Acts_7
8/24/08
Acts_7
I. In our last study we were introduced to Stephen one of the first deacons of the early church.
A. We looked at seven characteristics of a mature Christian that we said were characteristics that Stephen possessed, that were the outflow of being full of the Holy Spirit.
1. Faithful Steward of Truth
2. The commitment and sacrifice of a soldier
3. The dedication and discipline of an athlete.
4. The patience and dependence of a farmer.
5. A workman approved through right dividing and use of God's word
6. A vessel made honorable through cleansing
7. A servant’s heart coupled with gentleness and compassion, which is the epitome of Christ-likeness.
B. As chapter-6 closed Stephen is standing before the council (Sanhedrin) accused of blasphemy, but through whom the Glory of God was shining.
1. The charge of Blasphemy had three prongs to it.
a. That Stephen had spoken against Moses.
b. That Stephen had spoken against the Law.
c. That Stephen had spoken against "this place 6:13" which is the Temple.
d. These form the background for for the defense Stephen makes.
2. So as we resume today in chapter-7 Stephen addresses the council in the form of a sermon (a sermon that greatly influenced the future preaching of no less than the Apostle Paul). (It has been said that you can find snippets of Stephens sermon given here, in everyone of the Apostle Paul's recorded sermons).
3. His sermon is given in the form of a history lesson, and what a history lesson it is.
a. Though his defense is really more a defense of the Gospel that it is of himself, he effectively dismantles the charges by showing that Israel is in fact guilty of all these charges on a grand and sweeping scale.
II. Stephen's Sermon
A. God calls out Abraham
Acts 7:1-8 (NKJV)
1 Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”
2 And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,
3 and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’
4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell.
5 And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him.
6 But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years.
7 ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’
8 Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.
1. Notice he identifies with them (brethren and fathers, our father Abraham).
a. No elitism on his part.
(1) Their history is his history.
(2) He is not talking down at them.
b. The mark of a good leader (Nehemiah) - we not you have a problem.
2. The God of Glory
a. Appeared to "our father" Abraham
b. Two things God did.
(1) He spoke to Abraham, giving him instruction
(2) He gave Abraham a promise, which included a land but gave him no inheritance in it.
c. We see a progression in Abrahams life as we look here.
(1) God calls Abraham to come out from the land of his fathers and from amongst his relatives, and there is delay and partial obedience on Abrahams part.
(a) He didn't completely leave the land until his father died, he took his father part of the way with him, and when he did leave the land he took his nephew Lot with him, so he didn't leave his relatives behind.
(2) There is a progression in faith and obedience on Abraham's part.
(a) God gave a promise to Abraham, which Abraham believed in spite of the fact that he never owned any of the land!
(b) We see a progression in God's plan as He sets out to affect the world, first through one man, then through his descendants (the children of Israel/Jocob), and finally through all who are of the household of faith-Abraham is the father of all who have real faith in God...
Galatians 3:7 (NKJV)
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
3. Stephen is making an eloquent argument for justification by faith, showing that Abraham was given guidance and had communion with God prior to circumcision (works or keeping the law).
B. Then he moves on to the life of Joseph as God takes the children of Israel into Egypt to incubate them into a nation.
Acts 7:9-16 (NKJV)
9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him
10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
11 Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
13 And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh.
14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people.
15 So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers.
16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
1. The fulfillment of what was prophesied in vv-6,7
a. It was the envy of his brothers that God used to bring blessing.
(1) Joseph had an eternal perspective
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
2. Stephen also had an eternal perspective
a. He is giving them an overview of their history, but it is chock full of contrasts and parallels to their own lives and actions.
(1) The chosen one rejected, the parallels between Joseph and Jesus being many.
(2) Israel has a history of not recognizing her deliverers when they are first sent, so in a sense Stephen says you accuse me of being contrary to what God is doing and who God has sent, but really we as a nation are guilty.
b. Joseph was rejected by his brothers, when God had raised him up to be a deliverer for them they didn't recognize the first time they met him, they not recognize Joseph until he revealed himself to them the second time, and in the mean time he took a gentile bride, after this Joseph preserved Israel through seven years of famine.
(1) Jesus was not recognized as by Israel in His first coming, but was hated and rejected by them, He then took a gentile bride (the Church), He will be recognized by Israel the next time He comes and He will preserve them through seven years of tribulation.
C. FROM JOSEPH HE MOVES TO MOSES, WHICH TAKES UP THE BULK OF THE DEFENSE HE IS MAKING.
Acts 7:17-43 (NKJV)
17 “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt
18 till another king arose who did not know Joseph.
19 This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live.
20 At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months.
21 But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son.
22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.
23 “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.
24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian.
25 For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand.
26 And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’
27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
28 Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’
29 Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.
30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.
31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him,
32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look.
33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.
34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’
35 “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
37 “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’
38 “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us,
39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt,
40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
41 And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42 Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: ‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
43 You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of your god Remphan, Images which you made to worship; And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’
1. Stephen is making the very clear point that Israel has a history of rejecting her deliverers the first time and receiving them the next.
a. They did it not once but repeatedly.
2. And just as they did not understand, about Moses, but rejected him, so they have not understood about the greatest deliverer of all, whom God had sent to them, that is Jesus, God's own Son.
3. Stephen again is in essence pointing out the fact, you say I have spoken against Moses and the Law, but the truth is that this Moses was rejected by your fathers and cast out, and the Law that God miraculously gave to you through Him, you would not obey!
D. The True Tabernacle
Acts 7:44-50 (NKJV)
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen,
45 which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David,
46 who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob.
