Bold Witness for the King during Persecution

Acts 4:1-22

November 11, 2007

E.K. Maltby used to say that Jesus promised his disciples three things.

They would be absurdly happy

They would be completely fearless

They would be in constant trouble

"Can you thank me for this, even if I don’t tell you why?" "Yes, if it fulfills your purpose."

The Arrest v 1-4

Who was the Captain of the Temple Guard?

Who were the Sadducees? What were their concerns?

 

How large had the church grown?

The Trial v5-7

Who was Annas?

 

What was their only question?

The Testimony v 8-12

What does "Filled with the Spirit" mean?

Boldness to preach, eg Hugn Latimer

Listen to Peter’s boldness

On trial for an act of kindness

You killed Jesus, God raised him.

He is the cornerstone, and you rejected him. (Psalm 118)

He is the only savior. (Exclusive claim of Christianity)

The Dilemma v 13-17

We cannot deny the miracle, and we cannot acknowledge it.

 

When truth happens, accept it. Run with it, forget the consequences.

The Loophole v 18 (v 13)

Why is it noted that they were unschooled, ordinary men?

 

The Priority v 19-22

What we have seen and heard. We must declare it.

Tell us, should we obey God, or should we obey you?

We are often timid witnesses for Jesus Christ. Are Calvinists bad evangelists? Why or why not? Are you?