Lecture Notes: Acts Series - Acts Chapter 4

Topic: Witness Tampering

• Definition: Witness tampering involves intimidation or fear to influence a witness to change their testimony or abstain from testifying.
• Purpose: Prevent eyewitness accounts that could lead to conviction.
• Application: Each believer is called to be a witness for God, sharing their faith and testimony despite challenges or discouragements.

Key Message

• Sermon in a Sentence: Even when they tamper, keep witnessing because Jesus can't be contained.

Themes Explored in Acts Chapter 4

1. Expect Conflict

• Background: Peter and John heal a lame man in Acts 3, leading to a sermon and conversion.
• Opposition: Sadducees, temple guards, and high priests oppose them due to their teachings on Jesus and resurrection.
• Reality: Religious leaders wanted to maintain the status quo and their political status.
• Outcome: Despite imprisonment, 5,000 people come to faith.

2. Express Confidence

• Power Source: Believers' power comes from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
• Peter’s Response: Filled with the Holy Spirit, attributes the miracle to Jesus Christ whom the leaders crucified.
• Courage and Boldness: Despite being unschooled, Peter and John speak with authority, indicating they've been with Jesus.

Important Lessons

A. Witness of the Gospel

• Persistence: Share the Gospel regardless of opposition; the message of Jesus works even when messengers are silenced.
• Planting Seeds: Gospel seeds can grow over time, impacting lives long-term.

B. Jesus as the Cornerstone

• Rejection Turns to Foundation: Jesus, though rejected, is the cornerstone of faith.
• Salvation: Exclusive to Jesus, as stated in Acts 4:12, emphasizing the exclusivity of Christ in salvation.

C. The Power of Standing

• Personal Testimonies: Believers' lives are testimonies to God’s power; standing firm in faith is a witness on its own.
• Encouragement: Continue standing through challenges as it testifies to God’s work.

Conclusion

• Continued Witness: Despite opposition, Peter and John could not stop sharing what they had seen and heard about Jesus.
• Personal Reflection: As believers, acknowledge and give credit to Jesus for our lives and witness to His deeds and words.