Studies 1 to 3
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ADA012
Peter and John in Prison
This article discusses Peter and John's confrontation with the Sanhedrin. Arrested for preaching, the apostles must appear before this influential religious court. Facing the same authority that had condemned Jesus, Peter and John, supported by the Holy Spirit, courageously testify to their faith, illustrating the continuity of Christ's message.
Acts 12.1-2 (King James Version) :Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA027
Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin
Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6.12-15), around AD 34-35, is instigated by Hellenistic opponents from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his wisdom, they resort to false witnesses. The accusations concern the Temple and the Law, recalling Jesus' trial. Luke thus draws a deliberate parallel between the Master and his disciple.
Acts 5.27-33 (King James Version) :And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA029
The Murder of Etienne
An analysis of the account of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7.54-60), the first Christian martyr. This article examines the Sanhedrin's anger, the legally irregular nature of the execution, the vision of the glorified Christ granted to Stephen, and the theological parallel Luke draws between the disciple's suffering and that of Jesus. Saul's presence foreshadows the continuation of the apostolic narrative.
Acts 7.59 (King James Version) :And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org