Atos 4
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 4
Wiersbe - In fact, five of Annas' sons held the office at one time or another. Somebody has defined a "nepotist" as "a man who, being evil, knows how to give good gifts to his children." Annas certainly qualified. (Bible Exposition Commentary – Be Dynamic). And all who were of high-priestly descent - NET translation reads "and others who were members of the high priest's family" noting that "This family controlled the high priesthood as far back as A.D. 6. Annas, Caiaphas, and Alexander were all high priests at one time (though Alexander held that office after this event)." The irony is that the name Annas (see Luke 3:2 notes) is from Hebrew (Chananyah from chanan = show favor, be gracious) means merciful or gracious! He was the primary mover and shaker in the priesthood even though he was not the acting high priest. Caiaphas is his son-in-law. In Jesus' mock trials, the first "trial" was before Annas, followed by Caiaphas. How interesting that those two are named again in the setting of a trial, this time a "mock" trial (Peter and John had done nothing illegal) of men who represented Jesus and he said He was alive! You can imagine the reaction of Annas and Caiaphas to this news (which they had undoubtedly heard from other sources, but now from the mouth of men who traveled intimately with Jesus)! Caiaphas (2533) (Kaiaphas) means “rock” or “depression.” He was the high priest at the time of Jesus' crucifixion (he served 18-36 AD) and was over the second illegal trial (Mt 26:3, 57). He was the son-in-law of Annas and a chief player in the plot to have Jesus arrested and executed (Woe to him!). Little is known about Caiaphas beyond what can be learned from the New Testament. Evidently he was appointed high priest about A.D. 18 and removed from office about A.D. 36 or 37. In John 18:14 he made somewhat of a "prophetic" pronouncement "Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people." Caiaphas - 9x - Mt 26:3,57; Lk 3:2; Jn 11:49; 18:13-14,24,28; Acts 4:6 Related Resources: American Tract Society Caiaphas Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Caiaphas Easton's Bible Dictionary Caiaphas Holman Bible Dictionary Caiaphas Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Caiaphas Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Caiaphas Caiaphas (2) Watson's Theological Dictionary Caiaphas International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Caiaphas Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Caiaphas McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Caiaphas The Nuttall Encyclopedia Caiaphas The Jewish Encyclopedia Caiaphas RELIGIOUS AND LOST - The men gathered to interrogate Peter and John were a "who's who" of the most powerful and prominent religious leaders of Israel. These men knew the Old Testament Scriptures in painstaking detail. They were completely immersed in a world of religious ritual. They could argue theology for hours on end. The only problem was, they were spiritually lost! God, in the person of Jesus Christ, had been in their very presence, and they had missed him. Worse than that, they had killed him! Now they were blindly trying to silence the messengers of Christ. Here is a powerful demonstration of the truth that knowing about God is not enough. We must know him in a personal way. Until we encounter God through Christ and humbly receive his forgiveness, all our religious acts count for nothing. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) Acts 4:7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" KJV Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? When they had placed them in the center Acts 5:27; 1 Kings 21:12-14; John 8:3,9 By what power Ex 2:14; Mt 21:23; Mark 11:28; John 2:18 in what name Acts 4:10; 5:28,40 Acts 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CENTER STAGE FOR PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL! When they had placed them in the center - Peter and John and the healed lame man (cf Acts 4:14) were placed in what was called the Hall of Hewn Stones, (watch this computer animation) the meeting place of the Sanhedrin (see also Wikipedia) during the Second Temple period. In the diagram above, one can picture these three men standing in the center facing their accusers, 70 men (plus the high priest who presided) who were sitting in a semi-circle and elevated chairs so that they looked down with disapproval and scowls on their faces at the accused! Talk about an intimidating power play! Peter was intimidated by a servant girl in his denial of Jesus. But then Peter was "empty," filled only with "self." Now as we see in the next verse Peter is "full," filled with the Spirit and filled with boldness (cf Acts 4:31+). Homer Kent comments that "The Sanhedrin was acting within its jurisdiction when it convened to examine