Acts (Part 7): Calm Confidence

Acts 4:1-22

1. The First Opposition to the Gospel

   • Peter and John are arrested after healing a man and preaching the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 4:1–4).

   • They are brought before the Sanhedrin and boldly testify that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and whom God raised from the dead (Acts 4:5–10).
     

     
     

2. The Exclusivity of Christ (Acts 4:12)

Why is it true?

• Only Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9).

• Only Jesus lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15).

• Only Jesus died as a substitute for sinners (1 Peter 3:18).

• Only Jesus rose from the dead (Romans 1:4).

Why does it matter?

• The gospel is not just useful—it is true.

• If salvation comes only through Jesus, then He demands our full surrender, not occasional interest.

• People are lost without Christ, which clarifies the urgency and clarity of our mission.

Why is it opposed?

• It invalidates all other worldviews and belief systems.

• It demands a response—acceptance or rejection.

• It confronts deeply held identities, values, and idols that people are reluctant to surrender.
  

  
  

  3. Two Types of Confidence

• The religious leaders rely on power and fear—defensive, insecure, and resistant to truth (Acts 4:13–18).

• The apostles speak with spiritual confidence—calm, clear, and Spirit-filled—because they know Jesus is alive and they’ve been transformed by the gospel (Acts 4:8, 19–20).

• Gospel confidence is not loud or self-assured—it’s the settled boldness of those who have seen and heard the truth and can’t keep it in (Philippians 1:27-28, 1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. How does the context of Acts 4 (early church growth, no buildings, no political power) shape the way we understand the boldness of Peter and John in this passage? What can we learn from that for our time today? (Acts 4:1–4)
   

   
   

2. The Sanhedrin was “annoyed” by the disciples’ message and miracles (v.2). Why do you think spiritual fruit and gospel clarity often stir opposition, both then and now? (Acts 4:2, 16–18)
   

   
   

3. Peter’s answer in verses 8–12 is both bold and composed. What stands out to you about how he talks about Jesus—and how might that shape the way we talk about Jesus with others? (Acts 4:8–12)
   

   
   

4. Verse 12 makes one of the most exclusive claims in Scripture. Why is the exclusivity of Jesus such a difficult truth for people to accept—and why is it essential to the gospel? (Acts 4:12; John 14:6)
   

   
   

5. In what ways do we sometimes treat Christianity as merely useful instead of true? What’s the difference between following Jesus for help and following Him as Savior and King?
   

   
   

6. How would you explain to someone why Jesus is the only way of salvation—not one among many options? What truths from Scripture or the sermon would you share? (Acts 4:12; 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 1:4; Colossians 2:9)
   

   
   

7. Both the disciples and the religious leaders seem confident—but from very different sources. How would you describe the difference between fleshly and spiritual confidence? Which kind are you more prone to rely on? (Acts 4:13–18)
   

   
   

8. Peter and John didn’t yell, threaten, or argue—they simply witnessed to what they had seen and heard. How can we grow in calm, Spirit-filled confidence in our own evangelism and conversations? (Acts 4:19–20; Philippians 1:28)
   

   
   

9. Read Philippians 1:27–28. What does it look like in real life to stand “in one spirit, contending for the faith,” without being afraid? Where do you personally need courage right now? (Philippians 1:27–28)
   

   
   

10. Peter and John had seen the risen Jesus and were filled with the Spirit. How does being gripped by the gospel—the death and resurrection of Christ—give you peace, boldness, and a sense of purpose? (Acts 4:10, 13; Romans 1:4; Philippians 3:8–9)