September 1, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 2 Samuel and Acts? Here’s today’s reading:
Acts 4 (NIV)
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead……Continue Reading
Peter and John were preaching to the people about Jesus and about 5,000 men got saved. Was this only 5,000 men or did it include women and children? Or was it many more people than 5,000. Either way there was many that came to Jesus. The priests, Sadducees, and captain of the guard were not happy with them, so they put them into jail. Brought before the Sanhedrin the next day. It is interesting to note that both Annas the high priest and Caiaphas are the same ones who put Jesus to death through Rome. They still haven`t changed even after the resurrection of Christ. This reminded me of some scripture about not hearing even when the truth is clearly in front of them. Psalm 115:6a {They have ears put but they hear not–.} Matthew 13:12-15 Jesus talked about this. Jesus wants all to come before Him and believe but there comes a time when people refuse to hear the truth and become blind to it. This is what has happened to the religious leaders at that time. Although there were some that did come to faith in Jesus like Nicodemus. But some people like Jesus own brothers did come to Christ until after the resurrection of Christ. Acts 1:14 {These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.} You would think that with all the evidence before them that the religious leaders would come to Christ, But they didn`t. They were secure in their own way of living with all the power and honor that it brought. Perhaps there was their own guilt of teaching wrong and not wanting to deal with all that. They were also afraid of Rome and what the people would say. Peter rebuked them for what they did to Jesus and quoted scripture. But Peter and John were only told not to proclaim Christ anymore.
Peter and John`s reaction after they were brought before the Sanhedrin was one filled with the Holy Spirit.{ Which is right in God`s eyes; to listen to you or to Him? As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.} They were burning inside about wanting to proclaim Christ to everyone. After Peter and John were released, they gathered with the other believers and sought the Lord in prayer asking for boldness and for God`s hand upon them as they healed and performed signs and wonders through Jesus. The place was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Also, the believers shared their possessions. May we all have this boldness to share Christ with others. When walking in the Spirit, He will give us what we need. God bless.
Jesus promised His apostles that He would give them words to speak when they faced authority, and it is exactly what happens here. And the number here is probably 5,000 men, but the women in addition. And these Jewish leaders just don’t know what to do with themselves. You can practically see them squirming not knowing how to handle a miracle done in Jesus’ name. But Peter really lays it out for them in terms of who Jesus is and the wrong they did Him, and yet how Peter and others clearly knew it was only by God’s plan that Jesus died. And may we also pray for boldness to proclaim His name to those who don’t know Him or who are opposed to the truth. And how awesome this fellowship was to share resources with each other. I do wonder if times are coming where we will need to do the same.
Acts 4
Acts 4
Anytime we worry that we do not have the words to say when we have an opportunity to share the gospel this is such an encouraging chapter to read. When filled with the Holy spirit Peter and John in a very stressgul situation were still able to articulate what was happening with ease and it is even noted that they were speaking far outside what was expected for men like these.
It is also pretty cool when in verse 28 they acknowledge “They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” Even being crucified was part of His plan! The leaders could not stop the power of God but instead helped it along. The leaders in this chapter also found themselves dumbfounded by what to do and could not stop the power and work of God right before them!
Acts 4; Isaiah 8-13
All believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that their possessions were there own. But they shared everything. What a picture of a true church
Acts 4
”Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.“
Acts 4:29-31 NKJV
May we be filled and emboldened to share the gospel!