Peter and John. the Mosaic Law specified that whenever someone performed a miracle and used it as the basis for teaching, he was to be examined, and if the teaching were used to lead men away from the God of their fathers, the nation was responsible to stone him (Dt 13:1-5). On the other hand, if his message was doctrinally sound, the miracle-worker was to be accepted as coming with a message from God." (Jerusalem to Rome) Began to inquire is in the imperfect tense - You can just picture the three men in the center of the Council, being repeatedly questioned, over and over! A veritable "Jewish inquistion!" They began to inquire (4441)(punthanomai) means to inquire, ask, seek to learn usually from someone (Mt 2:4; Lk 15:26; 18:36; Jn 4:52; Acts 4:7; 10:18, 29; 21:33; 23:19f. The word carries the sense of asking by inquiry, rather than asking by making a request to receive something. (2). To learn by inquiry, to find out by inquiry (Acts 23:34). When the twins Jacob and Esau struggled in the womb, Rebekah "went to inquire of the LORD." (Ge 25:22). Gilbrant - In classical Greek the word is used in four related ways. The first is to learn from a person. The second is to hear and thereby to learn. The third is to make an inquiry. The fourth is to ask for something from another (Liddell-Scott). The classical usage is much softer than the later New Testament meaning of “demand.” Punthanomai appears in the Septuagint on several occasions, generally indicating an inquiry of any sort. Concerned over the jostling of Jacob and Esau in her womb, Rebekah “inquired” of the Lord (Genesis 25:22). When he saw great piles of tithed items, Hezekiah “asked” the priest about them (2 Chronicles 31:9). A certain Heliodorus, upon arriving in Jerusalem, inquired about the situation there (2 Maccabees 3:9). Strong's says punthanomai means "to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from <G2065> (erotao), which properly means a request as a favor; and from <G154> (aiteo), which is strictly a demand of something due; as well as from <G2212> (zeteo), which implies a search for something hidden; and from <G1189> (deomai), which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication to learn (by casual intelligence) :- ask, demand, enquire, understand. Punthanomai - 11x in 11v - ask(1), asking(2), inquire(4), inquired(2), inquiring(1), learned(1). Matt. 2:4; Lk. 15:26; Lk. 18:36; Jn. 4:52; Acts 4:7; Acts 10:18; Acts 10:29; Acts 21:33; Acts 23:19; Acts 23:20; Acts 23:34. Used 6 times in the Septuagint - Ge 25:22; 2 Chr. 31:9; 32:31; Est. 3:13; 6:4; Da 2:15; Matthew 2:4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. Luke 15:26 “And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. Luke 18:36 Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. John 4:52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” Acts 4:7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Acts 10:18 and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. Acts 10:29 “That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. So I ask for what reason you have sent for me.” Acts 21:33 Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. Acts 23:19 The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” Acts 23:20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. Acts 23:34 When he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, WHAT POWER? WHAT NAME? By what power, or in what name (see Acts 3:6+), have you done this? - You cannot see it in the English translations, but the Greek sentence closes with "touto humeis" which is essentially a contemptuous or derogatory "you people." What sort of power, what kind of name? Why do the members of the Sanhedrin ask these questions? Where were their credentials? What theological training had they had to give them the right to speak out on the Scriptures? Of course the real reason they were asking is because they were annoyed (that might be too mild) that Peter spoke of the resurrection of Jesus (cf Acts 3:15, Acts 3:21) which of course pointed the people to the truth that Jesus had literally been resurrected from the dead. And as noted, the liberal, anti-supernaturalistic Sadducees did not believe in the doctrine of the resurrection. But there is one other factor to consider. Now, think about this for a moment. Why would they want to know the power and the name? If the source of the power and the name is any other name then God (Adonai), then the Sanhedrin would have grounds for accusing Peter and John of blasphemy, the very thing with which they had accused the Lord Jesus (Mt 26:65, 66). Then they would have justification to turn them over to the Roman authorities to be executed. Peter and John must have known this was their devilish plot, but this dilemma did not deter them from speaking the Name of Jesus, for they knew that was not blasphemy! A T Robertson on in what name - As if by some magical formula such as exorcists practised (Acts 19:13) as if to catch them by (Dt. 13:1). “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ (TO THE SANHEDRIN "JESUS" WOULD BE TANTAMOUNT TO "OTHER GODS") 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. 