been in this condition for over 40 years. Legs that have been unused for 40 years don’t suddenly stand, much less walk and leap. Yet that is exactly what happened. How could it be? Notice that Peter addressed him "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." The authority for this miracle was Jesus and no other, as Peter would soon declare.
F. F. Bruce relates an incident (whether factual or not, I don’t know)…
Cornelius a Lapide tells us how Thomas Aquinas called upon Pope Innocent II once when the latter was counting a large sum of money. "You see, Thomas," said the Pope, "the Church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’" "True, holy father," said Thomas, "and neither can she now say, ‘Arise and walk.

Let us beware when we think we are rich because we have the world’s goods. The simple fact is that Peter and John possessed what all the money in the world could not buy. They simply trusted the Lord and the Lord honored that trust. The church of Laodicea could have learned much from this incident, as can we.

9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10. And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 11. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

In our day people are skeptical about physical healings. Often, it is suspected that there was nothing seriously wrong with the person in the first place. Not so here, because this man had been lame from birth. There were people who knew that. And there was no mistaking the fact that this was indeed the same man they had seen begging at the Beautiful Gate. No doubt, many of them had passed him as they came into the temple. But he was a different man now. His behavior immediately attracted a crowd.

It is apparent that Luke abbreviates this account somewhat, because Solomon’s Porch was located in the Court of the Gentiles. This man must have accompanied Peter and John to the prayer service, and then they must have gone back out (probably by the same Beautiful Gate) into the Court of the Gentiles and specifically to Solomon’s Porch. Perhaps there was some restraint in the inner court, especially at the hour of prayer. Now all restraint was lifted and the people were eager to find out how this had happened.
[Time does not permit us to compare this event to Jesus’ saying to the paralyzed man, "Thy sins be forgiven thee" in Mark 2.]

12. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

At the very outset Peter makes it absolutely clear that this miracle was not accomplished through the power of men. Let no one think that Peter and John had some special power or holiness that enabled this man to walk. Remember, when Peter had told the man, "Rise up and walk," he had said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Of course, the people weren’t present at that time, so now he declares to one and all that there is nothing special about him and John.

13. The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Look at verse 13. In these few words, Peter said so much! First of all, notice that Peter immediately puts things into context for them. Let everyone know that to understand this miracle, we must begin with "the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers." This is the God to whom they were praying in the temple. But without beating around the bush, Peter then immediately affirms that "the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus." That’s what this miracle was all about. Yes, it was great that this man was healed, but there was more than that. God was glorifying His Son Jesus.

And then Peter reminds them of how they had treated Jesus. Again, I hate to sound like a broken record, but I must speak the truth of God’s Word. Those who are constantly telling us that we must never say anything negative should take a close look at these early chapters of Acts. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the apostle Peter, did not hesitate to speak the truth, even if it was what we might consider negative. Listen to these words: "…Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life…" Even the Roman governor Pilate could see that Jesus wasn’t guilty. Three times he had said to them, "I find no fault in him," but they refused to listen. Instead, they insisted that Pilate release the murdered Barabbas. In so doing, they killed the Prince of life. What a title. The word "Prince" is from a root that means "beginning." It is the same word that is used in Heb. 12:2, which speaks of Jesus as "the author and finisher of our faith."

Now comes the good news. They killed Him, but God raised Him from the dead. Their verdict was "Crucify," but God’s verdict is found in Rom. 1:4, "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:" And then Peter adds again, "Whereof we are witnesses." Remember that when they chose the replacement for Judas Iscariot, they chose from among those who had walked with Jesus and seen Him after the resurrection, in order that he might join them in giving witness to the resurrected Christ.

16. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Now Peter comes back to the miracle that has been accomplished. He has already warned them not to think that he and John had accomplished it by their own power or holiness. Rather, the power for this miracle came through the name of Jesus and through faith in that name. The "name" embodies the character of the person possessing the name. The Lord Jesus did it. The man, on the other hand, simply exercised faith in Jesus. As a result, they could see that he had been made perfectly whole.

17. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 18. But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Peter is very gracious toward them, saying that it was through ignorance that they crucified Jesus. He is even more gracious in affirming that even their leaders acted through ignorance. Some might give him an argument, but remember that he is speaking by the Spirit. Compare 1 Cor 2:7-8, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

Now Peter says reminds them that the prophets had spoken of the Messiah suffering. He had already alluded to this, when he spoke of the God of their fathers glorifying His servant/son Jesus (an allusion to Is. 42, one of the "suffering servant" passages). Those prophecies were fulfilled in the suffering of Jesus, who is indeed the Messiah.

