Opposition To The Gospel Acts 4:1-22 9/10/17; Grace Church of Lockeford; 368; #21

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1 Opposition To The Gospel Acts 4:1-22 9/10/17; Grace Church of Lockeford; 368; #21 Introduction We must consider three things here. First, as soon as the truth of the Gospel appears, Satan sets himself against it and tries to defeat it from the outset. Second, God gives his children invincible strength so they can withstand Satan s attacks. Third, we must note what happens in this matter and how it ends. 1 Persecution is an inevitable element of genuine Christian faith Opposition In The Form Of Arrest And Interrogation vv a. Arrested for the name of Jesus vv. 1-4 i. Teaching resurrection in Jesus name vv Discovery v. 1 The police action is taken by a group of people responsible for public order within the temple area. 3 and the Sadducees who say that there is no resurrection (Ac 23:8), irritated at the apostles preaching through (rather, in ) Jesus the resurrection from the dead ; for the resurrection of Christ, if a fact, effectually overthrew the Sadducean doctrine. 4 Narratively, this signals the underlying reason for the rejection of Messiah by the nation their wayward leadership. 5 In the book of Acts persecution was largely Sadducean. They were the materialistic rationalists of their day denying the supernatural, denying evil spirits, denying angels (see Acts 23:8). Above all, they denied the Resurrection (see Mark 12:18), which the apostles boldly preached. To the Sadducees, the Messiah was simply an ideal and the messianic age a process Disturbance v. 2 Greatly disturbed διαπονέομαι (diaponeomai) be (greatly) disturbed. To be irked to be or become greatly irritated or vexed. Verb, present, either middle or passive, circumstantial participle, plural, nominative, masculine. In the Gospels the Pharisees are represented as the great opponents of Christ; in the Acts it is the Sadducees who are the most violent opponents of the apostles. 7 They were particularly disturbed about the message of the resurrection (v. 2). To say that Christ rose would buttress the Pharisees teaching regarding the 1 J. I. Packer, Introduction, in Acts, ed. Alister McGrath, Crossway Classic Commentaries (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1995), Ac 4: R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), Press, 1980), Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), Alberto S. Valdés, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Grace New Testament Commentary, ed. Robert N. Wilkin (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010), R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 1 (New York: Charles Scribner s Sons, 1887), 464.

2 resurrection, which the Sadducees rejected. The trial, however, was before the whole Sanhedrin, which at that time consisted of a mixture of the Sadducean nobility (priestly and lay) and pharisaic scholars. 8 The Sadducees were greatly disturbed by Peter and John s preaching because it directly opposed the Sadducees denial of the resurrection and would also shake the establishment. 9 Taught διδάσκω (didaskō) teach; instruct. To teach v. to impart skills or knowledge to. Verb, present, active, substantival infinitive. The religious leaders were not only disturbed at the apostles teaching, but likely offended that they were instructing the people in the first place. The priests and Sadducees, along with the Pharisees, typically occupied the role of teachers, and the apostles have usurped that status with great success. 10 Preached καταγγέλλω (katangellō) proclaim. To announce broadly v. to make known openly and with wide distribution. Verb, present, active, substantival infinitive. They objected on principle to the doctrine of resurrection in itself, considering it to be a Pharisaic innovation, and they were greatly annoyed because the two apostles, by their insistence on the fact of Jesus resurrection, were so publicly and cogently maintaining that doctrine. 11 They were particularly opposed to the Christians because they claimed to have concrete evidence of the resurrection in the case of Jesus. That this teaching should be going on in the temple made the crime all the worse in their eyes. 12 The Sadducees were also aristocrats and political ecclesiastics who disliked popular disturbances. In particular, they resented the claim about Jesus whom they had helped crucify. 13 Jesus resurrection, guarantees that God s promise to restore everything (3:21) will most surely be fulfilled and that those who trust in Jesus will enjoy all the benefits of the salvation that his resurrection makes possible in the new creation. 14 Two things disturbed these leaders. First, the apostles were teaching the people. This was the Sadducees function since they were the recognized leaders of the Jews. Second, they were teaching that Jesus had risen from the dead and that there was resurrection from the dead Ajith Fernando, Acts, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998), Stanley D. Toussaint, Acts, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ac 4:2. 11 Co., 1988), Press, 1980), A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Ac 4:2. 14 Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4:2.

