Bible Studies

In Between the Topics (Acts 3 and 4)

This Bible study series was designed by our pastor, Rev. Reginald E. Bryant.

  • Acts 3

    In Between the Topics (Acts 3)


    Acts 3:1-12 - Silver, Gold, and the Power of God


    The Healing at the Gate (vs. 1-3)

    • Significance of the Account - Relationship to Acts 2:43, Account the contributions of Peter, Purpose > Prosecution
    • Designated Time for Designated Purpose - To Pray but not to Sacrifice; Reference John 19:30
    • Supported Condition - Changed Condition

    What Peter Said (vs. 4-6)

    • Lame Man Looked/Expected
    • Example of a "Version of Faith"
    • Expecting the Right Things from God
    • Sharing the Supernatural

    What the Lame Man Did (vs. 7-10)

    • Supernatural Faith produces the Received Miracle
    • Validation/Verification/Celebration (Acts 4:22, 3:10)

    Peter Begins His Second Sermon (3:11-12)

    • Introduction: Why do you think 'we" have done something great?
    • Seizing the Opportunity: Testimonial period of the "Walking Man" or Preach the Gospel (Romans 10:17); Peter gives Glory to God by deflecting and rejecting any praise towards himself (reminds the crowd that the miracle is not an anomaly)

    Peter Preaches Jesus (vs 13-15)

    • Connection of New Testament realities to Old Testament relationship
    • Jesus as the Servant (Isaiah 42; 52:13-53; 12)
    • Delivered and Denied (John 18:29; 19:16)
    • Holy One/Exchanged for a Murderer (Luke 23:13-25) / The Price of Life

    How the Man was Healed (vs 16)

    • And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong
    • Through Faith in His name - Not good intentions; Not talents and gifts; Not material resources; Not reputation and prior success; Not hard or smart work

    Further Explanation of the Sufferings of Christ (vs 19-21)

    • Call to Repentence - as repeated in Acts 2:38
    • Conversion - 1 Corinthians 5:17
    • "Blotted Out"  - context of wiping ink off of a document. This was a relative context understood by those to whom were being preached.
    • To be Refreshed - (Matthew 23:37-39, Romans 11:25-27)

    Danger of Rejection (vs 22-26)

    • Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19

  • Acts 4

    In Between the Topics (Acts 4)


    Peter's Sermon to Jewish Leaders (4:1-12)


    The Arrest of Peter and John (1-4)

    • Human Challenges of the Early Church: few in numbers, inexperienced leadership, commanded to be non-violent, institutional opposition (layered)
    • "However" +5,000: Acts 2:41

    Peter and John Stand Before the Sanhedrin (5-7)

    • Same group that condemn Jesus
    • Legitimate Inquiry?: what they did; how they did it

    Peter Sermonette and Defense (8-12)

    • Filled with the Spirit - Acts 2:4
    • Psalms 118:22
    • "Nor is there salvation in any other" (Confirms John 14:6)

    The Reaction and Response (4:13-22)


    The Character of the Apostles (13)

    • uneducated + untrained > marvel
    • knew the scriptures and had been with Jesus produced "holy" boldness

    Witness of the man who was healed (14)

    • Acts 3:2

    Deliberation and Sanction (15-18)

    • Connection to Paul? Acts 26:10

    Peter and John Respond (19-20)

    • 2 Timothy 2:4
    • Acts 1:8

    Peter and John Released (21-22): To God be the Glory (Gensis 50:20)

    • 2000 or 5000 souls were added
    • Peter's Fresh Annointing
    • Peter Preaches to the Jewish Leaders (Proverbs 18:16)
    • Naysayers confirm the miracle of healing (Matthew 27:54)
    • The enemies of Jesus were confounded

    A Prayer for Boldness (4:23-31)

    • They acknowledge God (23-24) - 2 Kings 19:15
    • They pray the Scriptures (25-28) -Psalms 2:1 / Ephesians 6:12 / Psalms 32:3-4 / Ephesians 3:16
    • They ask for more boldness and power (29-30)
    • Their pryer is answered (31) - Earthquake as acknowledgement of God's Presense (Acts 16:25-26)

    A Sharing Heart (4:32-37)