Acts 4:1-31

I. Reactions to preaching

A. The religious leaders were unhappy (Acts 4:1-3)
B. HOWEVER “many believed” (Acts 4:4; 2:47; 5:14; 5:42-6:1; 17:6)

II. Opposition to the early church

A. Peter and John before the council (Acts 4:5-7)
B. Peter’s answer (Acts 4:8-12; 2:36; 2:24; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 1:21; John 14:6)
C. The council’s reaction (Acts 4:13)
D. The council’s opposition (Acts 4:14-18)
E. Peter and John refused (Acts 4:19-22; 5:29)

III. The reaction of the early church to persecution

A. Praise (Acts 4:23-28)
B. Prayer for boldness (Acts 4:29-30)
C. God’s answer (Acts 4:31)