Acts 4:13-22

So thankful for this wonderful afternoon the Lord has given to us to worship him. It’s kind of a different Sunday for us because we have a lot of our members missing from our church today. But God, in His grace, has also brought a lot of guests to worship with us today. So you are here to take the place of our regular members, and we are really glad that you chose to worship. Especially, I know that afternoon time is not the typical time that you come for Sunday worship, but we appreciate you coming to our church and worshiping with us. 

Lord willing, it will only be like this for a few more months, and after that, we will also be Sunday morning worshipers back again. So grateful for all God’s work in all of your lives for healing, for deliverance, God’s continued comfort. And we continue to pray for those who are traveling among us. We pray that God will continue to be with them and strengthen them in the days to come.

We are continuing with our series, “Church On The Rise”, through the book of Acts. We started chapter four last week on the context of the tremendous miracle of the man who was healed at the city gate, the Temple Gate called Beautiful. The subsequent message of the Apostle Peter and John, and them being dragged into prison, and eventually in front of the Sanhedrin, is what we talked about last week. And we already started talking about how boldly, how powerfully they proclaimed the gospel in front of this mass group of people.

Before I go into the passage that we’re focusing on today, let me just recap very quickly the three main points from last week’s message. 

First was this: we are to be confident in knowing that the trials and persecutions that you face for Christ are not without His knowledge. We talked about, in what a tremendous way, God opened these doors. They are standing in front of this council, 71 in number, the most prominent and most important council of the Jewish people. They would have never gotten an audience like this if it wasn’t for the persecution and them being thrown into jail. And it’s kind of God reminding us that sometimes the trials and difficulties that we face in life are so that God can use us for greater glory of His name and for the propagation of the gospel.

And we saw just that, how they were able to communicate the truth so clearly without making any changes to it as they spoke to these men, these 71 of them on that day. 

Secondly, we know from God’s word that they spoke these words not under their own power but they were filled with the power and the anointing of the Spirit of God. What did we learn from that? We are to live our lives in such a way, yielded to the Spirit of God, that if you and I are ever presented with an opportunity such as this — and we all do face moments like this all the time — that we’ll be people who can speak exactly what God wants us to speak. 

I share this with my Sunday school class, and I just want to briefly share this with you for your encouragement. This past week, I prayed a prayer here in church. I said, “God, open up an opportunity for us to witness your gospel this coming week.” And God did just that for me in a very brief moment at the airport this past week. There was a boy who came to help; the pastor was traveling back to India with the luggage. As we were praying for the servant of God, he said, “You need to pray for me as well.” This gave me an opportunity, within one minute, to have a conversation with him. I asked, “Do you go to church?” He turned to me and said, “No, I’m a Muslim.” And I said, “I want you to read the Bible.” I didn’t know exactly what to say as they were about to go into the gate and said, “Jesus is more than a prophet.” I’ve been praying for him this last whole week, and I cannot wait to see him in heaven. I’m trusting that even just that one word spoken to him is going to make a difference in his life. 

But how do we know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it? Remember what we talked about last week: we are to live our lives yielded to the Spirit of God. You have no idea if it’s the man who is carrying your luggage at the airport, the barista in your coffee place that you frequent, or the one that is checking out your groceries at the grocery chain that is asking you for prayer. To know what to say, how to say it, when to say it, live lives that are yielded to the Spirit of God. As the Bible tells us, the Holy Spirit will give us the wisdom to know what to say at the exact right moment. And I tell you, whatever we do and say does not go void. God has a purpose for bringing people into our lives, and He will do just that in the days to come.

Thirdly, when that opportunity is presented to present the gospel, look what the Apostle Peter did: be faithful. Do not dilute, adulterate, or compromise the message of the Gospel. This is where we ended last week in verse 4:11. He tells them, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” quoting from Psalm 118. Then he tells them the most profound statement in probably all of scriptures. He turns to them: “Salvation is not found in anyone else. There is only one name that is given under heaven by which we might be saved.” They are not trying to escape persecution; they are not trying to change the message or dilute it so they can go home. That is not their priority. They communicate the truth of God’s word exactly as it is. I pray that God will give such boldness in our lives as well.

