Acts 4:1-2
Summary for Acts 4:1-22: 4:1-22 a Persecution was a common experience of God’s people throughout the Bible. God’s servants often faced hostility and opposition (Deut 30:7 b; 1 Kgs 18:13 c; Neh 4:1-3 d; Jer 37–38 e; Matt 23:34-37 f; Luke 11:49-51 g; 1 Thes 2:14-15 h). Jesus himself was persecuted (Luke 4:29 i; John 5:16 j), and he told his disciples to expect the same kind of treatment (Matt 10:23 k; 24:9 l; Mark 13:9 m; Luke 21:12 n; John 16:2 o), but he promised that the Holy Spirit would provide strength (Acts 1:8 p; Luke 12:11-12 q; 21:15 r). Acts records frequent times of persecution (Acts 4:3 s; 5:17-41 t; 7:54–8:3 u; 9:1-2 v; 11:19 w; 12:2 x; 13:50 y; 14:19 z; 16:19-24 aa), but Acts also reiterates that the Holy Spirit empowers disciples to bear witness in such circumstances (2:44 ab; 4:8-13 ac; 6:10 ad; 7:55 ae). The boldness of Peter and John before the hostile high council exemplifies facing persecution with courage and power (4:20 af). 4:1 ag Sadducees: See profile for The Sadducees at end of chapter.
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