Sermon notes to come.

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 4:13–22

Sermon Discussion Questions

 

Main Point: Those who know Jesus cannot help but speak of him.

Outline

1. The Boldness of the Accused (Acts 4:13)
2. The Silence of the Accusers (Acts 4:14)
3. The Charge: Silence (Acts 4:15–18)
4. The Response: We Must Obey God and Speak (Acts 4:19–20)
5. Conclusion (Acts 4:21–22)

Discussion Questions

• What is the irony between the accused and the accusers in verses 13 and 14? Why are the leaders so astonished by Peter and John?
• Which promise of Jesus is fulfilled in verse 14?
• What charge do the authorities give and how do Peter and John respond?
• In verses 21–22, there are some important dynamics at work in terms of threats and punishment and the crowd. How would you explain them?
• In verse 11, why was Psalm 118 such a perfect passage for Peter to quote?

Application Questions

• How do believers today face similar dynamics as Peter and John? How can we respond in similar ways as Peter and John?
• Are you the kind of witness for Christ who “cannot help” but speak of him? When does that description fit you? When does it not? How can it become a more and more accurate description of your life?
• How are you participating in the concentric circles of a discipleship culture? How can you grow in your participation?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to be the kind of disciple who cannot help but speak of Jesus.