Friday, June 17, 2022

Acts 4:1-12

 

Acts 4:1-12

Neither is there Salvation in Any Other

 

Act 4:1  And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 

Act 4:2  Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 

Act 4:3  And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 

Act 4:4  Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 

Act 4:5  And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 

Act 4:6  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. 

Act 4:7  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 

Act 4:8  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 

Act 4:9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 

Act 4:10  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. 

Act 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 

Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

 

         1.      Persecution is Unjust – vs 1-3

a.       The World’s authorities will hate the believer who

                                                              i.      Teaches the people

1.      The world does not fear a Christianity that is isolated in an ivory tower insulated from real people

 

a.       Christ commands us to teach all men

                                                                                                                                      i.      Matthew 28:19-20 

b.      The gospel knows no cultural boundary

                                                                                                                                      i.      Romans 1:16-17 

                                                            ii.      Teaches a Jesus that has conquered death

1.      1 Corinthians 15:16-19 

b.      The World’s authorities will imprison you without trial

                                                              i.      There are no laws against righteousness. This is why the authorities will break their own law to punish you unjustly

1.      Galatians 5:22-23 

         2.      Persecution Grows the Church – vs. 4

a.       Persecution grows our endurance - James 1:2-3 

b.      Persecution sends us to ready fields - Acts 8:1-4 

c.       Persecution brings unhindered joy - Matthew 5:10-12 

d.      Persecution corrects our focus - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

e.       All persecution is temporary - 1 Peter 5:10 

         3.      Persecution Comes from the Authorities – vs. 5-7

a.       Everyone is there, purely out of intimidation – vs. 5-6

                                                              i.      John 11:47-53 

b.      Often in their attempt to destroy the spread of the gospel the authorities will ask you the perfect questions – vs. 7

                                                              i.      By what power did you do this?

                                                            ii.      In who’s name are you operating?

        4.      Persecution Grows Your Platform – vs. 8-12

a.       When we are given the opportunity to preach the gospel in a place, we never thought possible what should we do?

                                                              i.      Be filled with the Holy Spirit – vs. 8

1.      Luke 21:12-15 

                                                            ii.      Proclaim the resurrection of Jesus – vs. 9-10

1.      You crucified Him

a.       Hebrews 9:22 

2.      God Raised Him from the dead

a.       Romans 1:4 

3.      He sets men free

a.       1 John 1:7 

                                                          iii.      Proclaim His authority over all men – vs. 11-12

1.      Christ is King of the Jews – vs. 11

a.       Psalm 118:22-24 

2.      Christ is King of the Romans – vs. 12

a.       Hebrews 11:37