DCLM Youth Search The Scripture For October 5, 2025 Lesson 180; Title - PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE JEWISH COUNCIL

DCLM Youth Search The Scripture For October 5, 2025 Lesson 180; Title -  PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE JEWISH COUNCIL

YOUTH STS 

LESSON 180

PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE JEWISH COUNCIL

MEMORY VERSE: “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye” (Acts 4:19).  

TEXT: Acts 4:1-37

In the preceding chapter, we saw the miraculous healing of a man born lame through the ministration of Peter and John while going to the temple at the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1,2,6-9). This notable miracle brought great joy to the heart of many people as the newly born Church of Christ was making progress in the propagation of the gospel (Mark 16:15-20). However, this same miracle of good deeds brought hatred and displeasure to the heart of the Council and elders of the Jewish nation. They, “Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide” (verses 2,3). This bad treatment and persistent harassment of the early Church began as soon as Satan saw that sinners were getting converted and his captives were being delivered. Satan and his agents still persecute Christians including youths who commit themselves to the cause of Christ and the gospel. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Immediately the apostles were released from the prison, they set them before the council. The priests and Sadducees commanded and strictly threatened “them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (verse 18). However, Peter and John answered them, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (verses 19,20). With this threat from the Jewish leaders, they went to their own company and narrated their challenges. Consequently, they were all moved to pray. Through that prayer, revival, renewal of courage and boldness came to them.

Question 1: Cite examples of other believers in the Bible that suffered for their decision to remain godly.

There are many other believers who suffered for their godly stand. They include Joseph (Genesis 39:7-20); Mordecai (Esther 3:1-6); The three Hebrew youths (Daniel 3:1-23); Paul the apostle (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) and several others. Christian youths should know that trials of faith will come through persecutions but regardless of the fire of persecution that may be raging, the Lord is able to keep His own. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

PERSECUTION AND THREAT BY THE PRIESTS AND COUNCIL (Acts 4:1-17; John 15:18-21; Acts 5:40-42; 1 Peter 2:20-23; 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 3:10-15; Matthew 5:11,12; Hebrews 3:14)

The Church had just been founded and sinners were being preached to and getting converted. Those that gladly received the word of salvation were also being baptized according to the instruction of Christ. However, it was at this early stage of the growth of the Church that Satan moved the priests and council of the Jews to stop the progress of the Church. “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (verses 1,2).

Question 2: Who were the Sadducees?

In the text, a religious sect referred to as the Sadducees were also involved in the persecution of the believers in the early Church. These Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. So they were grieve that the apostles preached the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:8). This same religious sect withstood, opposed and even plotted to trap Christ by His word (Matthew 22:23-32). As it was then, so it is today. Youths who are not saved sometimes grieve at the truth of the word of God. They manifest their displeasure by opposing the Christian youths who preach or practise the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. A believing youth may also be opposed and persecuted by members of their families if they belong to another religion or denomination or members of the same church they belong.

Question 3: What was the aim of the persecutors of the early Church?

“But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name” (verse 17). Satan, through his agents, seek not only to harm the saints of God, but also to halt the Saviour’s gospel. The aim of the priests and council members was to stop the proclamation of the name of Christ as the Saviour and hope of eternal life. They wanted.to shut the mouth of the apostles and stop the progress of the Church.

Question 4(a) Were the apostles surprised at this threat? (b) Did they stop preaching the gospel because of the threat? c.  What do you learn from this as Christian youths?

The apostles must have called to mind the words of the Saviour when He pre-informed them before His departure, “Remember the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me” (John 15:20,21). No wonder, when they were later beaten and commanded not to speak again in the name of Jesus, the Scripture says, “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). They did not stop preaching the gospel. The threats and beatings were not enough to stop their mouths from speaking in the name of Jesus and spreading the gospel of salvation. Christian youths should emulate this noble example of the apostles of Christ. Some youths easily backslide because of opposition to their Christian faith. We must not see persecution or trial as a strange thing. There must be no regret nor retreat. We must continue in the faith and service of our Saviour without any complaints. Great rewards await those who endure to the end. “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:14). In spite of the persecution, His presence was still with the apostles as He promised them and His power was saving sinners and healing the sick. Persecution does not diminish Christ’s presence or hinder His power from saving sinners. No matter the plot of the enemies of the Church, Christ’s predominance will prevail. This is an encouragement to Christian youths and the Church today. Peter, in our text, unfolds Christ’s predominance even in the presence of the persecutors. Christ’s presence and power are awesome. His authority is unquestionable. His name conveys immeasurable, incomparable, incomprehensible and irresistible power and authority. Transformation takes place whenever and wherever He displays this predominance.

