Todd teaches on Acts 4:1-12, where Peter and John interact with religious leaders and boldly give credit to and proclaim that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. We can learn from their example how we can engage and proclaim the Gospel in our time.
Discussion Questions
- The religious leaders were clearly agitated by Peter’s preaching (v. 1). Todd says the church is up against “religious intimidation, political pressure, and rational scoff.” How do you typically respond to these types of pressures? What can we learn from Peter’s response?
- Peter and John are arrested (v. 3) for their preaching. Most of us live pretty comfortable lives where we may lose popularity at worse. Todd asked today, “If following Jesus will cost you everything, would you still follow Him?” Discuss this question with your community group.
- The religious leaders and high priestly family then bring Peter and John before them to question them. They ask “By what power or by what name did you do this?” (v. 7). Has anyone ever asked you why you are doing a certain “good” thing? How can you be louder in your faith so that people will wonder why and possibly even ask?
- Todd said, "Make sure you are persecuted for the good you are doing in Jesus' name and not the foolishness you are capable of when you don't walk with Jesus.” Discuss this with your group. If it feels like the world is never persecuting you, discuss why you think this may be and how we can be challenged in this area.
- Acts 4:12 says, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” If you haven’t already, memorize this incredible verse! Todd reminds us to share this truth and to call others to this by asking, what will you do with this? How can you continue to encourage one another to share the Gospel, and when you do, to not merely just share it, but to give a clear call to action?