Acts 4 through 6
Common Theme
The early church grows in courage and unity as the Spirit empowers believers to speak boldly despite rising opposition. God protects and purifies His people, advancing His mission even through persecution.
Questions
- What does this passage reveal about trusting God when obedience leads to opposition?
- How does the Spirit’s presence shape the church’s courage and integrity?
God Shot
God shows Himself as the unstoppable One who advances His purposes no matter the resistance. He also reveals His holiness by guarding the purity of His people and His compassion by empowering them with boldness and grace.
Deeper✝
Acts 4
In Acts 4:1–22, Peter and John are arrested by the Sadducees and temple authorities due to their preaching about the resurrection, which threatens the Sadducees’ beliefs. Despite their arrest, the number of believers grows to about five thousand. The next day, they are brought before the Sanhedrin, where Peter boldly asserts the uniqueness of Christ as the only means of salvation, referencing Psalm 118:22. The Sanhedrin is astonished by the apostles’ courage and eloquence, despite their lack of formal education, recognizing their association with Jesus. After deliberation, the Sanhedrin can only command them not to speak in Jesus’ name, to which Peter and John respond that they must obey God rather than human authorities. The Sanhedrin, unable to punish them, ultimately releases them with threats. The text emphasizes the importance of numbers in representing people for whom Christ died, warning against compromising the gospel for numerical growth. It suggests that churches should avoid unhealthy growth methods and maintain a family atmosphere through smaller groups, ensuring true Christian fellowship and accountability.
Acts 4:23–31 describes the early Christians’ response to persecution through communal prayer. They prayed together, affirming God’s sovereignty as Creator and acknowledging His power over opposition, referencing Scripture to express their faith. Their prayer focused on two main requests: the ability to preach the gospel despite the outlawing of evangelism and a plea for God to demonstrate His power. In response, God manifested His presence through a shaking and filled the believers with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to boldly proclaim the word of God. The passage emphasizes the importance of community support during times of crisis, highlighting how sharing burdens and praying together can strengthen resolve and clarity in facing challenges. It suggests that unity in prayer helps believers remain obedient to their calling, even when under threat, and encourages reliance on God as the ultimate source of strength. The text illustrates that communal prayer and support can motivate individuals to confront difficulties with renewed boldness and purpose.
Acts 4:32–35 highlights the radical sharing practiced by the early Christian community, emphasizing their deep unity. Luke notes this unity, described as being "one in heart and mind," which fostered a collective mission among believers. This unity was not merely organizational but spiritual, as the apostles’ witness was central to their community life. The believers shared their possessions voluntarily, leading to no needy individuals among them, as some sold their lands and houses to support the community. This practice, while reminiscent of communism, differed in that it was voluntary and did not abolish private ownership. The continuous action of selling land indicates a regular response to needs within the community. The text suggests that maintaining such unity is challenging in today’s individualistic society, where privacy often takes precedence. The church is called to be countercultural, embodying a close-knit community that addresses humanity’s inherent need for connection, thus fulfilling a prophetic role in the world.
The text presents contrasting examples of generosity within the early church. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, exemplifies true generosity by selling his property and donating the proceeds, earning him the nickname "son of encouragement."
Acts 5
In contrast, Ananias and Sapphira sell their property but deceitfully withhold part of the money, seeking recognition while lying to the Holy Spirit. Peter confronts Ananias, emphasizing that while Satan influenced his actions, he remains responsible for his deceit. The severity of their sin leads to both Ananias and Sapphira’s sudden deaths, instilling fear among the witnesses and highlighting the seriousness of dishonesty in the church.
The text underscores the biblical perspective on wealth, warning against its dangers while acknowledging it as a blessing from God. It advocates for accountability in financial matters to prevent materialism and deception, suggesting that transparency with trusted individuals can help avoid scandals related to money in the church. Overall, the passage serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the responsible use of possessions in the Christian community.
Acts 5:12–42 describes the continued effectiveness of the apostles’ ministry despite the fear instilled by the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. The apostles performed miracles, attracting many to their teachings without compromising the gospel’s integrity. Jealousy from Jewish leaders led to the apostles’ arrest, but they were miraculously freed by an angel who encouraged them to continue preaching. When brought before the Sanhedrin, Peter and the apostles boldly proclaimed their commitment to obeying God over human authority, emphasizing the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, and the offer of repentance and forgiveness through Him.
The Sanhedrin, initially furious, was swayed by Gamaliel’s counsel to exercise caution, fearing they might oppose God. Consequently, they refrained from executing the apostles but still flogged them. Remarkably, the apostles rejoiced at their suffering, viewing it as an honor to endure disgrace for Christ. The passage concludes with the apostles continuing their evangelistic efforts, demonstrating that persecution did not diminish their zeal.
The text highlights the importance of presenting the full gospel, including the holiness of God and the necessity of repentance, to avoid a superficial understanding of faith. It critiques the notion of a "cheap" Christianity that allows for ongoing sin without accountability. The early church’s emphasis on God’s holiness and power did not hinder their evangelistic success, suggesting that true commitment to Christ includes a call to holiness and integrity in both belief and action.
Acts 6
Acts 6:1–7 addresses a significant issue within the early Christian community regarding the care of Grecian widows, who were particularly vulnerable due to their lack of local support. The increase in disciples led to complaints about the perceived neglect of these widows, which threatened the unity of the church. The apostles recognized the need to address this issue rather than dismiss it, leading to the appointment of seven men to oversee the distribution of food. This decision not only resolved the immediate problem but also established a foundational structure for church leadership, paving the way for the diaconal order.
The apostles emphasized the importance of selecting individuals "full of the Spirit and wisdom" to ensure effective service. The chosen men, all with Greek names, were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them, marking the beginning of a formal commissioning process in the church.
Despite the administrative changes, the church’s evangelistic efforts continued to thrive, highlighting the importance of addressing internal issues without compromising the mission. The text serves as a reminder for church leaders to confront problems directly rather than ignore them, fostering unity and healing within diverse communities. Christians are encouraged to address prejudices and conflicts openly, recognizing that their shared faith transcends divisions.
The text focuses on Stephen, a prominent figure in the early church, highlighting his character and ministry. Stephen is described as a man full of faith, the Holy Spirit, and grace, performing wonders and signs among the people. He faced opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who could not withstand the wisdom he displayed in his debates. Unable to silence him through argument, they resorted to false accusations, claiming he spoke against the temple and the law, leading to his trial before the Sanhedrin.
✝Deeper summary excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.