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Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

Peter And John Arrested

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“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” – Acts 4:1-3

As we saw in Acts 3 Peter and John healed a man who was lame since birth. And a large crowd that had gathered at the temple for the hour of prayer were astonished at seeing the lame man walking and leaping, and praising God.

Peter took advantage of the large crowd that gathered, and empowered by the Holy Spirit he preached about Jesus and the Gospel.

Near the end of Peter’s message he pleaded with the crowd to repent and turn back in faith to Jesus. And he told them what would happen if they did.

Forgiveness of sins. Times of refreshing would come from the presence of the Lord. And they would be blessed and a part of God’s kingdom when Jesus, the Messiah, comes back to reign.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

 

The Priests, The Captain, And The Sadducees

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Suddenly the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees appeared. They were irritated at Peter and John because they were speaking about Jesus and His resurrection from the dead.

The priests were in charge of the daily prayers and sacrifice in the temple. They were under the supervision of the Sadducees, as was the captain of the guard of the temple. The captain was the head of the temple guard, which basically were the security force or police for the temple.

The Sadducees were the smaller of two religious parties in the Jewish faith. They were in charge of the temple operations. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection.

They only believed in the first 5 books of the Old Testament written by Moses, known as the Pentateuch. Resurrection is not found in these 5 books of the Pentateuch, so they did not believe in it.

They did not like it at all when they found out Peter was preaching and teaching the people. They were greatly disturbed that someone was usurping their authority to teach the people.

And Peter was preaching about Jesus and His resurrection. On the temple grounds no less. All of which greatly irritated or disturbed them.

Acts 4:2 in the ESV says that they were “greatly annoyed”. Other versions says they were “greatly disturbed”. Profoundly disturbed or agitated would be a good way to describe it.

They had Peter and John, and apparently the healed man, arrested and held until the next day.

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened
The New Church In Jerusalem Had Become A Threat

When Jesus ascended into heaven in Acts 1 there were 120 believers in Jerusalem. On the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, 3000 men and an unknown number of women repented and believed after Peter preached.

And in Acts 2:47 we saw that the Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.

Now in Acts 4:4 we see that 5000 more men and an unknown number of women will repent and believe in Jesus. And Peter preached the message on the temple grounds. The new church of believers and faithful followers of Jesus was growing rapidly.

And now they had become a great threat to the Jewish religion and it’s leaders. These are the same godless people that had Jesus tortured and killed on the cross.

This was the beginning of persecution against the new church. Whenever faithful followers of Jesus take to heart His commands to share the Gospel and make disciples, Satan will try to stop them. Satan does not want believers to share the Gospel, and he does not want people to be saved.

 

5000 Men Repent And Believe

“But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” – Acts 4:4

Luke tells us that as a result of Peter’s preaching 5000 men repented and believed. We have no way of knowing how many women believed.

This is an incredible result. A result that could not happen without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Not only did God open the door to this great opportunity to preach the Gospel, through the healing of the lame man. But God, through the Holy Spirit, spoke boldly through Peter. And God, through the Holy Spirit, opened the hearts and minds and spiritual eyes of the people in the crowd.

And God, through the Holy Spirit, convicted the lost people of their sins and unbelief in Jesus the Messiah. And God convinced them that they are sinners separated from Him, and that they needed to repent and turn back to Jesus.

When we faithfully and obediently do our part and share the Gospel message with others, God and the Holy Spirit will do their parts. And God will take care of the results.

 

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

Peter And John Appear Before The Sanhedrin

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“On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.” – Acts 4:5-6

Peter and John were arrested and stayed overnight in jail. On the next day the Jewish rulers,elders, and scribes gathered together. And they would have Peter and John appear before them and explain themselves.

Annas was there, who was the senior ex high priest, and was still called by the title of high priest. Caiaphas was also there, who was the son-in-law of Annas and the current high priest at the time. John and Alexander were important men, and were sons of Annas.

These men and the other rulers, elders, and scribes made up the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the ruling body or supreme court in Israel. Caiaphas was the president of the Sanhedrin, since he was the current high priest.

 

Jesus Appeared Before Annas And Caiaphas

When Jesus was arrested, before he was crucified, he appeared before Annas, and then before Caiaphas. He was then sent to appear before Pilate.