19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Remember the meaning of the term "repent." What does it mean? It is literally "a change of mind." "All that they had to do to avail themselves of this salvation was to change their former attitude to Jesus and bring it into line with God’s attitude" (Bruce, p. 90). Peter has graciously reminded them that it was through ignorance that they crucified their Messiah. They didn’t know; they didn’t understand. But now that the truth has been made clear and the apostles have given witness to it, all they need to is to change their mind and align their thinking with God’s truth. They (especially their rulers) had somehow convinced themselves that in killing Jesus, they were doing service to God (see Jn. 16:2). But now that God had glorified Jesus through the resurrection, surely a change of mind was in order.

I remind you that although repentance is a change of mind, it is a change of mind that leads to a change of life. Notice that Peter’s invitation was, "Repent and be converted," or "Repent and return." The repentance was the inward attitude; the returning was the accompanying change of life. True repentance always results in a turning to God. Today there are certain segments of professing Christianity that are saying, "Repentance doesn’t necessarily involve sorrow." Here we have a graphic illustration of the foolishness of such a statement. How could they align themselves with the truth of God, admitting that they had killed the Author of life, and find no sorrow within? How could they not hate and utterly denounce the ugliness of their sin? Paul tells that godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation (II Cor. 7:10).

Praise God for this good news! Even though they had slain the Son of God, they are invited to come and enjoy the life purchased through His death and resurrection. John Newton had a grasp of this truth when he penned these words… (from "In Evil Long I Took Delight")

Alas! I knew not what I did,
But now my tears are vain;
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I my Lord have slain.

A second look He gave, which said;
"I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom shed;
I die, that thou mayest live.

Thus, while His death my sin displays
In all its blackest hue;
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled,
That I should such a life destroy,
Yet live through Him I killed.

And now listen to what follows this repentance and turning to God. First, "that your sins may be blotted out." Praise God! "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." And then, that "times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Those times begin with our initial conversion, but they don’t end there. On how many occasions has the Lord brought to us times of refreshing? And finally, "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you; Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Surely this is speaking of the second coming of Jesus. He was and is in heaven until the time when God chooses to restore (or fulfill, establish) all things, according to the words of the prophets, but understand that He is indeed coming.

22. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

In these verses Peter brings us again to the prophets. He has been referring to the things spoken by the prophets (verses 18 and 21). Now he singles out Moses and a particular prophecy. Let me read it to you from Deut. 18:18-19, "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." Surely this is a warning for all those who reject the good news of Christ, for that Prophet that God promised to raise up is none other than Jesus.

Then in summary fashion, Peter reminds them that all of the prophets from Samuel onward have "foretold of these days." Surely "these days" refers to the coming of their Messiah and all associated with it.

Verse 25 points to the great privilege God had given to these people to whom Peter spoke. They were children of the prophets. That is, they were heirs of the promises which God had given through the prophets. In addition, they were children of the covenant which God had made with their fathers, their ancestors. Yes, they were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And now it was their privilege to be a part of that generation that first saw the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, "And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." As Paul would later emphasize, Jesus was that seed of whom God spoke when He made this promise to Abraham.

26. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

What great privilege and responsibility was theirs. Jesus was that prophet that Jesus had raised up. Jesus was that seed through whom all nations would be blessed. "They had not paid heed to Him at first when God sent Him; let them pay heed now, when God in His pardoning grace gave them a fresh opportunity; else they would forfeit the covenanted blessing" (Bruce, p. 94).

Acts 4

1. And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

The disturbance in the temple did not escape the notice of the Jewish leaders. The "captain of the temple" was the man in charge of the temple guard. These leaders were upset about two things. First of all, that men like Peter and John, who had not been trained in the rabbinical schools, were taking the initiative to teach the people. The second concern most certainly came from the Saducees, with whom Jesus had more than one encounter. They were especially upset that through Jesus these men were alleging a specific instance of resurrection, for the Saducees did not believe in the possibility of resurrection from the dead.

They immediately arrested Peter and John. Since it was too late in the day to hold a trial, they jailed them overnight. However, from their point of view, much damage had already been done, for many of those who heard their teaching believed.

The last part of verse 4 literally reads, "And the number of men became about 5,000." Rather than 5,000 being saved on this occasion, Luke seems to be saying that the total number of believers had now reached about 5,000. However, that was only the number of the men. In the Greek language, there was two words for "man." The one most commonly used can refer to mankind, including both men and women. The word used here refers to males, as distinct from females. So we don’t know how many were saved on this occasion. Remember that the Lord had been adding to the church daily (2:47), and by now it seems likely that quite a bit of time (perhaps even a year) had passed since the Day of Pentecost.

5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6. And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

This is an official gathering of the Sanhedrin. The actual word occurs in 4:15, translated in the KJV as "council." This was the senate and supreme court of the Jewish nation. This council was made up of the ruling high priest, who was the president, and 70 other members.