PERSISTENCE OF TRULY PERSUADED CHRISTIANS (Acts 4:18- 22; 5:26-29,40-42; 8:1-4; 6:4; 14:1-3,21,22; Romans 8:33-39; Revelation 2:10,11)

Persistence is the act of doing something in spite of difficulty or opposition. The apostles resolved to continue in spite of persecutions and threats from the priests and the council. In response to the ungodly command by the council, the apostles replied, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (verses 19,20). The apostles were not afraid to stand and live for the truth as Christ taught them.

Question 5: What should you do as a child of God when faced with making only one choice between obeying the word of God or ungodly instruction from man?

As children of God, we have been called to a life of trust and obedience to the word of God (1 Peter 1:14). No matter the challenge, pressure, opposition, trial and persecution, we must obey God rather than men. The same grace the Lord gave to Peter, John and the other apostles is available for us today. Examples abound in the Scriptures of those who stood firm in the face of persecution. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:16-18). His grace is sufficient for us.

Questions 6: What rewards await Christian youths who overcome persecution?

Christ Himself said that great will be your reward in heaven. Therefore, rejoice in anticipation of the heavenly reward awaiting those that endure to the and. Youths who endure to the end shall be saved and have the crown of life. “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).

THE PRAYER OF A FAITHFUL SUFFERING CHURCH (Acts 4:23- 37; 2:42-47; 2 Kings 6:11-18; 2 Kings 19:10-19)

“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them” (Acts 4:23). This period was a time of great trials for the early church. However, the fellowship that existed between them was the instrument to the great move of God at that time in spite of the crisis. As new converts were added to the Church, there was the need to ensure that there was continuity in the tenets and beliefs of the members of the Church. The Church gathered together to share the word of God and exhort themselves daily. Peter and John had just received threats from Annas, the High Priest, the Captains of the Temple, Priests and Sadducees. They were warned not to preach the gospel any more but to keep quiet. This warning was given to them after they were released from prison, for preaching to the witnesses of the great miracle which God had done in healing the lame man at the beautiful gate. Immediately they were discharged, Peter and John went to the gathering of the saints where they were fellowshipping together to narrate the situation to them and get encouraged in furtherance of their ministerial tasks. This displays the bond and fellowship that existed between them and reveals to us one of the purposes of fellowship.

Question 7: Why is Christian fellowship necessary?

Christian fellowship is a gathering of believers in Christ. The word fellowship is described as companionship or partnership. A fellowship exists for people of same beliefs and faith to share together. Scriptures enjoin us to admonish one another (Romans 15:14); comfort and encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 3:13); worship with one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:25), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), always seek the good of one another (1 Thessalonians 5:15), be honest with one another (Colossians 3:9), show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9), and be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50). All these cannot be achieved without having the right kind of fellowship. “And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is” (Acts 4: 24). As Peter and John narrated their experiences with the Jewish leaders to their company, the response was a corporate prayer.

Question 8: What should believing youths do when they are persecuted?

The prayer of these persecuted Christians in the early Church is a model for believers in contemporary times. The Church did not engage in any war with their persecutors but spent time to call upon the Lord. The Church knew that the persecutions were not against them but against the Lord who sent them to preach. They knew the power of God to deliver them and they were not confounded by the seeming pains which they went through. The Church prayed, believed God and they were revived. Prayer is talking to God. It is a sincere desire communicated by a righteous man to God. Prayer was part of the main focus of the early Church and remains the underlying factor of revival in any church today. It is the shortest, surest and fastest way to move the hand of God if done by a righteous youth. Believers are expected to pray when going through difficult times. “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus” (Acts 4:29,30). Some of the principles we can learn from their prayer include: (1) problems should be clearly identified (verse 24); (2) praying to God through Jesus Christ (verse 24); (3) praying in unity with others (verse 24); (4) praising God first (verse 24); (5) praying with the knowledge of the word of God (verse 25-28); (6) praying according to the will of God (verse 26-28); and (7) praying with faith and great expectation (verses 29,30). “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The Church was revived after they finished praying and the power of God fell mightily upon them. The prayer also resulted into greater bond of fellowship among them. The Church did not scatter with the persecutions; rather they utilised every opportunity to create interest in the word of God and in sharing among them. The Church also showed great focus for “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (Acts 4:32). Division did not creep in because of persecution. There was order and everyone knew the tasks assigned to him. Youths today should learn to be steadfast and committed to the things of God. They should not allow division of any form or challenges to distrupt the fellowship and commitment that they have for Christ. They should learn to put their trust in God to lead them through whatever problems they may face. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).