“So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people… The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.” – John 18:12-14, 19-24

“Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” – John 19:4-7

Annas and Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin had declared that Jesus was a blasphemer, and a false teacher. And they were instrumental in having Jesus crucified.

 

 

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

The Sanhedrin Question Peter And John

So Peter preached to a large crowd at the temple about Jesus. And His resurrection. And how the people need to repent and turn in faith to follow Jesus. The One the Jewish leaders and the Sanhedrin had called a blasphemer. And the One they had crucified.

“And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” – Acts 4:7

The Sanhedrin asked John and Peter about their healing the lame man. They specifically asked by what power or by what name they performed the miracle.

 

Peter Responds

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” – Acts 4:8

Luke tells us that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he responded to the Sanhedrin’s question.

When Jesus was still with His followers, He told them this:

“Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” – Matthew 10:17-20

Jesus told His disciples that they would be persecuted. Especially when they would obey His commands to be witnesses, and share the Gospel, and to make disciples.

Jesus also promised them that they would not need to be anxious about what to say when they have a chance to witness for Him. The “Spirit of the Father”, or the Holy Spirit would give them the words to say. And that it would actually be the Holy Spirit speaking through them.

We have the same promise. The Holy Spirit will empower us and give us the words we need to be witnesses for Jesus.

 

 

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

The Holy Spirit Speaks Through Peter

Just as when Peter powerfully preached to a large crowd on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, and to the crowd at the temple in Acts 3, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he responded to the Sanhedrin’s question.

“Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you 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 is standing before you well.” – Acts 4:8-10

Peter respectfully and clearly tells the Sanhedrin that the man, lame from birth, was healed by the power and name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The same one that the Sanhedrin had crucified because they were jealous of Him, and hated Him.

And Peter declared that God had raised Jesus from the dead.

 

Peter Continues To Speak About Jesus

Peter continued to boldly speak about Jesus by saying that Jesus is “cornerstone” that they rejected.

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” – Acts 4:11

Peter is quoting Psalm 118 and the prophet Isaiah. And the Sanhedrin would have been well aware of these Scriptures.

“Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” – Psalm 118:19-23

“Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! 15 Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter”; 16 therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” – Isaiah 28:14-16

 

 

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

No Other Name By Which We Will Be Saved

Peter finishes his Spirit led reply by saying there is no other name but Jesus by which we must be saved.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

Jesus said these things about Himself and how to be saved and have a reconciled relationship with God :

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” – John 3:36

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

Peter finishes by boldly claiming that Jesus is the Messiah that God promised. And that only Jesus can save mankind from their sins.

There are no other ways or people or religions that lead to salvation and a restored relationship with God. Only Jesus.

 

The Boldness Of Peter And John

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13

When the Jewish leaders and Sanhedrin questioned Peter and John about the healing of the lame man, they responded and boldly talked about Jesus. And they quoted Psalm 118 and Isaiah.

Their boldness and familiarity with God’s word astonished the supreme council. And they took note that they had been with Jesus.

Peter and John were Galileans. People from Galilee were known to be uneducated “country bumpkins”. And they certainly were not well spoken people.

The Holy Spirit empowered Peter and John to speak to the Sanhedrin. Just as Jesus promised in Matthew 10. And the Holy Spirit gave them great boldness and wisdom to speak about Jesus.

And the Holy Spirit will give us the same boldness and wisdom, if we will obediently go and tell others about Jesus and share the Gospel.

 

 

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

The Jewish Leaders Could Not Deny That A Miracle Occurred

“But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.”  – Acts 4:14-16
After Peter finished speaking about the healing of the lame man, and about Jesus, the Sanhedrin discussed what to do with them. They obviously could not deny that the lame man was healed.
Everyone at the temple that day saw the man walking, leaping, and praising God. Everyone knew that a miracle took place.

They Commanded Peter And John To Stop Talking About Jesus

“But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” – Acts 4:17-18
The Jewish leaders were convinced that Jesus was a blasphemer and a false teacher. They knew the Scriptures, which at that time consisted of the Old Testament, backwards and forwards.
They knew the Scriptures better than anyone. And they practiced all of the religious laws and rules and traditions. And they knew all of the Messianic prophecies and promises in God’s word.
But their hearts were so hard that they couldn’t even recognize the promised Messiah when He stood in front of them. They professed their love for God. But when the Living God Jesus stood in front of them in the flesh, they hated Him. And they were jealous of how the people reacted to His teachings and miracles. So they had Him crucified and killed.
Now in Acts 4 they had the same concern that the people would stop following them, and turn to follow Jesus. So what did they do?