In the context of all this, we come to Chapter 4:13-20 this afternoon. I won’t read the whole section; I will just read a few verses, and because of the brevity of time, we’ll go into the scriptures.

Verse 13 tells us this: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Verse 14 tells us:

“But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.”

In verse 13, they’re astonished. They had not seen anything like this before. They had had many people come before them. But, as I mentioned last week, they have never faced someone like this. Every other person who has ever come before them had come based upon their own wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Now, here comes a man for the first time who is filled with the Spirit of God. The words that are coming out of him are not ordinary; they are inspired by God.

So, what do they see in verse 13? They see the courage of Peter and John. They also look at them and see ordinary Galileans. By their accents, they can tell they’re from Galilee, and by the clothes they’re wearing, they can tell they’re ordinary people. Not only that, they were unschooled, ordinary men. In fact, in the original language, it goes a bit deeper: it says there were men who did not even know how to write.

Now, I don’t think that’s what they meant when they labeled them this. All the Jewish people of that time knew how to write because they would be taught in the synagogues from a young age. Peter and John would indeed know how to write, and God, through His Spirit, would later enable these two men to write seven books of the New Testament. 

But they looked at them and said, “You don’t belong here. This is a place where theologians come.” They’re thinking, “What Bible college did you attend?” They didn’t really go to any Bible college; the only college they went to was the College of Fishing. That was a family business. They started fishing, followed a man named Jesus, but they attended the best school, even if the scholars didn’t recognize it. For three long years, they were taught by the best teacher ever to walk the Earth.

John writes in the Gospel of John, towards the end, “Jesus did many other things. In fact, if I were to write all the things Jesus did, all the books in the world wouldn’t contain it.” That might be hyperbole, but many things Jesus told his disciples aren’t recorded in the scriptures. What’s recorded is what we need to know.

The Sermon on the Mount is three chapters in God’s word, but it was probably a sermon Jesus preached over many months. The summary of it is given to us in God’s word, just as a summary of Peter’s sermon is given.

The critical takeaway about them is that they’re ordinary men, but there’s a profound understanding of the scriptures. They were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus. They saw something familiar, akin to how Jesus was preaching when He was on Earth. When you read the gospel accounts, those who witnessed Jesus’s teachings were not only amazed but astonished, for He spoke as one who had authority.

Up until then, the rabbis never taught like that. The rabbi would say, “It is written,” and often when asked for interpretation, they would say, “Well, we don’t really know, but this is what is written.” But Jesus said, “It is written, but I say to you.” He is saying something that is over what is written, as one who had authority. 

Now, here in Acts 4, again, here are two ordinary men who are speaking the same way the Master was speaking for the last three years. They’re astonished because they knew these men had been with Jesus. Just like we say, “The fruit doesn’t fall too far from the tree,” when talking about kids who become like their parents, these disciples of Jesus had also not fallen too far away from the tree. They are speaking with authority and confidence, just like their Master. These men had no idea what to do with them because there is a courage that they had never seen before.

Not only that, they’re quoting Old Testament scriptures. They thought they were the experts on Old Testament scriptures, but these ordinary men, who were not learned, are able to interpret scripture and show them the true meaning. Where does all of this come from? I believe not only from the three years of teaching. There was a period of 40 days between the resurrection of our Lord and the Ascension of Our Lord. The Bible says he appeared to them numerous times, teaching them the word of God. I believe Jesus gave them a crash course like the world has never seen in those 40 days. 

Then something else happened: the Holy Spirit came to them on the day of Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit came, the one who directs us in all truth, they were suddenly filled with wisdom the world could never give. They were speaking things that ordinary men cannot speak because God was filling them with the Spirit. And the Spirit God gives is a Spirit of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. No man can stand against it. The world could only look at them, amazed, and wonder where this wisdom came from. It didn’t come from man; it came from God and God alone.

