unstoppable courage

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GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes GUIDE: Introduce the session by drawing members’

SESSION 11

UNSTOPPABLE COURAGE

attention to the picture in Personal Study Guide (PSG) page 126 and lead the group to respond to Question #1: What would you say if you

The Point

only had the nerve?

God gives us courage to speak boldly for Christ.

GUIDE: Introduce The Point

The Bible Meets Life

(PSG, p. 127): God gives us

We are familiar with the cynical

courage to speak boldly for

expression: “No good deed goes

Christ.

unpunished.” That is not a biblical statement, but good deeds do

Direct attention to the account of Matthew Ayairga in The Bible Meets Life (PSG, p. 127). Ask someone to read his story of amazing courage in the face of death.

occasionally get us into hot water. In Acts 4, Peter and John did a good deed that drew attention to Jesus Christ, and that got them in hot water with the religious leaders who opposed them. God gives us courage to stand strong in the face of adversity.

The Passage Acts 4:1-3,8-12,19-20

SAY: “In our world today,

The Setting

Christians sometimes may

Peter and John had encountered a lame beggar on their way to the Jerusalem

have to make the decision

temple at the afternoon hour of prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ the man

whether it is right to obey God

had been healed. Peter used the opportunity to preach the gospel to those

or obey the authorities. Peter

present in the temple. The Jewish religious leaders were offended by Peter and

and John’s courageous act of

John’s teaching the people in the temple and proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection

obeying God is our example

from the dead. They arrested Peter and John, bringing them before the

to follow.”

assembled Jewish leadership to answer for their words and actions.

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S e ss i o n 11

STUDY THE BIBLE

Acts 4:1-3 1 Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests,

Acts 4:1-3 10 minutes

the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them, 2 because they were provoked that they were teaching the

READ: Ask a volunteer to read Acts 4:1-3.

people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as the example. 3 So they seized them and put them in custody until the next

day, since it was already evening.

GUIDE: Explain that today’s passage picks up in the temple after Peter and John healed

KEY WORD: Sadducees (v. 1)—The Sadducees were the priestly party in charge of the temple, were supporters of Rome, and accepted only the first five

the man with “the rest of the story.”

Old Testament books as authoritative.

Speaking for Christ can lead to confrontation.

SAY: ”The spectacle of the man’s rejoicing because of

Verse 1. After healing the lame man outside the temple complex, Peter and John went into the temple accompanied by the healed man. The man was so overjoyed that he couldn’t contain himself—he walked, jumped, and praised God inside the temple. His actions attracted a crowd and then even more people came to see what all the excitement was about (Acts 3:8‑10). Peter wasted no time, addressing the people as he shared the good news about Jesus. Peter noted how God had worked through Jesus, whom the people put to death but God brought back to life, to accomplish the miracle they had witnessed (vv. 11‑16). Then Peter cited Old Testament prophecies that confirmed God’s plan to bring blessing to all people through Jesus the Messiah (vv. 17-26). . 1 As Peter and John continued to speak to the crowd, the priests, the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted the apostles. The priests likely were just those priests on duty, serving at the temple that afternoon carrying out the sacrifice. The commander of the temple police was himself a priest and was second in charge behind the high priest. He assisted the high priest in his duties and was ready to step in should the high priest become incapacitated. The commander and his officers (chosen from among the Levites) oversaw the temple environs—keeping order and protecting property—and had the authority to make arrests.

his healing attracted a crowd. Peter and John took advantage of this opportunity to tell the people about Jesus.”

SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 1 and information on PSG page 129 to remind the group that among the crowd of people coming to worship that day were: • The priests. • The commander of the temple police. • The Sadducees.

S U G G E S T E D U S E | W E E K O F N O V E M B E R 13

127

THE POINT

God gives us courage to speak boldly for Christ.

SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 2 and KEY WORD (p. 127, PSG, p. 128) to share with the group information about who the Sadducees were and what they believed. Point out these facts about the Sadducees: • priestly party in charge of the temple • wealthy • supporters of Rome • accepted only first five books of the law as authoritative • role as teachers • did not believe in the resurrection from the dead

DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG,p. 130): What are the risks we face when we proclaim the gospel? (Alternate: In what ways does our culture try to silence the gospel?)

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S e ss i o n 11

The Sadducees were one of the major influential Jewish parties in the first century (the Pharisees were another). The Sadducees held only the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis–Deuteronomy) to be authoritative and rejected the teachings about resurrection and life after death. They were in charge of the temple in Jerusalem. They came from well-to-do families who supported the Roman government and enjoyed considerable economic benefits from that partnership. Their position was dependent on maintaining stability within the city; thus, anything that might lead to disorder (or worse, a riot) would have given them cause for great concern because it could have negatively affected their power and status. When Jesus drove the moneychangers out of the temple (Luke 19:45‑48), the Sadducees became concerned about what might happen if Rome saw Jesus as a revolutionary and took action. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the Sadducees joined in the plot against Jesus (John 11:47‑53; the Sadducees were part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council). Their true motives were revealed in a meeting of the Sanhedrin, where it was stated, “If we let Him continue in this way, everyone will believe in Him! Then the Romans will come and remove both our place and our nation” (v. 48). 2

Verse 2. The fact that Peter and John were teaching the people was a major problem for the Sadducees. They believed they alone had the authority to teach and interpret the Scriptures. They opposed the scribes of the Pharisees, those Pharisees who had received religious training and were respected and influential teachers among the people. So it is no surprise that the Sadducees had an even greater disdain for the apostles, whom they viewed as “uneducated and untrained men” (Acts 4:13). The Sadducees most likely disliked that these followers of Jesus were teaching false doctrine (in their thinking), and doing so in the temple, where the Sadducees felt they alone had authority. Apparently it was not the healing that concerned the Sadducees. What had provoked or frustrated them was the apostles’ teaching about the resurrection from the dead. The death and resurrection of Jesus was the primary emphasis of the apostles preaching. After the crowd had gathered around them in the temple that morning, Peter focused on Jesus as the Messiah and said to the people, “You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this” (Acts 3:15).

The idea of a resurrection, especially connected to Jesus, was what really concerned the Sadducees. Too many people believed in Jesus as the Messiah. The focus of messianic thought and teaching in that day was on the restoration of Israel. This meant freedom from foreign rule and the reestablishment of the glorious kingdom inaugurated during the reign of Israel’s King David. But essential for this restoration was rebellion against the ruling nation of Rome. The Sadducees were concerned because any such action against Rome would have had serious ramifications for the opposing group or nation, as Roman history up to that time had proven. And if Rome moved against Jerusalem or the nation of Israel as a whole, everything the Sadducees enjoyed—especially their status, influence, and wealth— could have been taken away from them. Primarily because of their self-interests, they sought to suppress any messianic teaching and put a stop to anyone who might have been viewed as a potential messiah by the people.

TRANSITION: Say, “Peter and John, along with many of the early followers of Jesus, spent time in prison for their proclamation of the gospel. Many times they would stand before rulers to give a defense for what they believed. In 1 Peter, the apostle said we should ‘always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in you.’ ” (1 Peter 3:15).

Verse 3. Thus the Sadducees seized (or arrested) the apostles and put them in custody. Because it was already evening it was too late to bring a case against the men or to question them about their actions. Peter and John would spend the night in jail until the Jewish religious council, the Sanhedrin, could convene the next day. The Sanhedrin met daily (except on Sabbaths and feast days) and decided cases dealing with violations of the law as well as temple infractions. The 71 members of this body included Pharisees and Sadducees. Since the high priest was the leader of this council, the Sadducees were likely the majority party.

Acts 4:8-12 8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them,

“Rulers of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done

STUDY THE BIBLE Acts 4:8-12 10 minutes READ: Ask a volunteer to read Acts 4:8-12.

to a disabled man—by what means he was healed— 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy. 129

THE POINT

God gives us courage to speak boldly for Christ.

DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG,

11 This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has

p. 131): How would you

become the cornerstone.

describe the role of the Holy

12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other

Spirit in sharing the gospel? (Alternate: When have you had an opportunity to speak boldly about Jesus?)

name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.” KEY WORD: Cornerstone (v. 11)—The Greek words translated cornerstone are literally “head of a corner” and can refer to the first stone or to the final stone in a building project.

Proclaim faith in Christ as the only way to receive eternal life.

SUMMARIZE: Jesus told His followers, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Read Mark 13:9-11. Jesus had predicted that exactly what the apostles were experiencing would happen.

Use Bible Commentary 3 to explain how the Holy Spirit worked in Peter as he boldly shared the good news of Jesus.

Verse 8. “The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family” (Acts 4:5‑6). Bringing Peter and John before the council, they demanded to know “by what power or in what name have you done this?” (v. 7). The men on this council were both important and powerful in Jerusalem. These were the same rulers of the people and elders who had tried Jesus and handed Him over to the Romans to be put to death. This fact alone could have given the apostles reason for great concern, especially if they remembered the words Jesus had spoken to them on the night before His death: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). 3 Yet despite the hostility they faced, Peter and John responded to the council’s question with extraordinary courage. Luke notes that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. This was not the permanent indwelling of the Spirit that happens for all believers at the moment of salvation. Rather, the phrase refers to a special empowering a person would receive to fulfill God’s purposes. Verse 9. Peter’s initial statement to the council called into question the reason for which he and John were being examined. Were the apostles being questioned because they had done a good deed? Had the council arrested them because a disabled man had been healed? Was the council really interested in knowing by what means (how) the formerly lame man was able to walk?

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Verse 10. Peter then restated what he had explained the previous day to the crowd in the temple. He wanted the men on the council, as well as all the people of Israel, to know how the lame man’s healing had come about. It had happened by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. Jesus’ name denotes everything about Him—His divine identity, authority, and power. He was more than just the carpenter from Nazareth they knew about who ministered in Judea and Galilee. He was the Christ, that is, the Messiah. Peter wasted no time moving from who Jesus is to what the Jewish leaders had done. They had murdered Jesus. Many of the men on that council had felt threatened by Him during His years of ministry. Thus they condemned Him to death and turned Him over to the Romans to be crucified. But while they had thought Jesus’ death would get rid of their problem, it was not the end for which they had hoped. God raised Jesus from the dead. God’s action toward Jesus stood in stark contrast to the Jewish leaders’ action. They had taken life but God had given life. What they had done, God had undone. Peter was clear in his emphasis on the resurrection of the dead. Despite the Sadducees’ rejection of this doctrine, they could not refute the truth. Apparently the man who just the day before had been unable to walk was also in the hearing with Peter and John. Peter noted, “this man is standing here before you.” Perhaps the man had been arrested because of his jumping and praising God in the temple. But he could have been called in later to share his side of the events that had occurred. Whatever the case, Peter pointed out that the man in their presence was now healthy, and his healing came through the name of Jesus Christ. 4

Verse 11. Peter referred to Old Testament Scripture as evidence of what the Jewish leaders had done. He didn’t quote Psalm 118:22 verbatim, but used its words to emphasize the failed responsibility of the rulers and elders. Jewish religious literature referred to teachers of the law and community leaders as builders. They were responsible to God for building up the house of Israel. Peter personalized their rejection with the inclusion of the words “rejected by you.” 5 The foundation is an essential part of every building. If it is not constructed correctly, the building will not be stable. The same is true for people, families, and nations— they will be unstable without the right foundation. The Greek words translated cornerstone can refer to the first stone or to the final stone in a building project. In the former, the cornerstone is the first stone that is set for a foundation in a building. All other stones are placed in

GUIDE: Use Bible Commentary 4 to point out that Peter declared the man’s healing happened by the name and power of Jesus. Jesus’ name denotes everything about Him—His divine identity, authority and power. He was the Christ, the Messiah. Peter courageously proclaimed Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

GUIDE: Use information from the KEY WORD (p. 130, PSG, p. 130) and Bible Commentary 5 to give an explanation of “the cornerstone“ that the builders rejected. Note that Jesus referred to this same psalm in Mark 12:10 as His conclusion to the “Parable of the Vineyard Owner.”