5 “But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the LORD your God who brought you from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to seduce you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from among you. (Dt 13:1-5) Power (1411)(dunamis) in this context speaks of supernatural power. What is your "power source?" Recall the Jews had accused Jesus of casting out a demon by the power of "Beelzebul the ruler of the demons"! (See Mt 12:22, 23, 24) Regarding the name, the NET note explains "The issue of the "name" comes up again here. This question, meaning "by whose authority," surfaces an old dispute (see Luke 20:1–8+). Who speaks for God about the ancient faith?" I might add that some suggest that the phrase "in what name" speaks of exorcism practices, and so the religious leaders may have wanted to know "What formula" did you use? (see Acts 19:13-16 ) Lenski on have you done this - The English cannot reproduce the pointed τοῦτο ὑμεῖς at the end of the question: "this things—you," fellows like you. The pronoun has an emphasis of scorn. "This thing" declines to describe it in any way, for that would bring into prominence the greatness and the beneficence of the deed of the apostles. Not what they had done is asked about, for who could condemn the restoration of a congenital cripple; the way they had done what they had done, the means by which they had done it, are assailed....Now also the Jewish exorcists claimed to do wonderful things by using the formulas of their day, the names of the patriarchs or the name of Solomon, and this procedure was considered proper and orthodox. The question thus implies that, if some other power and especially some other name was used by the apostles, they lay themselves open to the most serious charge. Jesus of Nazareth was regarded as a rank blasphemer in the eyes of the Sanhedrin because he had called himself the Son of God. To use his power and his name for healing, no matter what the blessed result, was using the power and the name that were as blasphemous as this blasphemer himself. (The Interpretation of The Acts of the Apostles) Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of the people, KJV Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 4:31; 2:4; 7:55; Mt 10:19,20; Luke 12:11,12; 21:14,15 Acts 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HOW TO RESPOND TO PERSECUTION How did Peter respond to unjust treatment? By being filled with the Holy Spirit and in so doing he shows us how we too can respond to persecution. Of course he did not fill himself, but he surrendered to the Spirit, confessed any known sin, repented, and ultimately yielded himself to the Spirit's control. Note that Peter did not get more of the Spirit, but the Spirit did "get more" of him, and the same dynamic applies to our lives beloved. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them - It is interesting that in Ephesians 5:18-19+, the first Greek word in verse 19 is laleo in the present tense which is significant as it shows that one of the first "effects" of being filled with/controlled by the Spirit (and not by alcohol or other "intoxications" of the world - as in Eph 5:18a) is controlled speech! And all through Acts, it is not just "controlled" speech, but it is bold speech. As the Life Application Commentary says "There are two kinds of courage: reckless courage that is unaware of the dangers it faces, and the courage that knows the peril and yet is undaunted. Peter's boldness is of the latter variety. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) Jesus had promised the disciples supernatural enablement to speak boldly “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11–12) (Mt 10:18-20 is similar adding in v20 "“For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.") Peter was ready to make a defense which is what he called on all believers to do in his first epistle... But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness (cf A GOOD DEED BY PETER AND JOHN), you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but (INSTEAD OF BEING FEARFUL OF MEN - cf Isa 8:13) sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts (CHRIST RULING ONE'S HEART, NOT FEAR! IF HE IS LORD, HE IS IN CONTROL!), always being ready to make a defense (apologia) (AN ANSWER BACK, NOT AN EXCUSE) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; (1 Pe 3:14-15+) Alexander Maclaren said "Only he who can say, "The Lord is the strength of my life" can go on to say, "Of whom shall I be afraid?" The verb filled is aorist tense, meaning at a point in time and