Anchor Sunday School Class

This Sunday we will continue our study of Acts, covering Chapter 4. Last Sunday we covered Chapter 3, which tells of the healing of the crippled man, recounts Peter’s seizing of the opportunity presented by the crowd which had witnessed the miracle to deliver his second sermon, and the describes the chaotic scene which culminates with the arrest of Peter and John by the captain of the temple guard ,and a group of Sadducees. Chapter 4 covers the arrest and the next day “trial” before the Council or Sanhedrin. In Peter’ response to the question – “by what power or by what name did you do this?”- is an incredible short exposition of the Gospel which actually turns the focus on the Council as the accused. This incident and response with the power of the Holy Spirit were foretold by Jesus (see Mark 13:9-11; Luke 12:11-12; 21:12-15), and Peter’s quote from Psalm 118:22 was quoted by Jesus referring to himself (Math. 21:42-46; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17-18; see also 1 Peter 2:5-7). There is much to consider in the give and take between the Sanhedrin and the Apostles’ response to the command to stop preaching or teach in the name of Jesus-“we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”- and the response of the early church, filled with the Spirit. Read Chapter 4 in a couple of translations and join with me in awe of what these Believers did through the power of the Spirit. See you Sunday.

Marbury