May 24, 2017
Chapter 5 begins with “But” and presents an event that is in sharp contrast with what happened with Barnabas. A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira conspired to deceive the Church about a sale of a piece of property, the reason for this not given by Luke. Both die suddenly, right in front of Peter. One is...
May 24, 2017
In Jerusalem at least several thousand people had become believers, and likely many remained there during those exhilarating days. Voluntarily, not under compulsion, those with some assets brought them to be distributed to those in need. Luke now introduces the reader to Barnabas, a Levite who brought the proceeds from...
May 24, 2017
Upon their release from custody, Peter and John return to their friends. The first recorded prayer of the Church is now made, which begins with, “Sovereign Lord.” Those founding fathers and mothers of the Church are not intimidated but rather ask the Father for boldness to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah of Israel.
May 22, 2017
The Council realizes that, however lacking in education and authority, the two men (Peter and John) had been with Jesus. Their bold proclamation reveals this. The Council finds nothing with which to charge or hold the two and thus release them with the admonition not to preach Jesus any more.
May 11, 2017
Due to the uproar taking place in the temple, the High Priests’ guard arrest Peter and John and take them before a portion of the Sanhedrin, the Council of Israel, but not before many of the hearers come to faith in Jesus. The next day Peter and John appear before the full Council. During his defense in Acts 4:12,...