The Courage of Peter and John
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a warm greeting and a brief recap of recent church events, including a family retreat focused on courage and a community car‑care clinic that served single mothers and widows. Pastor Richard Sutton then defined courage, citing Professor Daniel Putnam’s view that it involves a deliberate choice to face pain, fear, or danger for a worthy goal, and distinguishing between physical and moral courage. Using vivid examples such as Marine Jack Lucas, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and the early Christian martyr Polycarp, the teacher illustrated how ordinary individuals can demonstrate heroic bravery when they trust God. He anchored the biblical portion of the lesson in Acts 4:13, where Peter and John’s boldness astonished the council, and referenced Joshua 1:9’s call to be strong and courageous. The sermon concluded by urging believers to rely on God’s “insignificant” gifts, combine them with courage, and become modern heroes of faith in their daily lives.