Topical Encyclopedia Context and BackgroundPeter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a central figure in the early Christian church. Following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Peter emerged as a prominent leader among the apostles, boldly proclaiming the gospel message. His leadership is particularly evident in the early chapters of the Book of Acts, where he plays a crucial role in the establishment and expansion of the church. Accusation by the Council The account of Peter being accused by the council is found in Acts 4. After healing a man who was lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful, Peter and John were confronted by the religious authorities. The healing, performed in the name of Jesus Christ, drew significant attention and led to Peter preaching to the gathered crowd about Jesus' resurrection. The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed by their teaching and the proclamation of the resurrection of the dead through Jesus. Consequently, Peter and John were seized and put in custody until the next day (Acts 4:1-3). The following day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which included the high priest and other influential leaders. They were questioned about the power or name by which they had performed the healing (Acts 4:5-7). Peter's Defense Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly addressed the council. He began by acknowledging the good deed done to the crippled man and clarified that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified and whom God had raised from the dead, that the man stood healed (Acts 4:8-10). Peter's defense was not merely a response to the accusation but a powerful proclamation of the gospel. He declared, "This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4:11). He further emphasized the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus, stating, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The boldness and clarity of Peter's defense astonished the council, especially considering that Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men. The council recognized them as having been with Jesus, which added to their amazement (Acts 4:13). Outcome Despite the council's astonishment, they were unable to deny the miracle, as the healed man stood before them. However, to prevent the spread of the apostles' teaching, they warned Peter and John not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John, unwavering in their mission, replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). After further threats, the council released them, finding no basis to punish them due to the people's praise of God for the miraculous healing (Acts 4:21-22). Significance Peter's defense before the council is a testament to his transformation from a disciple who once denied Jesus to a bold proclaimer of the gospel. His reliance on the Holy Spirit and unwavering commitment to the truth of Christ's resurrection serve as an enduring example of faith and courage in the face of opposition. Nave's Topical Index Acts 4:1-23And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came on them, Nave's Topical Index Library Testimonies of the Ancients against Eusebius. His Conversion General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas Of the Primacy of the Romish See. The General Conference of 1836 Arrest and Trial of Jesus. Galatians Chapter ii. John Wycliffe. Resources Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 Peter - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.org Peter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |
    |