Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin Council
Newfoundfaith.org has the following thoughts on the events of Acts 4:6-21:
Peter and John were standing before the Sanhedrin because they had been arrested for preaching Jesus Christ and His resurrection before the Sadducees, the people, and the priests (Acts 4:1). These were people who had bent the law to their desire – they were very strict about their religion which Jesus often criticized as being hypocritical to the Law and to the Lord.
So, they have a question for Peter and John. They ask, “By what power or by what name have you done this (v. 7)?” Remember, they asked this same question to Jesus when He stood before the council (Matt. 21:23).
So, Peter responds to the council’s question about authority. He was filled with the Holy Spirit when he began to respond to the council. He mentions that he and John had done a good deed to a helpless man through the name of Christ. He preaches Jesus Christ in front of the same people who led for the crucifixion of Jesus (vss. 11-12). This is true boldness that we are seeing from Peter because he would have had to know that he was also putting his life on the line by speaking the name of Christ. These were men that absolutely detested the name of Christ. Peter was standing before them speaking His name and performing miracles in the name of Christ as well.
The council marveled (v. 13). We are told that they marveled because they considered that Peter was an uneducated and untrained man.
We are told that the council sends both Peter and John out from the council so that they confer with one another on how to handle this situation. Their discussion on handling the matter is very similar to their thinking on how they handled Jesus. The council concludes that they need to put a stop to Peter and John doing any work in the name of Jesus. Their goal is to put a clamp on the name of Christ so that it does not get spread across the land.
Were they successful?
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Biblehub.com says the following about Jesus before the Sanhedrin:
The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is a pivotal event in the Passion narrative, marking the beginning of the final hours leading to His crucifixion. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, with each providing unique details that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the proceedings. The Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council and court, played a crucial role in the religious and legal life of Israel. The trial before this body highlights the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, ultimately leading to His condemnation.
The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew (26:57-68), Mark (14:53-65), Luke (22:66-71), and John (18:12-24).
The trial before the Sanhedrin is significant for several reasons. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering and rejection of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:3-7). Jesus' responses during the trial affirm His identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. The trial also highlights the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus, despite the evidence of His divine authority and fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
The trial of Jesus raises questions about the legality and fairness of the proceedings. According to Jewish law, trials were not to be held at night, and capital cases required a thorough examination of evidence and witnesses. The Gospel accounts suggest that these procedures were not followed, indicating a miscarriage of justice driven by the leaders' desire to eliminate Jesus.
The trial before the Sanhedrin sets the stage for Jesus' crucifixion. It underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the affirmation of Jesus' divine identity, and the rejection by the religious authorities. This event is a profound demonstration of the tension between divine purpose and human opposition, central to the Christian understanding of redemption through Christ's sacrifice.
How do you view Jesus’ appearance before the Sanhedrin?
WEDNESDAY
Questions About Acts 4:12
1. What does Peter and John's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel teach us about sharing our faith?
2. How does Peter's defense before the Sanhedrin model the kind of faith and courage we need in the face of opposition?
3. How does this chapter inspire you to respond when faced with opposition or persecution?
4. How does this chapter challenge you to be bold in your faith?
THURSDAY
Do you have rules for your life? I enjoy watching NCIS. One of the aspects of this show I like are Gibbs’ rules. Do you know Gibbs’ rules? This upcoming Sunday, I will address “Three Rules for Life.” I would encourage you to read Colossians 3:15-17 in preparation for Sunday’s sermon.