Acts - Where the Real Action is

The next day, the elders, rulers and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest, was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?"

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed; He is "the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone."(Psalm 118:22) Acts 4:5-11

Sermon Notes from Bro Mike's message April 10, 2011

This moment was Ground Zero for the collision between Judaism and Christianity. Judaism was the religion of God -- from the words of His mouth and from His fingers on the tablets.

Jesus was a serious threat to Judaism. They thought they had stamped it out with the crucifixion of Christ. They thought it was all over. But it wasn't. It was an even greater threat than before.

Their question: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Was it rhetorical? Here were Paul and John before the Sanhedrin: 71 powerful religious leaders. Were they intimidated?

When Peter replied, he was "filled with the Holy Spirit." Often before he had been filled with himself. This was a different Peter.

The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is a mark of all Christians. We may not act like it or look like it all the time, but the Holy Spirit is a permanent resident in our lives.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth. A flesh and blood figure. They thought they had successfully rid themselves of Him. He was gone. He would not bother them anymore. But His followers would!

Peter and John went to the temple to pray. Not to have a confrontation. But their presence started a chain of events that led to their arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin.

Peter used a reference from Psalms to challenge them. The stone you builders rejected has become the capstone.

Builders have to choose the stones they will use.

Israel was originally the stones God was using. Now Jesus was the capstone.

1. Biblical Christianity Will Stir Up Controversy.
2. A Believer Will Be Confronted With The Controversy.
3. The Testimony In The Face Of Controversy Is Christ.

Peter and John were brought before the Council. We face opposition, too, to the message of Christ. It might be in our car pools, lunchrooms, Dairy Queen, grocery stores, family reunions, etc. Christ had said to the disciples:

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:10-14

All on account of my name. Was Peter remembering Christ speaking these words?

Christ was telling them how to respond when accused by authorities.

Later Peter told us how to respond to people who are genuinely asking us probing questions:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect....I Peter 3:15

Peter was brief and to the point. It was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Bro Mike's closing prayer included a request that we may be equipped to minister in our unfriendly culture....with gentleness and respect.