Acts 4

Resurrection

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 4:2

The apostles teach that resurrection for everyone comes through Jesus. The Sadducees, who denied any resurrection, are upset by this message.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 — "in Christ shall all be made alive"

Jesus Christ

Jesus — "Jehovah saves"; Christ — "the Anointed One"

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Acts 4:7–10

Filled with the Holy Ghost, Peter boldly tells the same leaders who condemned Jesus that the crucified and risen Jesus Christ healed this man.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 3:6 — the healing in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Chief Cornerstone

Head of the corner — the cornerstone that holds the whole building together

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Acts 4:11

Peter identifies Jesus as the stone in Psalm 118 that the builders rejected but God made the cornerstone. The leaders of Israel are the builders who threw Him away.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

• interprets Psalm 118:22 — "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner"
• the same title in Matthew 21:42 — Jesus applies the psalm to Himself
• the same title in 1 Peter 2:7 — "the stone which the builders disallowed"
• the same title in Jacob 4:15-17 — the rejected stone that becomes the only sure foundation

No Other Name

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants teach the same truth in almost the same words.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 2 Nephi 25:20 — "none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ"
• alludes to Mosiah 3:17 — no other name whereby salvation can come, but only through the name of Christ
• alludes to D&C 18:23 — "Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father"

Jesus

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

The council sees that these untrained fishermen speak with boldness because they had been with Jesus. Time with the Savior changes people.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

Jesus

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. Acts 4:17–18

The council tries to silence the name of Jesus. The apostles answer that they must obey God and testify of what they have seen.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Acts 5:28 — the council reminds them of this command not to teach in His name

His Christ (Anointed)

Christ — "the Anointed One"

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? Acts 4:25–26

The Saints pray using Psalm 2, which foretold rulers rising against the Lord and His Anointed. They see it fulfilled in the opposition to Jesus.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 2:1-2 — "against the LORD, and against his anointed"

The Anointed (Messiah)

Messiah — Hebrew for "the Anointed One"; "holy child" can also mean "holy servant"

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, Acts 4:27–28

The prayer names Jesus as God's holy Servant whom He anointed, the Messiah. Herod, Pilate, Gentiles and Israel all acted, yet God's plan for His Son was carried out.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 61:1 — "the LORD hath anointed me"
• alludes to Luke 4:18 — Jesus: "he hath anointed me to preach the gospel"
• the same event in Luke 23:12 — Pilate and Herod made friends that day

Holy Child (Servant) Jesus

Holy child — also "holy servant"

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, Acts 4:29–30

Instead of praying for safety, the Saints pray for boldness and for miracles in Jesus' name. They want His name to be glorified.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Mark 16:17-18 — "In my name shall they... lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover"

Resurrection

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33

The apostles fulfill their calling as witnesses of the Lord Jesus' Resurrection, and grace rests on the whole Church.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Acts 1:22 — ordained "to be a witness with us of his resurrection"