in context a point in time in the past. Passive voice signifies that the filling is from a Source independent of Peter. Peter's yielded spirit and obedient walk, allowed the Spirit to exert His influence and power in and through Peter. There was no emotional high or mystical filling associated with Peter's filling. Peter did not even pray to be filled. He simply walked in a manner worthy of the Lord, which resulted in his being filled. That's how Peter was filled and that is how every believer in Christ can be filled. Obviously, one needs to keep short accounts of one's sin. We all struggle with sin and we all sin every day. In order to not grieve or quench the Spirit's filling and power, we need to confess our sins and repent of our sins. Filled (4092)(pimplemi from the obsolete pláō = to fill) to fill, to make full, to complete. It as was used of literal filling (as boat filled with fish so that it began to sink - Lk 5:7), filling a sponge with sour wine (Mt 27:48), of a wedding hall filled with dinner guests (Mt 22:10), in Lxx of filling a skin with water (Ge 21:19, 24:16). In this context of course Luke is speaking figuratively of Peter filled with the Spirit in the sense that he was wholly (good pun - "Holy") imbued, affected and influenced by the Spirit. It was used this way in Acts 2:4 of the Spirit filling the disciples. In Acts 3:10 it was used on the Jewish crowd "filled with wonder and amazement." It is used again in Acts 4:31 to describe the disciples "all filled with the Holy Spirit," Who controlled them and empowered them "to speak the Word of God (THE GOSPEL) with boldness." In Acts 5:17 it describes the Sadducees who "were filled with jealously." Remember, what (Who) fills you controls you. I agree with Dr John MacArthur that "ALL Christian ministry and witness depends on the filling of the Holy Spirit." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) I would add that "all fruitful" ministry depends on filling with the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Php 1:19), for Jesus Himself made it crystal clear when He declared to His disciples that "apart from Me you can do (absolutely) nothing (pleasing to God or of eternal value)!" (Jn 15:5) How much ministerial activity in your church would continue if the Holy Spirit were removed? Rulers and elders of the people - Peter teaches us all a lesson about how to handle persecution. Bless those who curse you! And he blesses them by giving them the Gospel! And he does so in the next verses with absolutely no compromise.
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Wiersbe adds that the Spirit filled... believer sings to himself as well as to the other believers and to the Lord. Our singing must be from our hearts and not just our lips. But if the Word of God is not in our hearts (cp Mt 12:34, Col 3:16), we cannot sing from our hearts. This shows how important it is to know the Word of God, for it enriches our public and private worship of God...Someone has said that a successful Christian life involves attention to three books: God’s Book, the Bible; the pocketbook; and the hymn book. I agree. I often use a hymnal in my devotional time, to help express my praise to God. As a believer grows in his knowledge of the Word (cp 2Pe 3:18), he will want to grow in his expression of praise. He will learn to appreciate the great hymns of the church, the Gospel songs, and the spiritual songs that teach spiritual truths. To sing only the elementary songs of the faith is to rob himself of spiritual enrichment. (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor) In Acts we see the opposite attitude of allowing oneself to be controlled by the Spirit, the unbelieving Jews described by Stephen as... You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting (present tense = continually) the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. (Acts 7:51) Comment: Resist is antipipto from anti = against + pipto = fall and so literally means fall against, rush against; hence, strive against, oppose, resist by actively opposing pressure, force, power or violence. To resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. Antonyms of resist are to accept, submit, surrender or yield The person who is filled with sorrow (Jn 16:6) is no longer under his own control but is under the control of that emotion. In the same way, someone who is filled with fear (Luke 5:26), anger (Luke 6:11), jealously (Acts 5:17) or even Satan (Acts 5:3) is no longer under his or her own control, but under the control of that which "fills". This sense is so important to understand that it is elaborated on more in the section below. The point is that to be filled is to be totally dominated and/or controlled by what fills you and this is shade of meaning of pleroo that is especially relevant to our understanding of Paul's command in Ephesians 5:18.