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

They Threatened Peter And John

They threatened Peter and John, and commanded them to stop talking about Jesus. There had already been 3000 men and an untold number of women that repented and turned to follow Jesus on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. And now 5000 more men and an untold number of women in Acts 4. This was a big problem for the Jewish leaders.
“So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” – Acts 4:18
“And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.” – Acts 4:21
These were the same Jewish leaders and people that had Jesus arrested, tortured, and killed on the cross. Led by Satan, God’s enemy, they were seriously opposed to Jesus and His followers.
Their persecution and threats were serious. Most likely they threatened the lives of Peter and John, and anyone else that would dare speak about Jesus with others.

Peter And The Disciples Ran Away When Jesus Was Arrested

When Jesus was arrested, and later on crucified, what was the reaction of His closest followers, the 12 disciples? Besides Judas, who betrayed him, the other 11 disciples of Jesus all cowered in fear and ran away.
And Peter even denied knowing Jesus 3 times. Just as Jesus told him he would. Peter swore that he would never deny Jesus, but Jesus knew better.
“Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:69-75

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

Courageous, Faithful, And Obedient

“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:19-20
This time around, when the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John to stop telling others about Jesus, and threatened them, they responded differently. This time they responded in bold faithfulness and passionate devotion to Jesus.
And they had courageously decided in their hearts that they were going to faithfully obey Jesus’ commands to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) and witnesses (Mark 16:15 and Acts 1:8) for Jesus. And to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). No matter the cost. No matter what would happen to them.

What Was The Difference?

How was it that Peter and John and the others ran away like frightened mice when Jesus was arrested, and now were boldly and courageously being faithful witnesses?
Surely they knew the Jewish leaders were serious in their threats. Surely they knew that their lives were possibly in danger. What was the difference? What explains their newfound boldness and courage and devotion?
Just as they were given the words to respond to the Sanhedrin by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit gave them boldness, courage, and faithfulness. Faithfulness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
The Holy Spirit is the life of Jesus that He displayed while here on earth. Besides His great love and power, the Holy Spirit also gives us the boldness, courage, and passionate devotion and faithfulness to God the Father that Jesus displayed when He obeyed God. Even when it meant suffering and dying on the cross.
It is very interesting to note what Peter and John and the church prayed for after they were released by the Sanhedrin. Most people would pray for God’s protection from the ones who are threatening us. Or pray for God to take out or deal with our enemies. We’ll see what they pray for later in Acts 4.

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

Peter And John Released

“When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—
27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” – Acts 4:23-28
After the Sanhedrin threatened Peter and John, and told them to stop telling others about Jesus, they let them go. Peter and John immediately went to the other followers of Jesus, and told them what had happened, and what the Sanhedrin said.
They all praised God as the Sovereign Lord, and the creator of all things in heaven and earth. Then they quoted what God had said through David in Psalm 2.
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed” – Psalm 2:1-2
They recognized that David prophesied that many people and kings and leaders would be rebellious. And set themselves against God and His anointed one, the Messiah Jesus.
And they recognized that is what happened when Herod and Pilate and the Jewish leaders set themselves against Jesus, God’s anointed One. And per God’s sovereign plan they had Jesus crucified.
And they recognized that the persecution against the followers of Jesus was continuing, and would continue. So what did they pray to God for?
Did they pray for God’s protection? Did they pray for God to take out the ones persecution them? No.
Take a look at how and what they prayed for.

The Believers’ Prayer

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“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” – Acts 4:29-30
These Spirit filled believers and faithful followers of Jesus did not ask God to take out the people who were persecuting and threatening them. And they did not ask God to take away their persecution and suffering.
They prayed and asked for God to give them boldness and courage, to be able to continue to speak boldly and share the Gospel. In the face of the threats and persecution.
Their hearts were totally in the right place. They understood that Jesus commanded them to be “fishers of men” and witnesses. To tell as many others as possible about Jesus and the Gospel. And they understood that more threats and persecution was coming.
Because they wanted to faithfully obey their Lord and Savior Jesus, they asked God to help them to have the courage and boldness to continue on.
This is somewhat similar to Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He prayed “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

The Result Of Their Prayer

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” – Acts 4:31
After they prayed God filled them with the Holy Spirit, and with great boldness to continue to share the Gospel. Despite the threats and persecution.
They had yielded and submitted themselves to the Lord. And were committed to obey Jesus, no matter the cost. No matter the threats, or persecution.

