Reading for April 16th

Read Acts 4.1-22
4.1-22: Arrest and trial for the name.
In verses 1-2: As the major Jewish institution which the Roman allowed, the temple had its own officials and security force.
Proclamation of the resurrection ... in Jesus is regarded as a threat to the temple, perhaps especially by the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection (23.6-10).
In verse 4: The five thousand believers indicates a substantial response (2.41; Lk 9.14).
In verses 5-6: This list indicates the composition of the council or Sanhedrin of the Temple (4.15; Lk 19.47; 22.66), reflecting the succession in the high priesthood from Annas (6-15 CE) to Caiaphas (18-36 CE).
In verse 7: The question of power or name is a challenge of the legitimacy of their authority (Lk 20.2).
In verse 8: Luke emphasizes that the rulers of the people and elders are now confronted with the authority of the Holy Spirit (see also 2.4; 4.31; 6.5; 7.55; 9.17; 11.24; 13.9).
In verse 10: This public trial is again an occasion for the testimony to all Israel (2.14, 36) and another indictment for the crucifixion of the messiah (2.23-24; 3.14-15; 5.30-31; 7.51-53).
In verse 11: Ps 118.22 is again (see Lk 20.17) used as a charge against the authorities.
In verse 12: This is one of the most exclusive statements about Jesus in the New testament (see also Jn 14.6), again linking his roles as messiah and savior (see Lk 2.11).
In Luke's narrative, to be saved means physical, social, and spiritual well-being in life and death.
In verse 13: Like contemporary preaching philosophers, the apostles were known for their boldness in speech (4.29-31; 18.26; 28.31).
In verse 14: In Lk 21,15, Jesus promised "words and wisdom" which opponents could not contradict.
In verses 19-20: As in Socrates' classic defense of his teaching before the court in Athens (Apology 29D), the apostles show deference to the court's judgment about what is right in God's sight, but take responsibility for what they must do themselves in continuing to speak no matter what the consequences (5.29).
In verse 21: As with Jesus (Lk 19.47-48; 20.19; 22.2), the officials are frustrated in their efforts to silence the apostles because of the people.
In verse 22: The unusual healing was a sign of healing because it pointed to God's fulfillment of an ancient promise of restoration (3.8).
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