3 3. Detainment v. 3 Custody τήρησις (tērēsis) prison; custody; keeping. Custody (short) n. a state of being confined; usually for a short time. Noun (prepositional object), accusative, singular, feminine. the apostles were given a night in prison, no doubt with the hope that it might sober them up and give them a warning. Nevertheless, Luke emphasizes, the attack on the apostles in no way hindered the effectiveness of the evangelism. 16 It was too late in the day to begin a hearing to examine Peter and John formally, though this had not stopped the Sanhedrin from abusing Jesus (cf. Luke 22:63 66). Therefore the temple officials arrested them and put them in jail, probably the Antonia Fortress. Thus the Sadducees became the first opponents of Christianity (cf. 2:47). 17 As Christlike virtue is built upon Christlike virtue in his followers lives, the reward is not fame or adulation but persecution! 18 ii. Believing in Jesus name v. 4 Heard ἀκούω (akouō) hear; listen to. To listen v. to hear with intention. Verb, aorist, active, substantival participle, plural, genitive, masculine. Word λόγος (logos) word; message. Speech n. a more sustained act of communication by word of mouth (to an audience); especially to persuade the hearers (to perform some action). Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, masculine. Believed πιστεύω (pisteuō) believe. To trust in Jesus v. to trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the Gospel. Finite verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person, plural. One of the subthemes of Acts is the growth of God s Word in spite of opposition. Like a juggernaut the message irresistibly moved ahead. Two leading apostles were bound, but the Word of God cannot be bound! (Cf. 28:30 31; Phil. 1:12 14.) 19 The narrative shows the relative helplessness of the religious leaders before the progress of the Gospel. 20 Belief was the key factor in many more becoming Christians (cf. 3:19), not believing and being baptized (2:38). Note that Luke wrote that they believed the message they had heard Press, 1980), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4:3. 18 R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), Stanley D. Toussaint, Acts, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), Alberto S. Valdés, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Grace New Testament Commentary, ed. Robert N. Wilkin (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4:4.

4 Where it says that the number of men grew to about five thousand, I take it to mean that this was the total number of the church, rather than five thousand extra people added to the church. 22 b. Interrogated for the name of Jesus vv i. Discerning the source of power vv The discerning body vv. 5-6 Luke thus indicates that the apostles were arraigned before the same court that tried and condemned Jesus. Indeed, here and in 5:17 42, the trial of Jesus is effectively reopened and the evidence about him is presented once more to the leaders of Israel and to Luke s readers. 23 The court was essentially composed of the high priest s family. The Jewish religious system had become so corrupt that the offices were passed from one relative to another without regard for the Word of God. 24 Most of the experts in the Jewish law were Pharisees who were also nationalistic, but the Sadducees supported Rome. The Sadducees were more conservative, though rationalistic theologically, and the Pharisees were more liberal since they accepted oral traditions as authoritative in addition to the Old Testament. 25 a. Religious leaders v. 5 Rulers ἄρχων (archon) official; leader; ruler. Ruler-judge n. a ruler (who makes judicial decisions). Noun (subject), accusative, plural, masculine. Elders πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros) elder. Elder leader n. an older person in the community involved in important religious and social decisions. Adjective of comparison, accusative, plural, masculine. Scribes γραμματεύς (grammateus) scribe. Scholar scribe n. an expert interpreter and teacher of a body of writings; usually the Mosaic Law. Noun (subject), accusative, plural, masculine. The three groups mentioned are probably the three components of the Sanhedrin. The elders were the lay leaders of the community, no doubt the heads of the principal aristocratic families, mostly of Sadducean outlook. The scribes were drawn from the class of lawyers, and mostly belonged to the Pharisaic party. The other group mentioned, the rulers, must be identified with the priestly element in the Sanhedrin; sometimes called the chief priests, these were the holders of various official positions in the administration of the temple J. I. Packer, Introduction, in Acts, ed. Alister McGrath, Crossway Classic Commentaries (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1995), Ac 4:4. 23 Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4:5. 26 Press, 1980), 105.