Living A Spirit Filled Life

That is how we as believers and followers of Jesus can lead Spirit filled lives. By daily fully submitting and yielding our lives to Jesus. And committing to follow and obey Him.
There is still persecution in the world today for faithful followers of Jesus. We need to submit ourselves to the Lord.
And faithfully take the Gospel to the lost world. And pray for God to give us the boldness and courage and faithfulness we need to do this despite the persecution and suffering it will bring.

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

Persecution And Suffering Lead To Joy And Glory

Paul was one of many who suffered much serving and following Jesus. And Peter also. They were 2 of the many who died because they faithfully obeyed Jesus and shared the Gospel with many others.
Here are some things Paul and Peter said about persecution and suffering.
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” – 2 Timothy 3:12
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:14-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Another Result Of Persecution And Suffering

Throughout the history of the church, whenever there is persecution and suffering, there is also another result. With the believers being purified and sanctified by the persecution and suffering, it often results with a group of fully faithful and obedient followers of Christ that are serious about carrying out His commands to share the Gospel and make disciples. They are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to follow Jesus’ calling and commands to carry out the divine mission that He has given them.

And as a result of that, the persecuted church has reached a great number of lost sinful people with the Gospel. And produced strong and faithful disciples that reach more lost people, and make other disciples.

This is still going on in various parts of the world today. When you compare the churches and believers in these parts of the world to the church in the US, we pale in comparison. Christianity in America is a very soft and weak version of what the church and believers were like in the book of Acts and in the Bible. We desperately need spiritual revival in the church of America these days.

 

 

Acts 4 – Peter & John Arrested And Threatened

Supernatural Unity, Love, And Generosity

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” – Acts 4:32-37
As we saw in Acts 2(opens in new tab), the church of Christ followers had great unity, and had everything in common. And all were of one heart and soul.
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” – Acts 2:44
And there was a tremendous love and generosity amongst the believers. No one was in need of anything, because of the great love and generosity. People even sold possessions and property to help provide for each other.
“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” – Acts 2:45
And all were in awe of God because of the great acts that God was doing through the apostles. And many were being saved and coming to faith in Jesus.
“And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles… And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:43,47
At this point in Acts 4 there had been more than 8,000 men and an unknown number of women that had repented and believed in Jesus. And were faithfully following Him in the fairy new church.
It became a large church quickly, and yet there still was a great unity. And great love and generosity amongst the believers. And God was doing great things and incredible signs and wonders.
As we talked about in our study of Acts 2, these are all signs of a spirit filled church, and spirit filled believers. This was a supernatural unity. And supernatural generosity. And supernatural acts of God.
Only God can produce supernatural unity and love and generosity like this. And only God can do miraculous signs and wonders.
And only God can produce spiritual and eternal fruit. Which is salvations, and spiritual growth and people being transformed into faithful disciples and followers of Jesus.

 

Continue Growing Closer to God

Explore these related resources on Intimacy With God:

 

The goal isn’t simply to learn more about God.

The goal is to know God personally, love Him deeply, hear His voice, walk with Him daily, and experience a growing intimacy with Him.

 

 

kevin and nancy bart, kevin bart, pursuing intimacy with god, author kevin bartKevin Bart has been a follower of Jesus for over 40 years. Kevin has taught Bible study classes, small groups, and discipleship classes for many years. He developed Pursuing Intimacy With God(opens in new tab) Bible studies website and book after many years of seeking God and studying His word. Kevin and his wife Nancy have 3 sons and 2 precious grandchildren.

Kevin is a former business owner, and current international missions ministry leader with more than four decades of combined business and ministry experience. After building and running a successful business for 23 years, with God’s guidance and blessings, he sold his company to dedicate himself to full-time global missions.

For over 20 years, Kevin and his wife Nancy have led a self funded international missions ministry. Utilizing learned business and financial management skills, as well as knowledge and experience in travel points and miles, to date they have had more than 5o mission trips to 36 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

After many years of studying the Bible and the Book of Revelation, and writing many Bible studies and articles, Kevin finally finished Unraveling The Mysteries of the Book Of Revelation(opens in new tab). Hopefully it will be a blessing to many people.

 

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