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Wiersbe writes "The best defense of the truth of the Christian faith is a changed life. The healed beggar was "Exhibit A" in Peter's defense of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his evangelistic ministries, the Methodist preacher Samuel Chadwick used to pray for "a Lazarus" in every campaign, some "great sinner" whose conversion would shock the community. He got the idea from John 12:9-11. God answered his prayers in meeting after meeting as infamous wicked men trusted Christ and became witnesses through their changed lives. Let's go after the "hard cases" and see what God can do! (Bible Exposition Commentary – Be Dynamic). Stands (3936)(paristemi from para = near, beside + histemi = place, set) literally means to place or set beside or near. Luke uses this verb frequently in Acts - Acts 1:3 (presented Himself alive); Acts 1:10; Acts 4:10; Acts 4:26; Acts 9:39; Acts 9:41; Acts 23:2; Acts 23:4; Acts 23:24; Acts 23:33; Acts 24:13; Acts 27:23; Acts 27:24 Good health (whole, healthy)(5199)(hugies - gives us English "hygiene") literally refers to being physically (and mentally) well or sound (emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction).
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Wiersbe - All of us need to follow Peter’s example and make our decisions on the basis of “Is it right?” and not “Is it popular?” or “Is it safe?” However, we must be sure that we have the clear teaching of the Word of God on our side before we take a stand against the authority of the government. Peter knew what the Lord had commanded the believers to do (Acts 1:8), and he was going to obey Him at any cost. (Bible Exposition Commentary) About what we have seen and heard - To speak of what they had seen and heard is an excellent description of a witness. A witness tells what they have seen and heard. The apostles are simply obeying their Lord Who had said but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8+)
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Wiersbe adds that "Division in the church always hinders prayer and robs the church of spiritual power." Notice their pattern of prayer in response to persecution - Acts 4:24 begins with praise for God's omnipotence. Acts 4:25-28 praises God for His omniscience (prophecy then fulfillment of Psalm 2). Acts 4:29-30 are specific prayer requests for boldness in view of the real threats against their Lord, against their leaders and against their witness as the Body of Christ. And not only did they ask for courage but for confirmation that the hand of God was with them ("heal and signs and wonders" - Acts 4:29). (See multiple resources on the Hand of the Lord.) One accord (3661)(homothumadon/homothymadon from a combination of homos = same + thumos/thymos = temperament or mind) means with one mind, unity of mind, with one purpose, with unanimous consent, of one accord. In a word it means together. One lexicon says homothumadon means "to be of one soul." It speaks of an action agreed upon unanimously (with one impulse) or by common consent. Luke has 10/11 NT uses of homothumadon all in Acts (Ro 15:6 is the other use) - Acts 1:14; Acts 2:46; Acts 4:24; Acts 5:12; Acts 7:57; Acts 8:6; Acts 12:20; Acts 15:25; Acts 18:12; Acts 19:29
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Wiersbe: Psalm 2 describes the revolt of the nations against the Lord and His Christ. The psalm originally grew out of the crowning of a new king in Israel, perhaps David, but its ultimate message points to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Whenever a new king was enthroned, the vassal rulers around were required to come and submit to him, but some of them refused to do this. God only laughed at their revolt, for He knew that they could never stand up against His King. Acts 4:26 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' KJV Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. kings of the earth Ps 83:2-8; Joel 3:9-14; Rev 17:12-14,17; Rev 19:16-21 Against the Lord and His Christ Rev 11:15; 12:10 Acts 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE KINGS AND RULERS CRUCIFY JESUS THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER - What is the early church saying as they quote Psalm 2 in their prayer? They interpret Psalm 2 as related to the crucifixion and acknowledge that the Gentiles (Romans), the people (Jewish laity), kings and rulers (including religious rulers like the high priests Caiaphas and Annas) were involved in crime against the Messiah. However, the final fulfillment of Psalm 2 awaits the final rebellion of kings and rulers against the Messiah which will take place at the end of this present age and is described in the Revelation of John. For example, John records “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 “These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” (Rev 17:12-14+) And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. (Rev 19:16-21+)