Discuss It

We just read about Peter and John speaking with boldness as they shared the gospel (to the point where all of the leaders were annoyed and questioned them). Where do you personally feel the tension between being “bold” and being “loving?”

Additional Thought

Jesus never chose between boldness and love, he lived out BOTH. Our challenge isn't picking one, it’s allowing our time spent with Him to help shape how to hold truth and grace together.

Additional Scripture

Colossians 4:4-6 (NIV) Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Additional Question

Where might you be using “boldness” to justify impatience or frustration with others or “love” to excuse silence or fear of others' perception of you? And what would it look like to respond the way Jesus would in that scenario instead?

Read Acts 4:11. In this passage, Jesus was referred to by Peter as “the cornerstone.” Peter is quoting from Psalm 118:22 in which the writer prophesied that the coming Messiah would be rejected by some but would remain the chief cornerstone of God’s people and God’s plan. Why do you think Peter chose this metaphor and Scripture to share with the religious leaders in Acts 4?

Additional Thought

In relationship to architecture, a cornerstone was the first stone laid in a building. It was used to align everything else to it, to provide structure, and all other stones laid relied upon it for reference.

Additional Scripture

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (CSB) According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.

Additional Question

According to these verses, why is belief in Jesus—and a right relationship with Him—foundational to the Christian faith? Why is it spiritually dangerous to depart from biblical teaching about who Jesus is?

In Acts 4:20 Peter says “... we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard. ”(Leaders, this is referencing their personal testimony of God working in their lives). What are things God has done in your life that feel easiest to share and what things feel harder to speak about publicly? Why do you think we feel that tension?

Additional Thought

Our testimony grows when we reflect on what God has been doing in our lives, even in the ordinary mundane moments (like the beginning of Acts 3). This habit reminds us that God is still writing our story and is always at work in us!

Additional Scripture

Philippians 1:5-6 (NIV) In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Additional Question

As you look back over the past few weeks or months of your life, what is one way you’ve seen God at work? When faced with opposition, the early church focused their prayers on asking for more opportunities to share their faith WITH boldness (see Acts 4:29). How do you discern when to pray for deliverance from a trial versus boldness to persevere through the trial?

Additional Thought

Leonard Ravenhill has a really great and challenging quote about prayer. He says: “No man is greater than his prayer life….if we fail in praying, we fail everywhere.” Often, we try to fix, plan and perform in our own strength, but Ravenhill reminds us that no one is greater than their prayer life. If we’re not leaning on Him first, we’re trying to fight the battle alone.

Additional Scripture

Ephesians 6:18 (CSB) Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Additional Question

Do you have a personal story, or do you know of someone, whose life changed when they dedicated themselves to consistent prayer? (Leaders, you could read Luke 18:1-8 for cross reference/as an example of praying without ceasing).