Acts 4:5-31
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This is the fifth sermon in our series on the book of Acts on “The Apostles in Before the Council”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: What might it look like for your ‘one person’ to turn to Jesus? Pray each day this week (at a set time) for that to become a reality.
WARM-UP Questions
- Have you ever come across someone who tried to punish you for doing something good? Why do you think they behaved this way?
READ Acts 4:5-10
- How do you think the apostles would have felt after a night in jail, knowing they were fronting up to the same court that called for Jesus’ crucifixion?
- Why are Peter and John questioned about the power and name by which they healed the man?
- What can we learn from the way in which the apostles interact with such hostile authorities?
READ Acts 4:11-15
- In v.11 Peter quotes from Psalm 118:22 which appears 5 times in the New Testament. Why do you think this is such a commonly quoted passage?
- Why might people today react to the claim that ‘there is no other name … by which we must be saved? How can Christians convey the significance of this truth in order to help people understand it?
- Why are the priests so surprised by Peter and John? Why was it so difficult for them to believe?
- What principles and qualities are important for Christians to adopt in order for their gospel witness to be sensitive and effective at the same time?
READ Acts 4:16-20
- Why did the Sanhedrin find it so difficult to deal with Peter and John?
- How do Peter and John respond to the authorities? What does this show us about who they fear most?
- How can Christians today balance the need to obey human authorities (Romans 13:1-7) whilst remaining faithful to God?
APPLY This Week: Think about ways you can encourage those who are discouraged to keep sharing the gospel.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you that you that you are a loving and healing God. Please help me to be a faithful witness of your power and authority in my life whilst loving those around me and submitting to those you have put over me. Help me to clearly and effectively share your unstoppable gospel everyday! Amen!
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: How can you shape your time to be a friend? Here are some helpful tips for when life seems too busy (think about how we use our time, invite people in, pray & be willing to receive)
Audio and Video
- ‘The freedom of service’ by Tim Keller
- ‘Explaining the Resurrection Conflict’ by Phillip Jensen
- ‘No other name’ by Mark Prentice
- ‘The Spirit who Energises’ by Peter Carolane
- ‘Its Universal Claim’ by William Taylor
- ‘Acts Ch.1-7’ from the Bible Project
Other Helpful Articles and Courses
- ‘What makes Christianity different’ by David Williams
- ‘When is civil disobedience allowed for Christians?’
- ‘How to response when people say ‘No’ to Jesus’ by R. York Moore