47 But Solomon built Him a house.
48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:
49 ‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the place of My rest?
50 Has My hand not made all these things?’
1. They had the Tabernacle built according to the pattern in heaven and given to Moses, they also had the Temple a house for God built by Solomon, but these did not keep them from rejecting God, or the special messengers He sent to them.
2. They had come to the place where they worshipped the Temple, but Stephen points out that you can't confine God to the Temple, He is too big for any Temple, nor should we as Christ to one place in our lives but must surrender all of ourselves to Him
E. Resisting God's Spirit. (With every sermon you want to make application- how should we then live- and here is where Stephen makes application.
Acts 7:51-53 (NKJV)
51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers,
53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”
1. His point, as Israel was in their history, so are you today.
a. You have become betrayers and murderers and while you may be proud of the fact that God gave the Law to you as a people, you as a people have not kept it
F. Their Response:
Acts 7:54-60 (NKJV)
54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;
58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
1. They were cut to the heart, truth hurts, it will perform surgery on us if we will let it, or it will drive us mad as we resist it.
a. They start growling at him, then he see Jesus standing in heaven ready to receive Stephens the first martyr of the church
(1) And that pushes them over the edge and they plug their ears and spoke aloud so that they could not hear him.
(a) They become enraged and pounce upon him to kill him.
2. And we see Jesus standing to receive this first Martyr of the church.
3. Being full of the Spirit, Stephen intercedes for his murderers, and for his people.
4. And there was a young man standing there as they stoned Stephen to death, Saul whom they laid there garments down at his feet to protect, while the killed Stephen.
a. That young man we know better as the Apostle Paul, whose life continues to impact scores of people all over the world.
III. Conclusion
A. Let me ask you this morning, are you rejecting Jesus and His influence upon your life.
1. Are you being stiff-necked toward your spouse, your responsibilities, Godly disciplines I urge you to yield this very day.
a. Just as Abraham mired down and was on hold until he obeyed so will you be on hold...
B. Are you rejecting Christ the Redeemer whom God has sent?
1. Respond today to that call of God and surrender to Him your heart!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sunday Aug. 17, 2008
Acts_6
8/17/08
“Growing Pains”
Pray for the guys coming home from float trip.
Acts_6
I. Growing Pains
Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV)
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
A. We see the early church organized itself as need to do so arose.
1. The problem:
a. The complaint:
(1) Murmuring by Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected (overlooked) in the daily distribution (alms or food probably food).
(a) The Hellenists were Jews born outside of Palestine and had more contact with Greeks than the typical Hebrew and were often looked down on by those born in Palestine.
(b) This was probably not intentional, but carelessness (we see that the solution was readily accepted and embraced).
b. The Church is growing, with growth comes birth pains.
(1) More people probably means less overall intimacy...
(a) Satan will attempt to destroy true unity
(b) Clicks verses Close Bonds
c. The apostles were trying to do too much; this is a common problem in ministry.
(1) Trying to do too much makes you ineffective.
(2) The apostles recognized their primary call was to study and teach the word of God and they had become distracted in their ability to do that.
(a) Guarding your primary call so as not to get distracted is an important lesson, and there is often a need to make adjustments as you go along in order to accomplish this.
(3) Learning to delegate.
(a) Watching for those who are faithful in small things.
2. Their response was to appoint seven faithful men (Holy Spirit filled). (Two who will stand out and we encounter again).
a. While they are not called Deacons here, most agree that this is the office they fulfilled and where the office originated.
(1) Serve - diakoneo /dee·ak·on·eh·o
b. Men who were filled with the Holy Spirit and had wisdom...
c. The decision pleased the whole multitude which is unusual and a testimony as to where their hearts were.
(1) Blessed are the flexible...
(2) Embracing the change, not looking for their “own way” or exerting selfish power.
(a) Murmuring stopped rather than started in a new direction or increasing in the old direction.
d. This allowed the church to grow and the Word of God to spread.
B. Faithfulness in little things often leads to greater things.
Luke 16:10-12 (NKJV)
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?
II. So we see Stephen emerges to greater things from his faithfulness at serving tables.
Acts 6:8-15 (NKJV)
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
A. As we read about Stephen we see the Holy Spirit of God at work in his life.
1. He is a man of faith and in whom the power of God is at work, evidence of his relationship with God, that God's hand is on him to serve.
2. He was a man skilled in the word of God.
a. He knew how to contend for the faith, as we are told here and shall see in ch-7.
(1) Look at 2nd Timothy 2 (attributes that were true of Stephen).
(a) Paul instructs a young pastor named Timothy
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
i) 2 Timothy is a Pastoral epistle and Paul is writing instructions to Timothy with a focus on effective ministry, and here are some key characteristics.
(1) Faithful stewardship of truth as it has been taught, to guard it and to pass it along.
(2) Enduring hardship as a soldier
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
1. Training and preparation
a. The training never stops if you want effective soldiers.
2. Obedience to command is critical.
a. Discipline is often a hardship but is a key ingredient to effective
warfare.
3. Extreme conditions
4. Away from comforts of home
5. Facing an enemy seeking your destruction
a. Struggling against opposition.
b. Courage in the face of fear.
6. This kind of estrangement from the ordinary routines of life require a
singleness of purpose, a clear objective.
a. Defeating the enemy
b. Motivation - love of God: Love of king, love of country, love of
family (loving what is right truth, justice, and the ways of God)
(3) An Athlete
2 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
Obeying the rules (involves discipline, self-control)
Dedication and commitment are required to excel in any athletic endeavor
and oh what a difference heart can make...
(4) A Farmer
2 Timothy 2:6-7 (NKJV)
6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
1. Hard work (This is the emphasis)
2. Patience
3. Dependence upon God
4. Disappointment; there are often disappointments in farming, and so is the case in ministry.
(5) An Approved Workman
2 Timothy 2:14-18 (NKJV)
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Remind them (be strong in grace)
2. He exhorts that they be taught not to strive over word's to no profit, that is
not to twist the word of God around and make it say what you want it to
say, or simply to win arguments.
3. Rather an approved workman is diligent to know and handle God's word in a straight forward manner, cutting a path for others to follow if you will.
4. Shun, literally "stand above" idle babblings, unholy or evil discussions which increase more ungodliness, like cancer that spreads and Paul names two who have failed to do this and have ruined the faith of others in the process.
(a) I would also suggest to you that when we as Christians see our desperate need to study and feed on God's word regularly the whole texture of our walk changes we move on to becoming vessels of honor and gentle servants.
(6) Vessels of Honor
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
(7) Gentle Servants
2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NKJV)
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
(a) Christ likeness is the ultimate characteristic.
(b) I believe we see all of these characteristics in Stephen.
i) And these are characteristics that should mark your life and mine.
ii) They are characteristics worth aiming for. (But they don’t just happen)
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
B. There were people disputing with Stephen (one of the seven men appointed to serve tables) from the synagogue of the freedmen.
1. We really don't know who these freedmen were.
2. Here is what we do know.
a. They could not win a debate against him because of the Spirit in him.
b. So they set up a false witness against him and instigated his arrest.
(1) Stephen is standing before the Sanhedrin, the charge against him is found in 6:13,14.
Acts 6:13-14 (NKJV)
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
(a) It is a false charge, to which he will give an answer in chapter-7 in the form of a sermon and what a sermon it is.
i) More on that and the outcome next time.
Suffice it to say if we serve the Lord and we have something from Him to say we will meet opposition!
c. And all who sat on the council saw his face as an angel that is the glory of God was visibly upon him.
(1) That is to say, the glory of God is shining through him!
III. Wrap-Up
A. Unity in the church is always under attack, guard against dividing for the wrong things...
B. Growth and change are hard but be a part of the solution; don't add to the problem (key is to walk in the Spirit...)
C. Being faithful in small things allows growth and brings greater opportunities for service....
D. Is there enough evidence in our lives to bring accusation and to convict you of being a Christian?
8/17/08
“Growing Pains”
Pray for the guys coming home from float trip.
Acts_6
I. Growing Pains
Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV)
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
A. We see the early church organized itself as need to do so arose.
1. The problem:
a. The complaint:
(1) Murmuring by Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected (overlooked) in the daily distribution (alms or food probably food).
(a) The Hellenists were Jews born outside of Palestine and had more contact with Greeks than the typical Hebrew and were often looked down on by those born in Palestine.
(b) This was probably not intentional, but carelessness (we see that the solution was readily accepted and embraced).
b. The Church is growing, with growth comes birth pains.
(1) More people probably means less overall intimacy...
(a) Satan will attempt to destroy true unity
(b) Clicks verses Close Bonds
c. The apostles were trying to do too much; this is a common problem in ministry.
(1) Trying to do too much makes you ineffective.
(2) The apostles recognized their primary call was to study and teach the word of God and they had become distracted in their ability to do that.
(a) Guarding your primary call so as not to get distracted is an important lesson, and there is often a need to make adjustments as you go along in order to accomplish this.
(3) Learning to delegate.
(a) Watching for those who are faithful in small things.
2. Their response was to appoint seven faithful men (Holy Spirit filled). (Two who will stand out and we encounter again).
a. While they are not called Deacons here, most agree that this is the office they fulfilled and where the office originated.
(1) Serve - diakoneo /dee·ak·on·eh·o
b. Men who were filled with the Holy Spirit and had wisdom...
c. The decision pleased the whole multitude which is unusual and a testimony as to where their hearts were.
(1) Blessed are the flexible...
(2) Embracing the change, not looking for their “own way” or exerting selfish power.
(a) Murmuring stopped rather than started in a new direction or increasing in the old direction.
d. This allowed the church to grow and the Word of God to spread.
B. Faithfulness in little things often leads to greater things.
Luke 16:10-12 (NKJV)
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?
II. So we see Stephen emerges to greater things from his faithfulness at serving tables.
Acts 6:8-15 (NKJV)
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
A. As we read about Stephen we see the Holy Spirit of God at work in his life.
1. He is a man of faith and in whom the power of God is at work, evidence of his relationship with God, that God's hand is on him to serve.
2. He was a man skilled in the word of God.
a. He knew how to contend for the faith, as we are told here and shall see in ch-7.
(1) Look at 2nd Timothy 2 (attributes that were true of Stephen).
(a) Paul instructs a young pastor named Timothy
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
i) 2 Timothy is a Pastoral epistle and Paul is writing instructions to Timothy with a focus on effective ministry, and here are some key characteristics.
(1) Faithful stewardship of truth as it has been taught, to guard it and to pass it along.
(2) Enduring hardship as a soldier
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
1. Training and preparation
a. The training never stops if you want effective soldiers.
2. Obedience to command is critical.
a. Discipline is often a hardship but is a key ingredient to effective
warfare.
3. Extreme conditions
4. Away from comforts of home
5. Facing an enemy seeking your destruction
a. Struggling against opposition.
b. Courage in the face of fear.
6. This kind of estrangement from the ordinary routines of life require a
singleness of purpose, a clear objective.
a. Defeating the enemy
b. Motivation - love of God: Love of king, love of country, love of
family (loving what is right truth, justice, and the ways of God)
(3) An Athlete
2 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
Obeying the rules (involves discipline, self-control)
Dedication and commitment are required to excel in any athletic endeavor
and oh what a difference heart can make...
(4) A Farmer
2 Timothy 2:6-7 (NKJV)
6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
1. Hard work (This is the emphasis)
2. Patience
3. Dependence upon God
4. Disappointment; there are often disappointments in farming, and so is the case in ministry.
(5) An Approved Workman
2 Timothy 2:14-18 (NKJV)
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Remind them (be strong in grace)
2. He exhorts that they be taught not to strive over word's to no profit, that is
not to twist the word of God around and make it say what you want it to
say, or simply to win arguments.
3. Rather an approved workman is diligent to know and handle God's word in a straight forward manner, cutting a path for others to follow if you will.
4. Shun, literally "stand above" idle babblings, unholy or evil discussions which increase more ungodliness, like cancer that spreads and Paul names two who have failed to do this and have ruined the faith of others in the process.
(a) I would also suggest to you that when we as Christians see our desperate need to study and feed on God's word regularly the whole texture of our walk changes we move on to becoming vessels of honor and gentle servants.
(6) Vessels of Honor
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
(7) Gentle Servants
2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NKJV)
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
(a) Christ likeness is the ultimate characteristic.
(b) I believe we see all of these characteristics in Stephen.
i) And these are characteristics that should mark your life and mine.
ii) They are characteristics worth aiming for. (But they don’t just happen)
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
B. There were people disputing with Stephen (one of the seven men appointed to serve tables) from the synagogue of the freedmen.
1. We really don't know who these freedmen were.
2. Here is what we do know.
a. They could not win a debate against him because of the Spirit in him.
b. So they set up a false witness against him and instigated his arrest.
(1) Stephen is standing before the Sanhedrin, the charge against him is found in 6:13,14.
Acts 6:13-14 (NKJV)
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
(a) It is a false charge, to which he will give an answer in chapter-7 in the form of a sermon and what a sermon it is.
i) More on that and the outcome next time.
Suffice it to say if we serve the Lord and we have something from Him to say we will meet opposition!
c. And all who sat on the council saw his face as an angel that is the glory of God was visibly upon him.
(1) That is to say, the glory of God is shining through him!
III. Wrap-Up
A. Unity in the church is always under attack, guard against dividing for the wrong things...
B. Growth and change are hard but be a part of the solution; don't add to the problem (key is to walk in the Spirit...)
C. Being faithful in small things allows growth and brings greater opportunities for service....
D. Is there enough evidence in our lives to bring accusation and to convict you of being a Christian?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Sunday Aug 10 Acts 5
Acts_5
8/10/08
Acts_5
I. In our last study we saw how the church was growing.
A. The church had grown through the blessing of the pouring out of God's Spirit at Pentecost.
B. In chapters 3-7 we see God adding to the church through testing.
1. The first test being the arrest of Peter and John.
a. The miracle and sermon orchestrated through Peter outside the Temple being the catalyst for this.
(1) There was a real emphasis on preaching the gospel particularly upon the resurrection at this time.
C. There was an incredible unity and common affection for one another at this time, coupled with a lack of materialism.
1. They had a genuine love and concern for each other...
a. But Satan comes against this in a hurry.
D. The first trial or testing of the newborn church was external through arrest and persecution by the Jewish Sanhedrin.
1. As chapter-5 opens the testing is internal, it comes from within.
2. Often some of the biggest difficulties in a church are those that arise from within the church.
a. Ambitions, jealousies, self-seeking action and attitudes, pride often being the root these problems
II. Now we come to the account of Annanias and Sapphira, truly one of the most shocking events in the New Testament,
Acts 5:1-11 (NKJV)
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
A. Undoubtedly there was some recognition of those who like Barnabas as he had sold his land and given the proceeds to the church.
Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV)
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
1. Others had sold lands, houses and possessions, but for some reason Barnabas is specifically mentioned.
B. In contrast to these others Annanias and his wife Saphira sold something and held back part of the proceeds, but gave the appearance that they had given all.
1. They were giving the appearance of doing what others had done, when they had not done what the others had done.
a. So we see the sin of hypocrisy.
(1) Actors, pretending to be something they aren't.
(a) Hypocrisy is not failing to be what want to be, or should be, but pretending to be something are not!
(b) The issue is not that they did not give all, it is that they pretended to.
(c) One of the great dangers of this is that we leave others feeling inadequate and discouraged. Potentially stumbled into giving up.
2. Deceitfulness.
a. We are told that they were guilty of attempting to lie to the Holy Spirit, and obviously they were attempting to deceive others.
(1) First thing to note is that the church is to be a place or foundation for truth, and conducting ourselves in truth is important to God.
1 Timothy 3:15 (NKJV)
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
(2) Secondly we see that truth is essential to our fellowship with one another.
1 John 1:7 (NKJV)
7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
b. This was and is a great threat to unity and effectiveness in the church.
(1) Often deceitfulness is practiced to mask the following issues all of which bring division.
(a) Jealousy.
(b) Ambition
(c) The threat is division, which is what these things lead to.
Matthew 12:25 (NKJV)
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
i) Division weakens until it destroys if it is not corrected.
ii) Concerning those who cause division
Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
(1) In this we again see the importance of truth.
c. They lied to the Holy Spirit, and were attempting to draw attention to themselves and in the process rob God of His glory.
(1) We need to be careful that we aren't guilty of taking credit for what God has done.
3. Another issue is the love of money
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
C. We see that God dealt harshly with this because it was such a threat to the church (He loves and is jealous for the church).
