Sermon notes to come.

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.—Acts 4:1–22

Sermon Discussion Questions

Main Point: Because Jesus is the litmus test for eternal life, followers of Christ cannot but stand for and speak the name of Jesus, whatever the cost.

Outline

1. Two Responses to Jesus (Acts 4:1–4)
2. One Name That Saves (Acts 4:5–12)
3. One Definitive Decision (Acts 4:13–22) 

Launching Question: Have you ever experienced a situation in which you were ashamed or embarrassed for believing in Jesus or believing in what the Bible teaches? If so, how did you feel in that moment? How did you respond? 

Discussion Questions

• Why were the religious leaders “greatly annoyed” at the preaching of Peter and John? How is the apostles teaching subversive or undermining of the status quo? (See last week’s passage in Acts 3:11–26.)
• In response to the question in Acts 4:7, what does Peter highlight in his answer? What types of things does Peter make a point to draw out?
• What was so stunning or surprising about Peter and John before the religious elite? How have the tables turned between the religious leaders and the apostles?
• Why do the religious leaders warn, charge, and threaten the apostles rather than change their mind about Jesus? What does this highlight about the nature of faith? How does this opposition continue to escalate in Acts?
• Why is Peter and John’s response in Acts 4:19 so stunning? Why do they answer in this manner? What was the source of this boldness and courage?

Application Questions

• Jesus is the only way to heaven, the only hope for forgiveness of sins, and the only pathway to experience eternal life. How does the world see these truth claims about Jesus? Do we ever lose sight of these truths ourselves?
• The disciples were dragged before the religious elite to give testimony. How intimidating might this have been? How can we likewise respond with courage and boldness? (Take a moment to read Luke 12:11–12 and Luke 21:12–15.)
• How can we stand for Jesus, speak the name of Jesus, and be bold and courageous for Christ in our families, work, school, community, and neighborhood?
• The apostles were those who had been with Jesus. What habits and rhythms can we practice to become more like Jesus? 

Prayer Focus
Take a moment to praise God for how he has saved us, forgiven us of our sins, given us his power and presence through the Spirit, is right now drawing people to himself, and will empower us to stand for and speak the name of Jesus. Confess any sins of failing to stand for Christ or being embarrassed of Jesus. Thank God for the forgiveness and grace that is found in Jesus. Ask God for help to stand for Christ and speak the name of Christ with joy and rejoicing, whatever the cost.