Annas is referred to as the high priest. However, that doesn’t tell us the whole story. Repeatedly in the gospels, Caiphas is designated the high priest. In Luke 3:2, both Annas and Caiphas are referred to as the high priests. It is John 18:13 that gives us the most accurate picture. "And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year." The Saducees consisted mainly of the family of the high priest. Annas had been high priest for nine years. For the half century that followed, five of his sons, one grandson, and one son-in-law (Caiphas) occupied the office. So even though Annas was not the high priest at this time, he exerted a great deal of influence. We know nothing of John and Alexander. They were most likely members of the high priestly family.

The Sanhedrin was made up of primarily (if not exclusively) of Saducees and Pharisees. At this time, the Saducees made up the majority, but the Pharisees were a powerful minority.
7. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

They asked, "Where did you get the power to do this miracle?" They also asked, "Or by what name did you do it?" In other words, "Who gave you the right to do such a thing?" They knew that there had to be some authority behind this miraculous deed.

8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9. If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Note that Luke specifically notes that Peter was filled with the Spirit. Remember what Jesus had told His apostles. Luke 12:11-12, "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12. For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say." Now Peter has the privilege to find that Jesus is true to His Word.
Peter delivers the same basic message that he had spoken to the crowd that assembled in the temple the day before. The lame man was made whole by the name of Jesus Christ. Peter gave a direct answer to their question. The power and authority came from Jesus Christ. But Peter didn’t stop there. He reminded them that they had crucified this Jesus through whom the man was healed. They crucified Him, but God raised Him.

Now Peter tells them something he didn’t tell the crowd. "This is the stone which set at nought by you builders, which is become the head of the corner." Do you know where that comes from? Peter is quoting the scripture. The words come from Ps. 118:22, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." It is obvious that Peter is referring to Jesus as the cornerstone. They rejected Jesus, but God made the one they rejected the cornerstone of the building. It is the cornerstone that gives direction to everything else. It is the most important stone in the building. When the cornerstone isn’t right, the building can never be right. The actions of these Jewish leaders fulfilled the scriptures.

Peter concluded his remarks with those words we know very well, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." So now Peter has moved from an explanation of the miracle at hand to a bold declaration that Jesus is the only salvation, and there is no other. They didn’t ask for all that, but Peter, who was filled with the Spirit, blessed them with this crucial message.

13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

"Boldness" doesn’t speak of how loudly Peter spoke. Rather, it refers to the freedom to speak what needs to be spoken. The Spirit provided this freedom. Recognizing the great freedom with which Peter spoke, they began to seek an explanation, especially in light of the fact that these were "unlearned and ignorant men." That does not mean Peter and John were dumb. They were simply saying that these men had not been trained in the accustomed manner, in the schools for the rabbis. In our modern day, it could be said that "they hadn’t been to Bible college or seminary." In light of the fact that they had not received religious training in the schools of the rabbis, how were they able to speak like this?

There was one thing that couldn’t be denied – these men had been with Jesus. They took special knowledge of this fact. But what did they mean? Surely they saw a great likeness between the teaching of Jesus and that of Peter and John. Go back to John 7:15, "And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" Neither had Jesus had official rabbinical training. Like Jesus, Peter handled the Old Testament scriptures with skill and wisdom. And like Jesus, he spoke in such a way that his opponents had no answer.

One other similarity might be mentioned. Jesus supported His teaching by the mighty works which He performed. So it was with Peter and John. The healing of the lame man could not be denied (vs. 14). This gave great weight to what Peter said.

Let me ask you a question: When had Peter and John been with Jesus? We want to say, "They walked with Him for three years." No doubt, that is what these religious leaders thought. However, that doesn’t give us the whole picture. After three years of walking with Jesus, Peter denied Him and all of the apostles forsook Him. It wasn’t until after the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit came upon them, that they spoke with this boldness. Yes, they had walked three years with Jesus, but they had also been with Jesus this very day. Remember, Peter was filled with the Spirit. They enjoyed constant fellowship with their Lord, because Jesus had blessed them with His indwelling Spirit. O that people might take special knowledge of the fact that we have been with Jesus!

15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16. Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

Notice that they absolutely could not deny the genuineness of the miracle. They knew that this man had been lame from birth and was now able to walk. This is where the men of the Sanhedrin had to deny the voice of their own consciences. Though they knew that this was a work of God, they did not want the knowledge of this miracle to spread any further. Why not? Why shouldn’t they want everyone to know about this great miracle? Because it was performed in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. They opposition to Jesus figured into every decision they made.

So they came up with a plan. The plan was simple – threaten Peter and John, commanding them not to speak any more in the name of Jesus.

18. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

They called Peter and John back into their presence and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. This presented a clear choice for Peter and John. The Sanhedrin commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, but Jesus Himself had commanded them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15). Jesus had told them that they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). They had to decide whether to obey these men or to obey God. For them, there was no decision to make, for they had already surrendered themselves to the Lord.