5 The three classes composing the Sanhedrin (rulers=chief priests who were Sadducees, the scribes usually Pharisees, the elders not in either class: 24 priests, 24 elders, 22 scribes). 27 b. The High priest and family v. 6 If they hoped that they had got rid of him, their hope was short-lived; it looked now as if they were going to have as much trouble on his account as they had had before his death. 28 The title high priest seems to have been used even after someone left office; it seems that Annas was still very influential at this time. 29 The assembly had examined Jesus on trial; now, ironically, they were facing two of Jesus prominent and bold followers! The discerning question v. 7 Power δύναμις (dynamis) power. Power n. possession of controlling influence; often understood as manifesting influence over reality in a supernatural manner. Noun (prepositional object), dative, singular, feminine. By what power or name have ye done this thus admitting the reality of the miracle, which afterwards they confess themselves unable to deny (Ac 4:16). 31 Name ὄνομα (onoma) name. Nature name n. a person s attributes, nature, and very self, understood as summarily comprehended in the person s name. Noun (prepositional object), dative, singular, neuter. The question presumably related primarily to the healing miracle, as Peter assumed (verse 9), and was in effect an invitation to the apostles to explain the authority which enabled them to perform such a miracle. 32 Their question was legal, but they did everything they could to avoid admitting that a miracle had taken place (Acts 4:14). They were evasive and merely referred to the miracle as this. They were probably scornful as well, so that their question might be paraphrased, Where did common people like you get the power and authority to do a thing like this? It was once again the question of By whose name? 33 The accusatory question of the leader provides a perfect setting for Peter to glorify the name of Jesus A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Ac 4:5. 28 Co., 1988), John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ac 4:6. 30 Stanley D. Toussaint, Acts, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), Press, 1980), Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), Alberto S. Valdés, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Grace New Testament Commentary, ed. Robert N. Wilkin (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010), 500.

6 ii. Declaring the power of Christ vv The Spirit of God filling Peter spoke through him a message reported in 92 words of the Greek text, in which Peter turned the tables on the Sanhedrin and put them on trial Declaration of physical healing power vv For such an occasion as this the apostles had already received instructions from their Master: Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict (Luke 21:14 15). They now proved the truth of this assurance. 36 a. Declaration addressed v. 8 Filled πίμπλημι (pimplēmi) fill; fill with. To be filled (supplied) v. to be or become generously supplied with; also in a metaphorical sense. Verb, aorist, passive, circumstantial participle, singular, nominative, masculine. The Holy Spirit supernaturally enabled Peter to give a powerful speech before the council. 37 Jesus had promised that when the disciples stood before hostile adversaries God would give them the words to speak (Luke 21:12 15). This special filling appears to be in view in verse 8. Again, filling reflects control by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit filled (controlled) Peter as he served as a witness in obedience to Jesus (1:8). 38 Luke deliberately adds this so we will know that Peter was not speaking on account of himself. Peter had denied that Christ was his Master through fear of a woman (Matthew 26:70) and so would have fainted in such an impressive court if he had not been upheld by the Spirit. He greatly needed strength and wisdom. He excelled in both so much that his answer was indeed from God. He was a different person from what he used to be. 39 b. Declaration clarified v. 9 Judged ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō) examine; question; judge. To be examined (questioned) v. to be or become questioned or examined thoroughly and closely. Finite verb, present, passive, indicative, first person, plural. Peter points out that trials are convened for crimes, not for acts of mercy and love. He implies that the religious leaders are corrupt Charles C. Ryrie, Acts of the Apostles, Everyman s Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1961), Co., 1988), Alberto S. Valdés, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Grace New Testament Commentary, ed. Robert N. Wilkin (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4:8. 39 J. I. Packer, Introduction, in Acts, ed. Alister McGrath, Crossway Classic Commentaries (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1995), Ac 4:8. 40 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ac 4:9.

