Study Guide for Sermon on Acts 4:23-31: “A Church Under Pressure”

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer asking God to open your heart to His Word. Pray for a spirit of boldness, unity, and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture Passage: Acts 4:23-31

“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them…

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
(Acts 4:23-31, NIV)

Key Themes from the Sermon

  • A Church Under Pressure Gathers Together
    • When Peter and John were released, they immediately returned to the church.
    • “They didn’t hide. They didn’t stay away. They gathered together—physically, in one accord.”
  • A Church Under Pressure Prays with Boldness
    • Instead of strategizing, their first response was prayer.
    • “They didn’t hold a meeting or take a vote. They simply prayed.”
  • A Church Under Pressure Stays Rooted in Scripture
    • Their prayer quotes Psalm 2, showing their biblical foundation.
    • “Feelings will betray us, but Scripture will sustain us.”
  • A Church Under Pressure Steps Out in Faith
    • They didn’t ask for protection but for boldness.
    • “They prayed for boldness, not safety.”

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  • Why do you think Peter and John’s first response was to gather with the church?
  • What does their prayer tell us about their view of God’s sovereignty?

Applying the Message

  • How can the church today follow their example when facing challenges?
  • What distractions keep us from bold prayer and bold faith?

Personal Reflection

  • Do you instinctively turn to prayer when facing difficulties, or do you rely on other solutions first?
  • How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life more fully this week?

Application Prompts

  • Commit to Gathering
    • Make church community a priority. Join a midweek prayer group or commit to attending services regularly.
  • Pray Boldly
    • Take a few minutes each day to pray for courage in sharing your faith.
  • Step Out in Faith
    • Identify one way you can be bolder for Jesus—whether in conversations, acts of kindness, or standing firm in your faith.

Prayer Prompts

  • Praise & Surrender
    • Acknowledge God’s sovereignty over your circumstances.
    • Ask Him to help you fully trust in His plan.
  • Confession & Renewal
    • Admit areas where you’ve been fearful or hesitant in faith.
    • Ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
  • Intercession & Boldness
    • Pray for specific people who need to know Jesus.
    • Ask for boldness in sharing the gospel.