Bible Study - Acts 4: 1-22

A 'greatly disturbed' Sanhedrin

Read Acts chapter 4 verses 1-22

The priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees... were greatly disturbed. This was the first, but by no means the last time we hear of the apostles coming across the authorities. It was the Sadducees who were particularly concerned with the subversive teachings of the apostles. These were the ruling class of wealthy aristocrats who collaborated with the Romans, they were not looking for a Messiah, as they believed the Messianic time had already begun and theologically did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.

Just by being the person transformed by the Holy Spirit, Peter had done things and spoken in ways that challenged the Sadducees in their beliefs, traditions and comfortable way of life. It's easy to understand why they were greatly disturbed. But they were also impressed by the courage of Peter and John and the eloquence of "unschooled, ordinary men" and perhaps somewhat ominously made a note that these men had been with Jesus. The message of Christ still challenges people today - our beliefs and our way of life - following him means changes and for some the price is just too high.

Whatever the concerns of the Sanhedrin, the evidence was indisputable: they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. And for many of the crowd at Solomon's Colonnade that was enough: many who heard the message believed and their number grew to about five thousand. Eloquence and fine arguments have their place, but perhaps the biggest test for Christianity today is "Does it work?"

Questions to consider:

How has the Holy Spirit challenged our way of life - what we believe, what we do and say?

Who or what has helped us to see that Christianity "works"?

Prayer

Unchanging God, we thank you for the signs around us of your Holy Spirit at work: in people, in organisations, in countries - keep us watching and praying for your kingdom to come in our world and in our lives. Amen.

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 8640