Adults Search Lesson 180, PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE JEWISH RULERS
Memory Verse:
“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19–20).
Text: Acts 4:1–37
The text opens with the continued obedience of Peter and John to the Great Commission despite opposition. At first, persecution came in the form of warnings, threats, and beatings, but later intensified into imprisonment and martyrdom. Interestingly, the persecutions only resulted in the further spread of the gospel. As children and servants of God, opposition should never stop us from carrying out the Great Commission. In fact, the apostles used their trial as an opportunity to proclaim the message of Christ’s resurrection. Likewise, we must seize every opportunity—before friends and foes alike—to spread the gospel. Like the early Church, we should depend on God for strength through continual prayer (Acts 4:23–31) and emulate their faithfulness in preaching Christ.
1. PETER AND JOHN’S ARREST AND DEFENCE
(Acts 4:1–12; 5:17,25–33; 8:1; 12:1; Matthew 10:18,19)
Peter and John proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Saviour of humanity, calling all people to repent and believe in His atoning work for the remission of their sins. The same message that angered the enemies of the cross also brought salvation, deliverance from Satan’s bondage, and transformed lives. The name of Jesus—the centre of our message—brings healing to the sick and freedom to the captives. Therefore, the disapproval of opposers must never hinder the preaching of the gospel.
Empowered by the Holy Ghost, Peter boldly declared that it was through faith in “the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” whom the Jewish leaders had crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that the lame man stood whole. He fearlessly told them that Christ is the stone which they, the builders, rejected, but which God made the head of the corner. He further affirmed:
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Peter’s boldness teaches believers the need for courage in obeying the Great Commission and the importance of being empowered by the Holy Ghost. His message also shows that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection form the core of the gospel, and that He alone is the hope of salvation for the world. Though Peter and John were uneducated by Jewish standards, they confounded the religious council with wisdom, courage, and knowledge of the Scriptures. This shows that God can use weak vessels to accomplish His great purpose. Therefore, no one should feel inadequate in God’s service because of a lack of academic qualifications—the essential qualification is to be filled with the Holy Ghost.
2. PERSECUTION OF PETER AND JOHN
(Acts 4:13–22; 5:34–40; 2 Timothy 3:12)
The bold defence of Peter and John, supported by the undeniable miracle done in Jesus’ name, led the council to conclude that “they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Our testimony and the confirmation of our message through divine signs are proofs our persecutors cannot deny. True evidence of transformation must be visible in our lives if we belong to Christ. The surest way to convince others of Christ’s power is to let them see the change He has made in us and in those who receive our message.
Although some hardened persecutors willfully reject the truth—as the Jewish leaders did despite acknowledging that “a notable miracle hath been done”—others will be drawn to Christ through visible transformation. Instead of responding to the evidence, the council attempted to silence the gospel by threats:
“But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name” (Acts 4:17).
From their actions, believers learn that:
-
Unbelief is often not due to ignorance but a deliberate decision to reject the truth.
-
Unbelief is influenced by Satan, who blinds minds (2 Corinthians 4:4) and uses people to hinder the gospel.
-
Satan’s major strategy is fear and threats—to keep believers from evangelism.
Jesus, however, warned us not to fear those who can only kill the body but not the soul. Our resources, gifts, and abilities should be fully devoted to soul-winning, trusting in Christ’s promise to be with us “always, even unto the end of the world.”
When the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name, their response affirmed a timeless principle: when human authority conflicts with God’s authority, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Any attempt by human beings—whether in church, home, or government—to overrule God’s command is an abuse of authority.
The healed man, being over forty years old, stood as living proof of God’s power, and the rejoicing crowd glorified God, forcing the council to release the apostles. This teaches believers that God knows how to silence our adversaries when we remain faithful. Persecution cannot stop God’s work; rather, it strengthens it when believers endure with faith and wisdom.
Just as Christ and early believers—Paul, James, Peter, Stephen, and others—faced suffering and yet remained steadfast, we too must stand firm. Persecution provides an opportunity to display Christlike courage, kindness, and faithfulness, and to reach even our persecutors. It also refines believers’ faith, separating the genuine from the superficial. Only those living in compromise can avoid persecution, for Scripture declares:
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
3. PRAYER OF THE PERSECUTED FOR RENEWAL
(Acts 4:23–37; 1:14; 6:4; 12:5; 2 Kings 19:14–19; Matthew 26:36,39–42; Acts 2:1–4; Micah 3:8; 1 John 5:14,15; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Romans 15:5,6; Philippians 1:27; 1 Corinthians 13:1–8)
After their release, Peter and John reported to the brethren all that had happened. The Church’s immediate response was to pray. The right response to threats and persecution is prayer.
Their united prayer revealed key attitudes:
-
Unity — they prayed with one accord (Acts 4:24; Psalm 133:1–3; John 17:21).
-
Reverence for God’s sovereignty (Acts 4:24).
-
Reliance on God’s Word (Acts 4:25–26; Psalm 2:1).
Their prayer was specific and God-centered:
“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus” (Acts 4:29–30).
They did not pray for the death of their persecutors but for boldness and grace to do God’s will. Likewise, believers today must pray for endurance and boldness to continue preaching God’s Word faithfully.
God answered their prayer immediately—the place was shaken, and they were all filled again with the Holy Ghost. This shows that believers need continuous renewal and fresh infilling for effective service. The result was that “they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Ministers must remain faithful to Scripture, avoiding human traditions or philosophies (Acts 6:4).
Their renewed zeal also manifested in love and unity. Believers shared their possessions to meet others’ needs; those with property sold it and brought the proceeds to the apostles, who distributed honestly and selflessly. Among them was Joses, surnamed Barnabas (“Son of Consolation”), a Levite from Cyprus, known for his generosity and encouragement. His faithful service later led to greater responsibilities in ministry alongside Paul (Acts 11:22–29; 13:1–3).
As Barnabas grew in grace and usefulness, so must every believer desire to grow spiritually and serve faithfully. Persecution may come in different forms—arrest, imprisonment, threats, insults, excommunication, destruction of property, or deprivation of rights—but it must never deter us from obeying God. Like the early Church, we must respond with faith, love, and prayer for renewal, that we may continue winning souls, glorifying God, and finally receiving our eternal reward.
Questions for Review
-
Why were the early believers persecuted, and what can believers learn from it?
-
What can we learn from the boldness of Peter and John before the council?
-
From the Jewish leaders’ reaction, what can we learn about unbelief and Satan’s strategy against the gospel?
-
How should believers respond to persecution?
-
What is the value of signs and wonders in the effectiveness of the gospel?
-
What are the benefits of unity in the Church?
-
Name the disciple who was singled out for his love for the brethren and what he did.
