Acts 4:5-12 Peter and John Address the Jerusalem Sanhedrin

As they stood on Solomon’s Portico, just outside the Jerusalem temple, Peter and John were arrested while preaching in the name of Jesus, the risen Messiah. Because the apostles’ arrest took place late in the day, they were held until their case could be heard the next day.

5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.” (Acts 4:5-6)

The highest Jewish court, referred to as the Sanhedrin consisted of Jewish rulers, elders, scribes and the temple’s high priest. Though he had been deposed by the Romans a decade earlier, Annas continued to be regarded as designated high priest of the Sanhedrin. At this hearing, held at a hall within the Jerusalem temple, Annas was accompanied by his son, John, also his son law, Caiaphas, as well as many others from his family, all of priestly rank.

These men were to judge Peter and John’s fate as the apostles were being accused of three offenses, first, teaching on temple ground, then teaching in the name of the Christ and finally, their claim to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (Acts 4:7)

The Sanhedrin sat in a half circle, with the accused apostles facing the judges, sitting in the middle, prompted to explain how and in whose name they performed the undisputed, miraculous healing.

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, 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 stands here before you whole.” (Acts 4:8-10)

The apostles were promised divine empowerment with the Holy Spirit when facing persecution. This led Peter, in his own and John’s defense for doing a good deed, to use this opportunity to preach to those responsible for the death sentence placed on Jesus on the cross.

11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)

Peter quotes King David and one of his psalm, in which Jesus, the cornerstone of life would be rejected by the rulers of the day. The apostle continues his message to the Sanhedrin by proclaiming Yeshua as the risen Messiah and faith in Him as the only path to salvation. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre