The sermon presents Acts 4:13 as a picture of transformed disciples whose time with Jesus becomes visible in their conduct. Spurgeon distinguishes salvation by grace from the good works that grace necessarily produces, grounding imitation of Christ in His redeeming sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians are called to display kindness, humility, forgiveness, prayerfulness, and integrity in public, family, and private life. Christlikeness is both a witness to the gospel and the distinguishing mark of those who belong to Christ and will share His glory.
Theological center: Sanctification is the Spirit-enabled fruit of Christ’s redeeming and atoning work, not a legal basis for salvation.
Applications: Imitate Christ’s kindness · Forgive enemies · Live consistently everywhere · Cultivate secret prayer
Primary texts: Acts 4:13 · John 14:15 · Galatians 6:7
“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 BEHOLD! What a change divine grace will work in a man and in how short a time! That same Peter, who so lately followed his Master afar off, and with oaths and curses denied that he knew His name, is now to be found side by side with the loving John, boldly declaring that there is salvation in none other name save that of Jesus Christ, and preaching the resurrection of the dead through the sacrifice of his dying Lord. The Scribes and Pharisees soon discover the reason of his boldness. Rightly did they guess that it rested not in his learning or his talents, for neither Peter nor John had been e…