Peter also applied Psalm 118:22 to Christ, showing that he was “the stone” rejected by men but chosen by God to become “the head of the corner.”​—Ac 4:8-12; see also 1Pe 2:4-7.

But having no ground on which to take action against the apostles and being afraid of the people, they released them.​—Ac 3:1-8; 4:5-22.

Those who in faith accept God’s provision for atonement through Jesus Christ can gain salvation; those who spurn it cannot. (Ac 4:12)

And since Jehovah recognized no priesthood aside from that of the house of Aaron during the existence of the Law covenant, it follows that what Aaron’s office foreshadowed, namely, the priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is also the greater High Priest according to the manner of Melchizedek, is the only way of approach to Jehovah. (Ac 4:12; Heb 4:14; 1Jo 2:1, 2)

And Peter’s words, coupled with the presence of the cured man, left these learned men with “nothing to say in rebuttal.”​—Ac 4:5-14.

Sadducees appear to have taken the lead in trying to stop the spread of Christianity after Jesus’ death and resurrection.​—Ac 4:1-23; 5:17-42; 9:14.

This gave validity and strength to their preaching and teaching, and it gave them confidence and courage as they faced opposition. (Ac 2:14-36; 3:12-26; 4:7-12, 24-30; 7:48-50; 13:40, 41, 47)

With the help of the holy spirit, he boldly addressed the Jewish rulers who had him and John arrested (Ac 4:1-21), and on a second occasion he acted as spokesman for all the apostles before the Sanhedrin, firmly declaring their determination to “obey God as ruler” rather than men who opposed God’s will. (Ac 5:17-31)