Acts 4:1-22 - We Cannot But Speak

Main Scripture: Acts 4:8-14, 19-20

Supporting Scripture: Mark 13:11

When the truth about Jesus collides with our comfort, we either silence it—or we surrender to it. A real encounter with the risen Christ produces a boldness that says, “We cannot but speak.”

 Roommates & Real Life Conflict – Acts 4 feels like incompatible roommates under one roof. Different values. Different visions. Same city. The question: How do we live when convictions collide with power?

Truth on Trial – Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin—the same court that condemned Jesus. The miracle is undeniable, so the leaders question the source. Peter, filled with the Spirit, declares: “You killed Him. God raised Him.” Bold, clear, unflinching.

Spirit-Filled Courage – The difference between cowardly Peter and courageous Peter? The Holy Spirit. Boldness isn’t personality—it’s presence. Jesus promised this (Mark 13:11), and now it’s happening.

 “They Recognized They Had Been with Jesus” – The leaders are stunned not by credentials, but by character. The clearest evidence of Jesus is a changed life. When people encounter you, do they sense you’ve been with Him?

Two Questions, Two Paths – The crowd in Acts 2 asked, “What should we do?” The leaders in Acts 4 asked, “What should we do with these men?” Same evidence. Different posture. One leads to repentance. The other to suppression.

"We Cannot But Speak” – Peter and John refuse silence—not out of rebellion, but obedience. They speak not theories, but what they’ve seen and heard. When resurrection becomes reality, silence becomes impossible.

Take it Another Step:

When truth challenges your comfort, do you tend to lean in or shut it down? Why?

What would it look like for someone to “recognize you’ve been with Jesus”?

Are you more likely to ask, “What should I do?” or “How do I manage this threat?”

If you truly believed Jesus is alive and reigning, what would you stop being silent about?

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