Many people think you have to go to Bible school to be a preacher. I’m all for organized and systematic study of God’s word. In fact, I would encourage all of you at some point to take Bible courses, and I myself have done that. But two of the greatest theologians the world has ever seen, C.H. Spurgeon, known as the greatest preacher ever, and A.W. Tozer, one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century, never spent a day in a Bible school. Where does this wisdom, anointing, and power come from? It doesn’t come from Bible school. 

Never think you can just go to Bible school, study scripture, and suddenly become a preacher. This is a gift of God. God’s gift is given to ordinary men who normally cannot do these things. Today, I stand before you preaching God’s word not because I’m wiser or smarter, but only by the grace of God, the gift of God, the power of the Spirit of God. The Bible always says it’s the unqualified that He makes qualified, the foolish ones that He makes wise. In that regard, I am probably the most foolish person here today. But the grace of God makes us wise to be able to preach His word.

Isn’t it amazing that the highest truths in the world – where did we come from? What are we doing today? Where are we going? Why is man evil? What is the way to be saved? – are not found in a university, not in books of philosophy, not in the halls of Harvard or Princeton. They are found in the hearts of godly people who have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

You know, this is not natural; this is supernatural. It has to be received from the Lord. So, the carnal mind does not understand the wisdom of God. The unregenerate does not understand supernatural things of God. Things that are so clear to us sound like foolishness to the world. Why? This is the gift of God that comes from God. 

Look at the next words: they want to argue against them, but there’s a witness they’ve brought along. It’s interesting, this man stands in front of the council. I’m unsure if he was also thrown into prison, perhaps to prevent him from sharing his testimony. So, the next morning, they bring him out. And what a witness he is! Here’s a man who’s been sitting outside the temple begging for 40 years. Now, he stands before them. As Luke describes, they could see the man who had been healed standing — something he hadn’t done for 40 years. He’s standing with no crutches, no wheelchair. The evidence of his healing was undeniable, leaving the council speechless.

The theology is sound, the courage is sound, the confidence is sound. The healed man stands as living proof, offering more evidence than words could provide. So, what do they do? They ask Peter and John to step out for a private discussion, a close meeting. The Sanhedrin is puzzled. Remember, by this time, the church has grown to nearly 20,000 in a region of perhaps 85,000 people. That’s almost 25% of the population! 

In verses 17-18, their solution is clear: they must warn Peter and John against speaking in the name of Jesus. These sermons have already gained a large following, and the council doesn’t want to hear a third. But in verse 19, Peter and John retort, questioning the council’s authority against God’s. They state their resolve, saying they cannot help but speak of what they’ve witnessed. They’re compelled by their powerful experiences with the Lord.

It reminds me of the great John Knox, who was said to have feared God so much that he never feared the face of any man. What a testimony! Who should we fear? Whose words hold more weight? Our obedience and lifestyle reflect who we regard as supreme.

The story is told of a soldier who was standing at attention during a parade drill. While in formation, he waved to one of the spectators. Now, if you know anything about a parade, you’re not supposed to do that. You’re expected to remain at attention, marching as required. The drill instructor approached the young man and sternly admonished, “Soldier, don’t ever do that again!” Yet, as his company marched past the reviewing stand, the young man waved a second time.

Upon their return to the barracks, the drill instructor barked at the soldier, “I told you not to wave! Aren’t you afraid of me?”

“Yes, sir,” the private replied, “but you don’t know my mother.”

Evidently, there was someone in the stands he feared more than his drill instructor. Our life choices hinge on whom we fear. The pivotal question is: do we prioritize the word of God or the word of man? Whom are we more interested in pleasing—God or man? At its core, life distills to these questions: Do you want to fear God or man? Do you wish to please God or man?