7 Helpless ἀσθενής (asthenēs) weak; sick. Ill adj. affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function. Attributive adjective, genitive, singular, masculine. Made well σῴζω (sōzō) deliver; save. to be healed be saved v. to be or become healed, conceived of as being rescued or delivered from imprisonment or other afflictions. Finite verb, perfect, passive, indicative, third person, singular. The worshipers who witnessed what happened praised God while the religious leaders were more concerned with how he was healed than that he was well. 41 c. Declaration presented v. 10 Known γνωστός (gnōstos) known. To be known (state) v. to be or become ascertained with certainty. Predicate adjective, nominative, singular, neuter. Of the responsibility of the men whom Peter was now addressing there could be no doubt; it was they who had handed Jesus over to Pilate, Caiaphas bearing the chief responsibility. (It is to Caiaphas that reference is probably made in Jesus words to Pilate in John 19:11, he who delivered me to you has the greater sin. ) As before, there is a pointed contrast between men s treatment of Jesus and God s treatment of him. 42 Too good a chance to miss, and so Peter boldly charges the Sanhedrin with responsibility for the death of Jesus. 43 They thought they had finished with the Prophet from Nazareth, and now His followers were telling everybody that Jesus was alive! Since the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, Peter s statement was almost a declaration of war! 44 Raised ἐγείρω (egeirō) rise; raise up; get up. To resurrect wake up (someone) v. to resurrect someone, conceived of as causing someone to wake up and arise (out of bed). Finite verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person, singular. Appearing before the supreme court, Peter states solemnly to those present, as representatives of all Israel, that the healing is to be ascribed to the power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (note the solemn use of the full name; cf. 3:6), and reiterates that this person whom they had put to death was the One whom God had raised from the dead Ted Cabal et al., The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), Co., 1988), A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Ac 4: Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), Press, 1980), 106.

8 God, the ultimate authority, raised the one whom the council rejected Jesus. The religious leaders have dramatically misunderstood both the true identity and mission of Jesus and their true standing before God. 46 Peter insists that the healing took place by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, reminding them that it was the same Jesus whom they crucified but whom God raised from the dead. As in 2:22 36 and 3:13 18, Peter is arguing that God has accomplished his purposes through Jesus, despite the opposition of his own people (cf. Jn. 1:11 13). 47 Whole ὑγιής (hygiēs) sound; healthy. Healthy adj. having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease. Predicate adjective, nominative, singular, masculine. 2. Declaration of spiritual healing power vv a. The rejected stone v. 11 Rejected ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō) despise; disdain. To be utterly disdained v. to be treated contemptuously as if completely worthless or despicable. Verb, aorist, passive, substantival participle, singular, nominative, masculine. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, &c. This application of Ps 118:22, already made by our Lord Himself before some of the same builders (Mt 21:42), is here repeated with peculiar propriety after the deed of rejection had been consummated, and the rejected One had, by His exaltation to the right hand of the Majesty on high, become the head of the corner. 48 Cornerstone γωνία (gōnia) corner; angle. Corner area n. the adjacent area (interior or exterior) formed by the intersection of two lines; especially adjacent to streets or walls. Noun, partitive genitive, singular, feminine. Both here and in later Christian use of this testimony, the builders are interpreted as the rulers of the Jewish nation, who failed to acknowledge Jesus as the divinely sent deliverer; but the Stone which they disregarded has now received from God the place of highest distinction: Jesus now sits enthroned at God s right hand. 49 In other words, he is the key figure in God s plan for the restoration of Israel and the whole of his creation. In the original context of the psalm, the stone is either Israel or Israel s king, rejected by the nations but chosen by God for the accomplishment of his purpose John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ac 4: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), Co., 1988), Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), 192.

