Acts 4:5-12
5 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, " Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11 " He is theSTONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone. 12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
NASU
Acts 4:5-12 Exposition
5 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;
Following Peter and John's Arrest the religious authorities came together to discuss the events of the man's healing and presumably the teaching of these men who shortly had appeared on the scene speaking of the killing of this “Jesus the Nazarene” who was called the “Son of God” and was given such other names as are only appropriate to call God alone.
6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent.
Such was the alarm that had been created that no minor authorities were consulted but the high priest and others in line for that place. This also proved that again these authorities would have to hear of this Jesus and now the gospel proclaimed in His name.
7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"
As Jesus had told them they would have an opportunity in their arrest to be witnesses of Him. Luke 21:12-15 says
12 "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. 13 " It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 " So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. NASU
Likewise we should not fear when we suffer for the gospel but should use every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus, not working to free ourselves but seeing an opportunity for an audience which might not hear of Christ had it not been for our persecution.
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, " Rulers and elders of the people,
Peter was first full of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus had promised, They would not defend themselves but receive words and wisdom not their own with which to speak and which could not be refuted. Jesus promised to give this of himself (Luke 21:15) and as it is the Spirit which fills Peter it becomes clear that the Holy Spirit is that gift of Christ which he promised and at the same time is one with Christ since Jesus promised to give the words and wisdom.
He addresses them “Rulers and Elders of the People.” This address is both respectful as any witness should be; not railing against or insulting opponents, but gentle and clear; and makes the point of their position as having responsibility for the people both as Authorities and Spiritual leaders.
9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well,
Peter demonstrates by this that the charge against them is not one of lawlessness but rooted in something else, for who would try a man for doing good. It is similar to Jesus' question “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or harm?” (See Mark 3:4, Luke 6:9)
10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by this name this man stands here before you in good health.
Peter uses the opportunity to proclaim the message that Jesus the Nazarene, who once again he shows as being betrayed by those who should have received Him, is the messiah (Christ), died having been crucified, and is alive having been raised. He proclaims all the more that there is power given through faith in Jesus name which is still able to do wonders, even to have made this man able to walk who was lame from birth. He speaks his message to them (the gathered priests) but also to all Israel, showing that this good news is for all who will receive it and not a defense specially prepared for their accusers.
11 " He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.
This is a reference to Psalm 118:22 which was also quoted by Jesus (Matthew 21:42) in reference to himself and showing Jesus to be the fulfilment of prophesy in both his rejection by His own people and in His exaltation by God as Lord and Christ. He is also the Cornerstone on which something new is being built, the church, which the “builders” those preservers of old tradition oppose. We will see in further study the rejection comes in part because of the message's source, these “unlearned men” from Galilee and not the experts and those whose family lineage placed them in authority, ie the High priesthood. How foolish is it then when men return to this error of either as the LDS do in pointlessly tracing lineage to support a position of authority (the so-called Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood) or of even some Christian churches who disregard the message of a preacher if he (or she perhaps more so) lacks the credentials which they require of their clergy. The message is true when it is faithful to Scripture and to the gospel of Jesus Christ and does not require any embellishments from human beings. While Christ's own rejection was prophesied, woe to those who reject Him, especialy now with the promise of grace attached to His name.
12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
Here is the final Word and the simple message of the Gospel. You can be saved, that is forgiven of Sin, delivered from death and hell, and adopted as children of God for eternal life, through no other than Jesus Christ. Any other supposed means of salvation, religion, good works, even with sincerity, is bankrupt; a check written without sufficient funds. But the name of Jesus, and the good news of salvation by faith in that Name, in the person who that name represents, has been given, not only under heaven, but by the creator of Heaven and Earth and all things, as the way which You and I must be saved!
In Christ and on the Shepherd's path,
Mark
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