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The arrest of Peter and John is a significant event in the early history of the Christian Church, as recorded in the Book of Acts. This incident highlights the boldness of the apostles in proclaiming the gospel and the opposition they faced from religious authorities.

Context and Background

Following the ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, enabling them to perform miracles and preach with authority. Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, became prominent leaders in the early Church. Their arrest is detailed inActs 3 and 4, following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful.

The Miracle at the Temple

InActs 3:1-10, Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth, who was carried daily to the temple gate to beg for alms. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, commands the man in the name of Jesus Christ to walk. The man is miraculously healed, leaping and praising God, which draws a crowd of astonished onlookers.

Peter's Sermon

Seizing the opportunity, Peter addresses the crowd, attributing the miracle to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom God raised from the dead. He calls the people to repentance, urging them to turn to God so that their sins may be wiped out (Acts 3:19). Peter's sermon emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation.

The Arrest

The commotion attracts the attention of the temple authorities, including the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees. Disturbed by the apostles' teaching about the resurrection of the dead, they arrest Peter and John and place them in custody until the next day (Acts 4:1-3).

The Trial Before the Sanhedrin

The following day, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The high priest, along with other leaders, questions them about the power or name by which they performed the healing. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declares that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and whom God raised from the dead (Acts 4:10).

Peter further asserts that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The boldness of Peter and John astonishes the council, who recognize them as unschooled, ordinary men who had been with Jesus.

The Council's Dilemma and Decision

Unable to deny the miracle, as the healed man stands before them, the council is perplexed. They confer among themselves, acknowledging that a notable sign has been performed. However, to prevent the spread of the apostles' teaching, they decide to warn Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:16-18).

The Apostles' Response

Peter and John respond with unwavering conviction, stating, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). The council, finding no basis for punishment and fearing the people who glorified God for the miracle, releases them with further threats.

Aftermath and Impact

Upon their release, Peter and John return to the other believers and report what had happened. The community responds with prayer, asking for boldness to continue speaking God's word. The place where they are gathered is shaken, and they are all filled with the Holy Spirit, continuing to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:29-31).

This event marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, demonstrating the apostles' commitment to their divine commission and the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming opposition. The arrest of Peter and John serves as a testament to the transformative impact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the unwavering faith of His followers.