9 Peter showed that this teaching did not lead the people away from God but rather fulfilled something that God had predicted. 51 b. The restricted salvation v. 12 Members of the Sanhedrin would have agreed that the God of Israel is humanity s only true saviour (cf. Ex. 15:1 11; Is. 43:11 12; 45:22; Ps. 96:1 5). But Peter now insists that the name of Jesus is the exclusive means by which God s saving power can be invoked and experienced. 52 God has tied all salvation exclusively, uniquely, and absolutely to belief in Jesus. Therefore Peter proclaimed nor is there salvation in any other. 53 The messianic age to which the Jews looked forward could only come if Israel s leaders repented and accepted Jesus as their Messiah. 54 Salvation σωτηρία (sōtēria) deliverance; salvation. Salvation n. the state of being delivered or preserved from harm (of judgment); especially as what that state entails, a safe haven in heaven. Noun (subject), nominative, singular, feminine. And from the once rejected but now glorified Jesus, and from him alone, comes true saving health. 55 It was Jesus, then, who saved the lame man. Peter claims that only Jesus can offer salvation in the fullest sense; his is the only name which has received power from God to give salvation to men. Hence there is an implicit appeal to the audience to cease their rejection of Jesus. 56 How sublimely does the apostle, in these closing words, shut up these rulers of Israel to Jesus for salvation, and in what universal and emphatic terms does he hold up his Lord as the one Hope of men! 57 The name of Jesus, by which the cripple had been empowered to spring to his feet and walk, was the name with which Israel s salvation (and, as was to appear later, the salvation of the world) was inextricably bound up. 58 It is amazing to see Peter speaking thus to the Sanhedrin and proclaiming the necessity of salvation (δει σωθηναι [dei sōthēnai]) in the 51 Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), Alberto S. Valdés, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Grace New Testament Commentary, ed. Robert N. Wilkin (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4: Co., 1988), Press, 1980), Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), Co., 1988), 94.

10 name of Jesus Christ and in no other. If this was true then, it is true today. There is no second (ἑτερον [heteron]) name to go beside that of Jesus in India, China, Japan, or America. 59 Salvation refers to deliverance from God s wrath and to enjoyment of His favor. This is only given through faith in Jesus, who grants new life to all who follow him and embrace the message of His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 3:19 21). 60 Peter is referring here to a broader meaning than simple deliverance from sickness or birth defect (which may also be included here). He is talking about a change of status from being rebels to being accepted among God s people. 61 The rulers were thus put on the defense! They had rejected the only Savior of Israel and they were preventing the completion of God s building. Thus no other way of salvation is available to people (cf. John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5) when we read the speech of Peter, we must remember to whom it was spoken, and when we do remember that it becomes one of the world s great demonstrations of courage. It was spoken to an audience of the wealthiest, the most intellectual and the most powerful in the land, and yet Peter, the Galilaean fisherman, stands before them rather as their judge than as their victim. But further, this was the very court which had condemned Jesus to death. Peter knew it, and he knew that at this moment he was taking his life in his hands. 63 Salvation is found in no one else. Through this grace Christ shows himself to be the only author of life. In all of God s blessings Christ is the fountain of salvation. 64 It is Christ or nothing! Christ or judgment! Christ or Hell! What marvelous, gracious aggression! And Peter had just begun! 65 Conclusion People in a relativistic, multi-faith society find such an exclusive claim very difficult to accept. Alternatives have been proposed to weaken its impact, including the notion that Jesus somehow benefits sincere adherents of other religions, even though they do not acknowledge him as Saviour and Lord. But such approaches are not consistent with the teaching of Acts 2 3, that it is actually necessary to call upon the name of Jesus with repentance and faith to benefit from the salvation he offers A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Ac 4: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ac 4: Ajith Fernando, Acts, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998), Stanley D. Toussaint, Acts, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), Tom Constable, Tom Constable s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 4: J. I. Packer, Introduction, in Acts, ed. Alister McGrath, Crossway Classic Commentaries (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1995), Ac 4: R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009), 193.