The noise caused by the healing and Peter's speech attracted the attention of various influential Jewish leaders. These included priests working in the temple, the "captain of the temple" who was second in command to the high priest, and the wealthy and powerful Sadducees. John and Peter were arrested promptly by the authorities in Acts 4:3. The authorities aimed to suppress the fervor before the intervention of the Romans. The remarkable increase in believers due to the gospel is astounding. Through the preaching of the gospel and the manifestation of signs and wonders - both made possible by the Holy Spirit - individuals come to believe in Jesus.

The following day, the council gathered to discuss the situation. They asked Peter and John a straightforward question: "How did you do this, and in whose name?" They likely already know that Peter used the name of Jesus to heal the lame man and want Peter and John to acknowledge this publicly. When Peter faced persecution, he received divine assistance speaking to the authorities. The Holy Spirit filled him with courage and boldness, enabling him to speak. Peter asserts that even though they were against Jesus, God supported him. The fact that the healed man is standing before them is indisputable proof of Jesus' vindication. This is the third time Peter blames the audience for Jesus' death, and this time, he addresses a group of more immediately responsible people. Peter clearly states salvation is only found through Jesus Christ (verse 12). After addressing the sin of his audience, he presents them with the gospel. The name of Jesus is not just a phrase used for healing but is the only path toward salvation. If the name of Jesus can heal, it can also forgive sins. Jesus' healing of this paralyzed man proved he had the authority to forgive sin. Peter brings their sin before them and offers them life in Jesus alone.

The council has observed three things regarding Peter and John: they are followers of Jesus, bold and uneducated. It should be clarified that their boldness is rooted in their trust in God, not themselves. They may not have received the same theological education as the scribes, but they were trained by Jesus and equipped by the Spirit. The council recognized Jesus' influence on their teaching and actions. The council is unsure about how to handle the situation. However, the council is going against God by attempting to silence the apostles. The apostles answer to a higher authority, and the council's only course of action is to issue threats.

When Peter and John share their encounter with the priests and elders, the Jerusalem Christians respond by praying and praising God. They refer to God as the creator and the "Sovereign Lord," which is Yahweh, the one covenant God. The biblical understanding of sovereignty refers to God's fulfillment of his eternal divine plan, which gives believers assurance and hope. The belief is that individuals are accountable for their sins and that the gospel message of forgiveness through Jesus is the only way people can be saved. This understanding of sovereignty inspires their preaching, as they accept God's will and the methods by which it will be accomplished. Even though the council is making threats, the community is not praying for divine judgment. Instead, they are determined to keep spreading Jesus' message and relying on God to help them do it. The power of the Spirit is so strong that the physical sensation of an earthquake is felt in the building.

Luke is not giving instructions; instead, he is giving an account of how Christians shared with each other. This passage also lays out basic principles for living an authentic Christian life. Christians are expected to exhibit selflessness, generosity, care, and unity. Essentially, the Acts passage portrays the Christian community as displaying the new heart produced by the Spirit. In these verses in Acts, we see believers transformed by the Spirit and meeting physical needs. At this point in the book of Acts, Barnabas (whose name means "son of encouragement") is introduced as an important character. He sets an example by giving his possessions to the apostles to be used as they see fit (as described in 4:36-37).