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We Cannot But Speak the Things Which We Have Seen and Heard

Text: Acts 4
5 February 2017

UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHALLENGE TO BEAR WITNESS

1. Initial understanding   (Acts 1:8)

2. Growing understanding   (Acts 1:22)

3. Actual practice of witnessing   (Acts 2:32)

4. Deep commitment to bearing witness   (Acts 4:20)

OPPOSITION TO THE EARLY CHURCH

1. The Apostles arrested   (Acts 4:1-3)

a) They were disturbed that they were preaching about the resurrection of Jesus
b) The Apostles Peter and John were held in custody

2. The Apostles were tried by the Sanhedrin Council   (Acts 4:5-7)

a) Interrogated by the Council
b) This was supposed to be intimidating to the Apostles

THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. The promise of the Lord Jesus

a) The Spirit will speak through the disciples (Matthew 10:20)
b) The Spirit of God will empower   (Acts 1:8)

2. The presence of the Holy Spirit

a) Filled the Apostle Peter
b) He spoke boldly, bearing witness   (Acts 4:8-14)
c) The “uneducated and untrained” were holding their own   (Acts 4:13)

THREAT GIVEN TO THE APOSTLES

1. Plan to “severely threaten” Peter and John   (Acts 4:17, 21)

2. Command given to them not to speak in the name of Jesus   (Acts 4:18)

BOLD RESPONSE OF PETER AND JOHN

1. To listen to the Council or to listen to God?   (Acts 4:19)

2. We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard   (Acts 4:20)

RESULTS OF BOLD WITNESSING

1. Many came to faith in the Lord

2. The men numbered 5000   (Acts 4:4)

3. Many glorified the Lord   (Acts 4:21)