1. So one at a time God struck Annanias and then his wife Sapphira dead.
a. The result was that there was great fear or reverence on the part of the church for God.
b. Unfortunately all to quickly fear and reverence for God in the church gets broken down and how grieving this must be to God.
Power continues in the church.
Acts 5:12-16 (NKJV)
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
I. God granted miraculous signs of healings in order to authenticate the authority of the apostles.
A. Also unity continued, but evidently there were some that did not have the courage to join them in public.
1. Fear of God verses fear of man.
2. We see man's predisposal to exalt men rather than God as the people began to think that it was Peter even though Peter had set the record strait.
B. And God continued to add both men and women to the church.
Persecution or testing continues.
Acts 5:17-21 (NKJV)
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,
18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.
19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
I. Evidently the impact of the gospel as it was being preached there at the temple by the apostles was really getting to the high priest and the Sadducees.
A. Who in a fit of rage arrest all the apostles this time, not just Peter and John.
1. Perhaps indicating increased boldness...
2. Suggests regular meetings at the Temple.
B. But God sends an angel at night that opens the door and delivers them out of the prison.
1. If God be for us, who can be against us?
2. The angel of the Lord also gives them instruction to God stand in the Temple (the very place where they were arrested) and to share the words of life with the people.
a. In this we see the heart of God, for people.
Romans 10:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
(1) So God specifically sends them back to the people at the Temple.
(2) And notice there is no hesitation or reluctance on their part, just obedience; they are back at the Temple early in the morning.
II. And we read that that next day the high priest and those with him called the council and the elders together and sent to have the apostles brought out of the prison to put them on trial.
A. But they are in for a surprise!
Acts 5:22-32 (NKJV)
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,
23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.
25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
1. This reads like an episode of the old program "The Twilight Zone".
a. They look for them and do not find them and come back with this report.
(1) Hey all the guards are in place there is no way out but they are not there!
(2) As these learned men the religious leaders of Israel ponder this report they are perplexed, wondering among themselves what the outcome of all this would be.
b. And about that time someone comes in and reports that the one's they arrested were back in the Temple preaching again.
(1) The leaders are moving slowly at this point, not wanting to stir the people up for fear.
(2) The disciples do not attempt to stir up the crowd in this manner but willingly go before the leaders.
(a) When questioned Peter again takes the lead and drives home the point, that they are compelled to obey God over men and again presents the gospel and the guilt of the Jewish leaders.
(b) Peter adds that they are God's witnesses to these things as is God's Sprit, whom has been given to those who obey God... (an indictment against them - an encouragment for us)
Gamaliesl's advice.
I. The response of the Jewish leaders.
Acts 5:33-42 (NKJV)
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
A. When they heard the response of Peter (representative of the others) they began to plot how to kill them
1. But one of them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, got the council alone and warns them to be careful to leave them alone.
a. Citing a couple of examples he reminds them if this is of men it will die, but if this is a work of God you can't stop it.
(1) It would be like fighting against God Himself (and so it was).
2. So they beat them and told them to stop, but the disciples were all the bolder and continued to preach Christ and the resurrection in the Temple daily.
Guard our hearts against the temptation of pretending to be something we are not, but learn to love the truth and each other enough to live with humility and honesty before others.
Be bold in our declaration of Christ and the Gospel knowing that He is able to keep us and to deliver us from all peril as we are lead in His purposes for our lives.
Know that persecution will come but God has to allow it and will use it, so we need not fear it, as we trust Him we will find His grace sufficient in every situation.
8/10/08
Acts_5
I. In our last study we saw how the church was growing.
A. The church had grown through the blessing of the pouring out of God's Spirit at Pentecost.
B. In chapters 3-7 we see God adding to the church through testing.
1. The first test being the arrest of Peter and John.
a. The miracle and sermon orchestrated through Peter outside the Temple being the catalyst for this.
(1) There was a real emphasis on preaching the gospel particularly upon the resurrection at this time.
C. There was an incredible unity and common affection for one another at this time, coupled with a lack of materialism.
1. They had a genuine love and concern for each other...
a. But Satan comes against this in a hurry.
D. The first trial or testing of the newborn church was external through arrest and persecution by the Jewish Sanhedrin.
1. As chapter-5 opens the testing is internal, it comes from within.
2. Often some of the biggest difficulties in a church are those that arise from within the church.
a. Ambitions, jealousies, self-seeking action and attitudes, pride often being the root these problems
II. Now we come to the account of Annanias and Sapphira, truly one of the most shocking events in the New Testament,
Acts 5:1-11 (NKJV)
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
A. Undoubtedly there was some recognition of those who like Barnabas as he had sold his land and given the proceeds to the church.
Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV)
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
1. Others had sold lands, houses and possessions, but for some reason Barnabas is specifically mentioned.
B. In contrast to these others Annanias and his wife Saphira sold something and held back part of the proceeds, but gave the appearance that they had given all.
1. They were giving the appearance of doing what others had done, when they had not done what the others had done.
a. So we see the sin of hypocrisy.
(1) Actors, pretending to be something they aren't.
(a) Hypocrisy is not failing to be what want to be, or should be, but pretending to be something are not!
(b) The issue is not that they did not give all, it is that they pretended to.
(c) One of the great dangers of this is that we leave others feeling inadequate and discouraged. Potentially stumbled into giving up.
2. Deceitfulness.
a. We are told that they were guilty of attempting to lie to the Holy Spirit, and obviously they were attempting to deceive others.
(1) First thing to note is that the church is to be a place or foundation for truth, and conducting ourselves in truth is important to God.
1 Timothy 3:15 (NKJV)
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
(2) Secondly we see that truth is essential to our fellowship with one another.
1 John 1:7 (NKJV)
7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
b. This was and is a great threat to unity and effectiveness in the church.
(1) Often deceitfulness is practiced to mask the following issues all of which bring division.
(a) Jealousy.
(b) Ambition
(c) The threat is division, which is what these things lead to.
Matthew 12:25 (NKJV)
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
i) Division weakens until it destroys if it is not corrected.
ii) Concerning those who cause division
Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
(1) In this we again see the importance of truth.
c. They lied to the Holy Spirit, and were attempting to draw attention to themselves and in the process rob God of His glory.
(1) We need to be careful that we aren't guilty of taking credit for what God has done.
3. Another issue is the love of money
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
C. We see that God dealt harshly with this because it was such a threat to the church (He loves and is jealous for the church).
1. So one at a time God struck Annanias and then his wife Sapphira dead.
a. The result was that there was great fear or reverence on the part of the church for God.
b. Unfortunately all to quickly fear and reverence for God in the church gets broken down and how grieving this must be to God.
Power continues in the church.
Acts 5:12-16 (NKJV)
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
I. God granted miraculous signs of healings in order to authenticate the authority of the apostles.
A. Also unity continued, but evidently there were some that did not have the courage to join them in public.
1. Fear of God verses fear of man.
2. We see man's predisposal to exalt men rather than God as the people began to think that it was Peter even though Peter had set the record strait.
B. And God continued to add both men and women to the church.
Persecution or testing continues.
Acts 5:17-21 (NKJV)
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,
18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.
19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
I. Evidently the impact of the gospel as it was being preached there at the temple by the apostles was really getting to the high priest and the Sadducees.
A. Who in a fit of rage arrest all the apostles this time, not just Peter and John.
1. Perhaps indicating increased boldness...
2. Suggests regular meetings at the Temple.
B. But God sends an angel at night that opens the door and delivers them out of the prison.
1. If God be for us, who can be against us?
2. The angel of the Lord also gives them instruction to God stand in the Temple (the very place where they were arrested) and to share the words of life with the people.
a. In this we see the heart of God, for people.
Romans 10:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
(1) So God specifically sends them back to the people at the Temple.
(2) And notice there is no hesitation or reluctance on their part, just obedience; they are back at the Temple early in the morning.
II. And we read that that next day the high priest and those with him called the council and the elders together and sent to have the apostles brought out of the prison to put them on trial.
A. But they are in for a surprise!
Acts 5:22-32 (NKJV)
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,
23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.
25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
1. This reads like an episode of the old program "The Twilight Zone".
a. They look for them and do not find them and come back with this report.
(1) Hey all the guards are in place there is no way out but they are not there!
(2) As these learned men the religious leaders of Israel ponder this report they are perplexed, wondering among themselves what the outcome of all this would be.
b. And about that time someone comes in and reports that the one's they arrested were back in the Temple preaching again.
(1) The leaders are moving slowly at this point, not wanting to stir the people up for fear.
(2) The disciples do not attempt to stir up the crowd in this manner but willingly go before the leaders.
(a) When questioned Peter again takes the lead and drives home the point, that they are compelled to obey God over men and again presents the gospel and the guilt of the Jewish leaders.
(b) Peter adds that they are God's witnesses to these things as is God's Sprit, whom has been given to those who obey God... (an indictment against them - an encouragment for us)
Gamaliesl's advice.
I. The response of the Jewish leaders.
Acts 5:33-42 (NKJV)
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
A. When they heard the response of Peter (representative of the others) they began to plot how to kill them
1. But one of them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, got the council alone and warns them to be careful to leave them alone.
a. Citing a couple of examples he reminds them if this is of men it will die, but if this is a work of God you can't stop it.
(1) It would be like fighting against God Himself (and so it was).
2. So they beat them and told them to stop, but the disciples were all the bolder and continued to preach Christ and the resurrection in the Temple daily.
Guard our hearts against the temptation of pretending to be something we are not, but learn to love the truth and each other enough to live with humility and honesty before others.
Be bold in our declaration of Christ and the Gospel knowing that He is able to keep us and to deliver us from all peril as we are lead in His purposes for our lives.
Know that persecution will come but God has to allow it and will use it, so we need not fear it, as we trust Him we will find His grace sufficient in every situation.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Sunday Aug 3 Acts_4_5-37
Acts_4_5-37
8/3/08
“Telling the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, as God has helped them”
Acts_4_5-37
I. Review
A. As we left off in our last study Peter and John had been arrested for preaching resurrection in the name of Jesus, after Peter had used the healing of a lame man as an opportunity to preach the gospel to the crowd gathered in the temple complex.
1. They were arrested in the afternoon and so they were held in custody overnight, which is where our text resumes.
II. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin.
Acts 4:5-12 (NKJV)
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,
6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
A. What a contrast we see here, apparently uneducated fisherman, standing in the midst of the Jewish Sanhedrin, some of the most educated men in history!
1. Peter again filled by the Holy Spirit takes the lead and he begins to preach to these educated leaders.
This seems a real life picture of what the Apostles Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (NKJV)
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
a. Education - formal/informal need not fear those who are more educated nor should we assume they are correct in their assumptions. (we do not need to cower, we have defendable and reasonable truth)
(1) Learn to look at and rely on what God has said, learn to think for yourselves and not rely on what man says no matter how many letters he or she may have behind their name!
2. The religious leaders asked by what power or authority they had taught in and Peter very Boldly proclaims the name and person of Jesus as their source and authority.
a. If we are being judged for this good deed then let it be known it was in the name and authority of Jesus.
(1) This is the same court that had recently condemned Jesus to death, and the tone of Peter's response shows that he is in no way intimidated by these men.
b. And Peter lays out the gospel and the charges against them with incredible boldness. (It was a God given boldness, the empowering of God’s Spirit)
(Again note that rejection is the issue)
(1) FF Bruce the NT Scholar points out-
“It is particularly striking that neither on this nor on any subsequent occasion . . . did the Sanhedrin take any serious action to disprove the apostles’ central affirmation - the resurrection of Jesus. Had it seemed possible to refute them on this point, how readily would the Sanhedrin seized the opportunity! Had they succeeded, how quickly and completely the new movement would have collapsed!” (Bruce)
(2) Rejection of Jesus what is it based on?
(a) A close examination of the life of Jesus, shows that the only things for which He could be rejected was either because of His God (desire for another god)… or because His standard of right and wrong exceeds a personal willingness of conformity (my way or God's way).
1re•ject \ri-'jekt\ vt
[ME, fr. L rejectus, pp. of reicere, fr. re- + jacere to throw — more at jet] 15c
1 a : to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use
b : to refuse to hear, receive, or admit : rebuff, repel
c : to refuse as lover or spouse
2 obs : to cast off
3 : throw back, repulse
4 : to spew out
5 : to subject to immunological rejection syn see decline — re•ject•er or re•jec•tor \-'jek-t?r\ n — re•ject•ing•ly \-ti?-le\ adv — re•jec•tive \-'jek-tiv\ adj
———————
(b) Rejection of Jesus is a willful rejection of the only means of salvation from sin available to man.
i) How foolish to reject Christ, be warned...
ii) Ask yourself what is my response to Jesus Christ honestly!
(3) How we need to learn to speak the truth in love (as did Peter) - not put people down!
(4) We also see the exclusivity of the gospel, which we need to tell people. Salvation is only found in Jesus!!! (argue with God if you don’t like this…)
III. The response of the Sanhedrin.
Acts 4:13-22 (NKJV)
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
A. Note vv-13 it is one of the greatest verses in all of scripture
1. The most important thing we can do in this life is spend time with Jesus.
a. That will impact others more than any other single thing we can do, more than all other activity put together.
(1) It was obvious to others that Peter and John had hung out with and learned from Jesus, after all Jesus had proved Himself a more than able opponent to their self-approbation (self-approval) and self-justification.
b. How do we spend time with Jesus today???
B. Note the stubbornness of the human heart, in these men, a notable miracle, and so many other evidences, but still they will not yield or embrace the truth.
1. This miracle is examined by these men who are doubters, who would like nothing better than to disprove it, but they can't!
2. Instead they do the only thing they can think of; they forbid them to preach in the name of Jesus anymore.
a. But Peter is so bold in the Spirit he takes them to task for this almost declaring you can't shut us up because we need to speak God's truth, the things to which we were eye witnesses.
(1) What we have seen and heard - experienced and the word of God...
b. We need to do what is right in God's eyes not mans.
C. Threatened and released.
1. Often the enemy of our soul keeps us isolated and ineffective by threat, fear, and discouragement, they are often the extent of the weapons he can use against us...
2. Guzik states the following reasons (what had been done) that they glorified for
i. Two thousand more people come to believe on Jesus.
ii. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit again.
iii. Peter gets to preach Jesus to the leaders of the Jews.
iv. Hostile examiners confirm a miraculous healing.
v. The enemies of Jesus are confused.
vi. Peter and John are bolder for Jesus than ever before.
vii. God is glorified.
IV. Testimony and Prayer
Acts 4:23-31 (NKJV)
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
A. They took a report or testimony back to the brethren:
1. Taking the report back or giving testimony about what God has done builds others up and encourages them to trust God also. (Learn to encourage others it is a mark of love)
B. They recognized that the persecution was predicted and quote from Ps.-2 (Ps.-2 authorship is attributed to David).
1. And they prayed in light of the scriptures. (What do the scripture say, what do they promise, on what conditions if any?)
C. And they prayed for continued boldness.
1. How wonderful as they prayed the Holy Spirit shook the place and came on them afresh to give them boldness in answer to their prayer.
a. The need for corporate prayer.
b. Also we see that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a one time occurrence.
V. And we see the unity and common affection, the lack of materialism and the genuine concern they had for each other at this point in time, but which will soon be interrupted.
Acts 4:32-37 (NKJV)
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
A. They had their priorities right, God was their main priority, then people, and material possessions were low on their list.
1. This unity and care they had for each other, this lack of concern for material goods, and trust they had for God to supply their needs will quickly come under attack.
a. The church has grown through external trial, with the arrest of Peter and John, but internal tests are also coming.
B. God grant to us the ability to boldly proclaim the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth concerning Him to those who are around us, or in our sphere of influence.
1. And if in any way you have been rejecting Jesus, or His word, may He grant you strength to yield your hearts to Him and do what is right by His standard not yours.
8/3/08
“Telling the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, as God has helped them”
Acts_4_5-37
I. Review
A. As we left off in our last study Peter and John had been arrested for preaching resurrection in the name of Jesus, after Peter had used the healing of a lame man as an opportunity to preach the gospel to the crowd gathered in the temple complex.
1. They were arrested in the afternoon and so they were held in custody overnight, which is where our text resumes.
II. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin.
Acts 4:5-12 (NKJV)
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,
6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
A. What a contrast we see here, apparently uneducated fisherman, standing in the midst of the Jewish Sanhedrin, some of the most educated men in history!
1. Peter again filled by the Holy Spirit takes the lead and he begins to preach to these educated leaders.
This seems a real life picture of what the Apostles Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (NKJV)
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
a. Education - formal/informal need not fear those who are more educated nor should we assume they are correct in their assumptions. (we do not need to cower, we have defendable and reasonable truth)
(1) Learn to look at and rely on what God has said, learn to think for yourselves and not rely on what man says no matter how many letters he or she may have behind their name!
2. The religious leaders asked by what power or authority they had taught in and Peter very Boldly proclaims the name and person of Jesus as their source and authority.
a. If we are being judged for this good deed then let it be known it was in the name and authority of Jesus.
(1) This is the same court that had recently condemned Jesus to death, and the tone of Peter's response shows that he is in no way intimidated by these men.
b. And Peter lays out the gospel and the charges against them with incredible boldness. (It was a God given boldness, the empowering of God’s Spirit)
(Again note that rejection is the issue)
(1) FF Bruce the NT Scholar points out-
“It is particularly striking that neither on this nor on any subsequent occasion . . . did the Sanhedrin take any serious action to disprove the apostles’ central affirmation - the resurrection of Jesus. Had it seemed possible to refute them on this point, how readily would the Sanhedrin seized the opportunity! Had they succeeded, how quickly and completely the new movement would have collapsed!” (Bruce)
(2) Rejection of Jesus what is it based on?
(a) A close examination of the life of Jesus, shows that the only things for which He could be rejected was either because of His God (desire for another god)… or because His standard of right and wrong exceeds a personal willingness of conformity (my way or God's way).
1re•ject \ri-'jekt\ vt
[ME, fr. L rejectus, pp. of reicere, fr. re- + jacere to throw — more at jet] 15c
1 a : to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use
b : to refuse to hear, receive, or admit : rebuff, repel
c : to refuse as lover or spouse
2 obs : to cast off
3 : throw back, repulse
4 : to spew out
5 : to subject to immunological rejection syn see decline — re•ject•er or re•jec•tor \-'jek-t?r\ n — re•ject•ing•ly \-ti?-le\ adv — re•jec•tive \-'jek-tiv\ adj
———————
(b) Rejection of Jesus is a willful rejection of the only means of salvation from sin available to man.
i) How foolish to reject Christ, be warned...
ii) Ask yourself what is my response to Jesus Christ honestly!
(3) How we need to learn to speak the truth in love (as did Peter) - not put people down!
(4) We also see the exclusivity of the gospel, which we need to tell people. Salvation is only found in Jesus!!! (argue with God if you don’t like this…)
III. The response of the Sanhedrin.
Acts 4:13-22 (NKJV)
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
A. Note vv-13 it is one of the greatest verses in all of scripture
1. The most important thing we can do in this life is spend time with Jesus.
a. That will impact others more than any other single thing we can do, more than all other activity put together.
(1) It was obvious to others that Peter and John had hung out with and learned from Jesus, after all Jesus had proved Himself a more than able opponent to their self-approbation (self-approval) and self-justification.
b. How do we spend time with Jesus today???
B. Note the stubbornness of the human heart, in these men, a notable miracle, and so many other evidences, but still they will not yield or embrace the truth.
1. This miracle is examined by these men who are doubters, who would like nothing better than to disprove it, but they can't!
2. Instead they do the only thing they can think of; they forbid them to preach in the name of Jesus anymore.
a. But Peter is so bold in the Spirit he takes them to task for this almost declaring you can't shut us up because we need to speak God's truth, the things to which we were eye witnesses.
(1) What we have seen and heard - experienced and the word of God...
b. We need to do what is right in God's eyes not mans.
C. Threatened and released.
1. Often the enemy of our soul keeps us isolated and ineffective by threat, fear, and discouragement, they are often the extent of the weapons he can use against us...
2. Guzik states the following reasons (what had been done) that they glorified for
i. Two thousand more people come to believe on Jesus.
ii. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit again.
iii. Peter gets to preach Jesus to the leaders of the Jews.
iv. Hostile examiners confirm a miraculous healing.
v. The enemies of Jesus are confused.
vi. Peter and John are bolder for Jesus than ever before.
vii. God is glorified.
IV. Testimony and Prayer
Acts 4:23-31 (NKJV)
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
A. They took a report or testimony back to the brethren:
1. Taking the report back or giving testimony about what God has done builds others up and encourages them to trust God also. (Learn to encourage others it is a mark of love)
B. They recognized that the persecution was predicted and quote from Ps.-2 (Ps.-2 authorship is attributed to David).
1. And they prayed in light of the scriptures. (What do the scripture say, what do they promise, on what conditions if any?)
C. And they prayed for continued boldness.
1. How wonderful as they prayed the Holy Spirit shook the place and came on them afresh to give them boldness in answer to their prayer.
a. The need for corporate prayer.
b. Also we see that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a one time occurrence.
V. And we see the unity and common affection, the lack of materialism and the genuine concern they had for each other at this point in time, but which will soon be interrupted.
Acts 4:32-37 (NKJV)
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
A. They had their priorities right, God was their main priority, then people, and material possessions were low on their list.
1. This unity and care they had for each other, this lack of concern for material goods, and trust they had for God to supply their needs will quickly come under attack.
a. The church has grown through external trial, with the arrest of Peter and John, but internal tests are also coming.
B. God grant to us the ability to boldly proclaim the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth concerning Him to those who are around us, or in our sphere of influence.
1. And if in any way you have been rejecting Jesus, or His word, may He grant you strength to yield your hearts to Him and do what is right by His standard not yours.
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