Notice what they said: "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." That reminds me of that passage we read from I John this past Sunday evening. 1 John 1:1-2…
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;

Above all else, what they had seen and heard was Jesus. How could they not speak about the Jesus who had loved them and given Himself for them (Gal. 2:20), who had purchased them with His own blood (Acts 20:28). They were not their own, for they had been bought with a price (I Cor. 6:20).

This is a concept to which we need to give much attention. How can we not speak the things which we have seen and heard? Are we seeing and hearing Jesus? For Peter and John, it was not a matter of making some logical decision. Their testimony could have been phrased in the words of John 7:37-39. Rivers of living water were flowing out of them, as they kept on coming to Jesus and drinking from Him and trusting Him. This was the result of the Holy Spirit filling them.

21. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

They didn’t want to let them go, but they felt like they had no choice. If they tried to inflict some punishment on them, they were afraid the people would rise up against them, because all the people were glorifying God because of this miracle. Why shouldn’t they? A man who had been lame for over 40 years had been healed!

23. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25. Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26. The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

When Peter and John returned to the other believers and reported what had happened, the response was immediate; they lifted up their voice to God with one accord. Praise God that He has seen fit to preserve for us their prayer, which was voiced by one of them. What a prayer it is!

First of all, notice that this prayer was based in scripture…
…Lord, thou art God, which has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is.
Ex. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Ps 146:6
…Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. Ps. 2:1-2

Using the scripture, they affirm that God is in control of all things. There is no, "Poor us. What are we going to do?" If God could speak into existence the heaven and earth and the sea and all the creatures that inhabit them, then surely He will have no problem dealing with this little situation.

Then notice how they describe their current situation with the very words of scripture. In verses 25 and 26 do we not find a wonderful an amazing fulfillment of Psalm 2! It is happening just as David said it would. By the way, did you catch that? How did they know that David wrote Psalm 2? How do we know that David wrote Psalm 2? Because we are told right here. Somehow God revealed it to them, whether through some word of Jesus which had been passed down, or by direct revelation of the Spirit on this occasion.

Now verse 28, "For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done." With these few words they make it clear that they understand what is really going on. The Gentiles and the Jews, with their powerful leaders, are only doing what God had determined from the beginning. In reality, they are only pawns in the hands of the Almighty God.

Think about it. They didn’t have to live in fear, because their God was in control of everything. Do we serve that same God? Does He have everything in hand? Remember what we read last Wednesday evening: Ps. 118:6, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" Can we say the same? Is there any reason for us to fear man?
29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30. By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

This is the conclusion of their prayer. "Lord, behold their threatenings." I don’t see any fear in these words at all. Rather, I am reminded of God’s response to the raging and plotting of the heathen in Psalm 2. Ps. 2:4, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision (= "the Lord scoffs at them," NIV, NASV)." "Behold their threatenings" must have been spoken with a certain holy chuckle.

Out of all of this, listen to their one request: "Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word." This is all they asked for. Notice what they didn’t ask for. They didn’t ask for any form of protection. They didn’t plead with God to not let any of them be imprisoned, nor that they not be hurt physically, nor that he would protect their lives. Later, Paul would use similar language, when writing to the Philippians from prison. "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death" (Phil. 1:20).

On the other hand, they do ask that God would confirm and give witness to their message by healing and giving them the ability to perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.
[We don’t have time to deal extensively with the word "child" here in verse 30. The same word is translated "son" in verse 13, but "servant" in verse 25. Suffice it to say that this word (pais) can mean either "child" or "servant." A thorough study helps us understand the link between King Jesus of Psalm 2 (the Royal Psalm) and the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 42 and 53.]

31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Praise God! He answered their prayer. They received exactly that for which they had prayed. The key statement of this verse is not that the place was shaken, but that they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness. The shaking of the building was simply a confirmation by God that He was answering their prayer.

Do you see the fear of God in this whole passage? They didn’t fear men, because they did fear God. They lived their lives with a constant view to the question: "What does God think?" That’s all that really mattered to them. Their eyes were on the Lord. That is what gave them the courage to pray that God would give them boldness to speak His Word. They were not dumb. They knew perfectly well what this would mean, that it could bring more persecution, but their desire was to glorify their Lord by obeying Him and making Him known.

Conclusion

That is where we will stop tonight. The rest of the verses in this chapter fit more closely with what we find in chapter 5.

As we think back through chapters 3 and 4, let’s keep in mind those four principles that enabled the early church to present such a powerful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ…

1. The power of the Spirit (Peter was filled with the Spirit, and then we are specifically told that all of
them were filled with the Spirit)
2. The truth of the message of the gospel (as preached by Peter before the people and then the council)
3. The fear of the Lord (seen especially in the fact that they didn’t fear man)
4. The unity of the body (seen by their unity in prayer)