Acts 4:23-35

1- What they prayed (vv. 23-28)

2- What they did NOT pray (vv. 29-31)

3- The Results (vv. 32-35)

1. What they prayed (vv. 23-28)

“When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” (Acts 4:23–28, ESV)

For many of us, prayer is not our initial response to good news.

The primary theme of their prayer is God’s sovereignty and power.

The first Christians knew that God was in complete control.

Do we pray with this same confidence?

The early church used Scripture as a way to ignite their prayer life. Scripture guided and controlled their prayers.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)

2. What they did not pray (vv. 29-31)

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29–31, ESV)

As we pray for protection, we must also ask God to give us strength to endure the dangers that come with faithful gospel ministry.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

How is the church to operate in a culture that is increasingly hostile to what we believe and embrace? Verse 29 gives us the answer.

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31, ESV)

Two things happened in verse 31:

1. They prayed for boldness

2. They walked in boldness

The default position of most dying churches where the environment finds the Word of God and the claims of Jesus offensive, is for them to say, “Let’s soften the stances of the Bible in order to win people to Jesus.”

Every time, what ends up being discovered is it’s not just those issues which are offensive, it’s Jesus Himself.

To neglect people’s greatest need, to simply engage in their felt needs, does nothing in the long term to change their hearts, their situations, or the world around them.

We are to be bold, yet gracious people.

The message of the gospel:

The pardon is on the table for each and every person to accept or reject.

3. The Results (vv. 32-35)

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:32–35, ESV)

The people of God (the church) were a people marked by their generosity.

The local church should be the place where the most difficult people find a home, find grace, and where they find those willing to walk alongside them for the long haul.

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)

We are storytellers, and we have 1 thing to praise.

Boldness for Beginners (HEADER)

1. Say something when saying nothing would be easier.

2. Take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

-Offer to pray for someone

-Ask someone if you can share your story with them

3. Create opportunities

-Invite your co-workers to lunch

-Include someone that you don’t normally include

-Take time to get to know your neighbors

4. Get involved in missions

5. Ask God for boldness