These two men believed they were called to proclaim God’s word, and no human was going to deter them. Uncertain how to respond, verse 21 states: “After further threats, they let them go. They couldn’t decide how to punish them because all the people were praising God for the miraculous healing of the man, who was over 40 years old.”

Though the Bible doesn’t detail the nature of these threats, as we progress through the scripture, we learn that the initial verbal threats escalated to flogging, and then to death. However, these men remained undeterred. All threats, all floggings, and even the looming prospect of death couldn’t sway them from their divine mission. Their commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ was unwavering. Their experiences and testimonies with the Lord were compelling enough to fortify them against any adversity.

Let’s introspect: Is our faith robust enough? Is it steadfast not just on a Sunday afternoon but also on a Monday morning in a secular office environment? Does it stand unshaken in a college rife with drug use or in schools where God’s name is mocked? I earnestly hope our convictions surpass worldly ones. I hope they are more formidable than worldly temptations. Our beliefs must be robust enough to endure anything the world throws at us. God seeks a generation willing to assert, “What we’ve witnessed and heard compels us to live for and speak of Him.” Our testimonies are too potent to keep bottled up. We must be prepared to stand for the Lord, even if it means facing death.

I genuinely believe that a day will come when preaching like this might be forbidden in this country. Every single Sunday, every single time I prepare a message, I speak to myself. I think, 10 or 15 years from now, you and I may have to pay with our life to be able to proclaim the gospel in this country. The direction we’re heading in suggests that, soon, you’ll be able to preach, but not preach the entire Bible. The days are not far away when speaking the truth becomes a crime in this country. I firmly, firmly believe that. But while it’s still possible, speak the truth. Preach in and out of season. Stand for the truth.

Three things I want to leave with you and one illustration to conclude:

1. Any wisdom, understanding, or confidence that we have is a testament to the grace of God. If you possess wisdom, especially Godly wisdom, it’s God’s gift to you. If you understand God’s word and who He is, and how to serve Him, it’s not because you’re superior; it’s due to His grace. Any confidence you have in the Lord today is a testament to the grace of God.

2. God’s authority and mandates always triumph over man’s rules and stipulations. Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:1-10 both advise us that we, as Christians, should be subject to government authorities and be law-abiding citizens. The only time we’re allowed to break the law is when it conflicts with the unchangeable word of God. If, for instance, the state of Texas declares worshiping Jesus illegal, we will still worship. Why? Because that decree goes against God’s word. His word always supersedes any worldly authority.

3. What we know to be true is too precious and significant to keep to ourselves. Life and death are at stake in every encounter. As the apostles did, we shouldn’t keep our knowledge hidden. We must be bold.

Many of you are familiar with John Chrysostom. He was a Christian bishop and preacher from the fourth and fifth centuries in Syria and Constantinople. Because of his dynamic sermons, he earned the moniker “Golden Tongue Preacher.” He once stated, “We must not mind insulting men. If by respecting them, we offend God.” To him, offending God was a graver crime. As the Archbishop of Constantinople, he took several principled stands which landed him in trouble with the Roman Emperor Arcadius. But regardless of the threats or consequences, he remained steadfast in his mission. Even when banished to remote places, he continued to spread the word of God.

That’s why God’s word tells us to fear Him and not men. Why? Because while men can harm our physical bodies, God holds our souls in His hands. The Bible says to fear God, not men. My hope is that we know in our hearts whom we should fear, and amidst a world in decline, our message shines brighter and clearer than ever. The hour approaches when no man can work. Until then, may God, by His Spirit, fortify each of us to steadfastly uphold the gospel.

Let’s look to the Lord in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we’re grateful for Your word and the bravery displayed by these two ordinary men. We thank You for the wisdom that solely comes from You, the giver of all good things. We’re blessed with numerous gifts in our lives. Guide us, O Lord, not to withhold these gifts but to share with a fractured, dying, and lost world the sole path to salvation, healing, and reunion with the Father. We cherish this moment and, as we approach Your table, we seek Your guidance. May Your Spirit embolden us in the name of Lord Jesus. Amen.