131

THE POINT

God gives us courage to speak boldly for Christ.

GUIDE: Use Bible Commentary 6 to emphasize the truth Peter clearly declared: that salvation comes only through the name of Jesus.

DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 132): In a culture that values tolerance above all, how do we boldly and lovingly proclaim Jesus is the only way?

TRANSITION: Say, “In John 14:6, Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ Salvation comes only through the name of Jesus.”

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S e ss i o n 11

relation to it. If the cornerstone is faulty then the rest of the foundation will be as well because it sets the standard. Isaiah prophesied, “I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable” (Isa. 28:16). If the builders— the Jewish religious leaders—had truly known God, they would have recognized the stone He provided in Jesus. The leaders would have led the people of Israel to build their lives on Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. But instead the leaders rejected Him. The Greek word for rejected pictures something done willfully and defiantly. This was evident in the Jewish leaders’ actions toward Jesus. It seemed to escalate after He cleared the temple a week before His death (Luke 19:45‑48). The chief priests and elders had questioned Jesus about His authority to do such things. In response, He told a parable that illustrated how they had neglected God’s ways and rebelled against His authority (20:1‑16). Then Jesus quoted from Psalm 118:22 to show how God overruled their actions. Despite the leaders’ defiant rejection of Jesus as Messiah, God made Him the standard on which everything would be based in God’s kingdom. Verse 12. Early in his statement to the council, Peter had moved from defense to offense. Rather than defending himself, he focused on witnessing about Jesus the Christ (or Messiah). In this verse Peter clearly emphasized the truth about Jesus—He alone brings salvation. Salvation embodies the ideas of freedom, healing, and wholeness. Through salvation in Jesus Christ, a person is restored to a right relationship with God, is freed from the power of sin and death, and receives the gift of eternal life. The inquiry was initiated because of the healing of the lame man. But Peter used that healing to emphasize how God’s concern for one man revealed His greater concern for all people. The Greek word translated here as saved is the same word translated in verse 9 as “healed.” Both healing and salvation come as a result of the name of Jesus. Peter’s words to the council were clear. Though he didn’t call for a response, they had a decision to make. Would they accept or reject the salvation that came only through Jesus? Were they willing to repent—to change their minds about Jesus and accept Him as their Savior—so they could receive the deliverance and restoration He offers? 6

Acts 4:19-20 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in

STUDY THE BIBLE Acts 4:19-20 10 minutes

the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;

READ: Ask a volunteer to read

20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have

Acts 4:19-20.

seen and heard.” Speak boldly for Christ in spite of opposition.

SAY: Say, “Peter and John followed in the steps of biblical

Verse 19. The council dismissed the apostles and the healed man (Acts 4:13‑15) to confer. Apparently there was no thought of believing the apostles’ words about Jesus. They decided to threaten the apostles and forbid them from preaching or teaching in Jesus’ name to try to keep the message from spreading. So they called the men back into the courtroom and delivered their decision (vv. 16-18). The apostles’ undaunted response should have been no surprise to the assembly, given the boldness with which the men had previously spoken. Peter and John challenged the religious leaders to decide for themselves what was right in the sight of God. It didn’t matter what the religious leaders thought was right. Peter and John’s concern was for what God says is right. The apostles didn’t ask a question, but defiantly responded, asking the leaders whose words should have priority in the apostles’ lives, the Sanhedrin’s or God’s? Verse 20. Despite the council’s demand, Peter and John could not comply with it. The men stated that they were unable to stop speaking, which was a double negative with the sense that “we cannot not speak.” They were compelled by their experience with Jesus and His commission to them. To communicate to others what they had seen and heard as His witnesses was now their primary purpose in life, and they were determined to fulfill it. They had likely considered the potential consequences of their disobedience to the religious leaders, but it did not matter to them. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of old (Dan. 3:1‑30), they resolved to trust God and do His will no matter the cost.

heroes like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who boldly stood up for their faith in God in the face of persecution from rulers. We must be willing to do the same.”

DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 134): Where is God directing us to demonstrate a greater level of courage? (Alternate: How can we discern whether we’re trying to please God or please people?)

DO: Invite volunteers to share their responses to the activity, “Civil Disobedience” (PSG, p. 134).

133

THE POINT

God gives us courage to speak boldly for Christ.

LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: God gives us courage to speak boldly for Christ. Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 135; see text to the right). Invite group members to think about which application speaks most to their needs.

Wrap It Up GUIDE: Emphasize that we must be willing to stand up and speak boldly for Jesus, knowing that the Holy Spirit will empower us. SAY: “We can be the ones who point the lost to salvation in the name of Jesus” PRAY: Thank God for His salvation that saves us from our sins. Pray that group members will have the courage to speak boldly to those who do not know Jesus. Ask the Lord for power through the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel.

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S e ss i o n 11

LIVE IT OUT Extraordinary courage makes a mark on history. Over two thousand years after the ministry of Peter and John, we know Jesus because the early disciples had the courage to keep speaking when told to keep silent. When we follow their example we impact eternity. What will you do this week to follow their example? >> Commit. As you go through the week ahead, evaluate your actions with this question, “Whom did I live to please today?” Commit to becoming a God-pleaser rather than a people-pleaser.

>> Read. To better understand why Jesus is the only way

to heaven, read Jesus Among Other Gods: The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message by Ravi Zacharias (W Publishing 2002). Share what you learned with someone who doesn’t believe Jesus is the only way

>> Act. Find a place in your community or state where the

gospel is being silenced. Take action to get the policy changed: write to a government official, attend a public meeting and voice your opinion, start a petition, or join a group that works to correct the wrong. Make it a priority to pray for your church’s impact on your city, nation and world.

.

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS

longer exclusively priestly but

Sharing your faith in Jesus

were a class of aristocrats who

requires boldness and

catered to the powerful and rich.

courage. There are people in

“Some of the strife between

your circles of influence who

the Sadducees and the Pharisees

have yet to believe. The time

was due to differences in

is short, now is the time to

theology. Some scholars believe

share the gospel with them.

the Sadducees held only to the

“The sect of the Sadducees was one of the Jewish religious groups in the time of Christ and the early church. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus mentioned the Sadducees, the Pharisees, and the Essenes as being three ancient Jewish schools of thought. “The Sadducees were the priestly party who had favor with the Roman authorities and who tended to associate with nobility. Support from the Romans left them out of favor with the people and accentuated the competition from the Pharisees. By the time of Jesus, the Sadducees were no

Pentateuch (the first five books).

Each week, make yourself

Others think the Sadducees

available either before or after

accepted the remainder of the Old

the session to speak privately

Testament, but not on the same

with anyone in your group

level as the five Books of the Law.

who wants to know more

On the other hand, the Pharisees

about becoming a Christian.

accepted a body of oral tradition

See the article, “Leading

as having equal in authority to the

Someone to the Greatest

written law.

Decision of All,“ on page 2 for

“Sadducees rejected the

guidance in leading a person

Pharisaic ideas of a Messiah, the

to Christ.

belief in the resurrection of the

Remind group members that

body, and the belief in angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). This last belief is somewhat confusing because the Pentateuch refers to angels and spirits on several occasions.” The excerpt above is from the article “Who Were the Sadducees?” (Winter 2004-05). More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator.

page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ.

>> Get expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesFor Life). >> Grow with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog (lifeway.com/groupministry). >> Additional ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesFor Life.com/blog. 135