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Acts: The Samaritan Pentecost

Read: Acts 8:5-25

Stephen’s death at the hands of the Sanhedrin caused many to flee from Jerusalem. This scattering of disciples served to spread the gospel to distant places, as well as some that were not so distant. Before Saul’s conversion, we are invited to read an account of Philip’s successful ministry in the evil place called Samaria. This area is discussed throughout the gospel narrative as a place of all kinds of religions and beliefs. They were despised by the Jewish people, yet Jesus ventured there without hesitation.

Samaritan Evangelism

Philip was moved to preach and perform miracles in Samaria. We don’t read a lot about his ministry, except to see it must have been pretty amazing.

When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. Acts 8:6

Luke reports there is great joy in Samaria as a result of Philip’s work.

The focus shifts to Simon the Sorcerer, a man who was admired by many for his amazing works. The mention of sorcery alongside the miracles of Philip provides a sharp contrast for us to consider. I’m convinced there are many battles fought in spiritual realms, but I have little understanding of how, when, where, or who conjures up such warfare. The prevalence of casting out spirits in the New Testament leaves little doubt that their presence exists. It’s just not something we see in our everyday walk or ministry. Maybe this is an indication of a problem?

How all that works out is a mystery to me. What we do read is that Simon, and others, respond to Philip’s altar call and accept Jesus.

Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. Acts 8:13

Samaritan Pentecost

The news of the gospel spreading in Samaria reached the apostles, so they sent Peter and John went to see. The words don’t indicate they were sent to validate Philip’s ministry, but their actions are interesting, to say the least.

When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:15-17

How is it that the Holy Spirit had not come on any of them? Philip preached, they believed and were baptized, but in this case, it wasn’t complete until the apostles showed up. In looking at commentaries and other wild opinions about what was happening here, I’ve come to the conclusion that Peter and John’s mission was all about uniting the Samaritans with the rest of the Christ followers. Their appearance, laying on of hands, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, was the key affirmation our forefathers needed to see for the benefit of spreading the gospel, even to the dreaded Samaritans.

The Sorcerer — Again

In light of this amazing act, Simon the Sorcerer is highlighted again. Perhaps he wants to get some of this action to add to his magic show. His business sense takes control and he offers to pay the apostles to learn this new magic.

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:18-19

It’s interesting that though Simon had accepted the gospel (Acts 8:13), he wasn’t one that Peter and John laid hands on.

Peter sees straight through his act and knows his heart has not changed. Instead of a blessing, Peter rebukes him strongly:

Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. Acts 8:22

This is a good example of how to handle someone who is not properly motivated to help the local body of Christ. The rebuke is strong, but there is an opportunity to improve. Pray for forgiveness.

Simon’s response shows that he has truly not changed at all. His only concern is that nothing bad would happen to him. He could have asked for forgiveness. He could have asked that they pray for his sinful heart, but this is not the case.

The Gospel Spreads

Enough about Simon, the good news is that there is Great News! The Samaritans are welcomed into the family, those who truly repent and believe, and the word about Jesus continues to infiltrate men and women beyond the sacred walls of Jerusalem.

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Acts: Stephen Martyred, Disciples Scatter

Read: Acts 8:1-4

Just a few verses in this passage set the stage for a major shift in the book of Acts. The Sanhedrin opened Pandora’s Box when they stoned Stephen. They released the anger and tension pent up at the Christ-followers in Jerusalem. Like a wild animal that gets a whiff of fresh blood, this event ignited a movement against those who proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. It’s now open-season and an opportunity to go door-to-door to effect persecution.

Commentators point out that the Sanhedrin “had no choice” but to stone Stephen for blasphemy. Citing Levitucus 24:10-23, they must take him out and kill him for this great sin. The image of these learned men covering their ears, shouting at the top of the lungs to block out the words of the blasphemer, and dragging him out to a place to be stoned to death is incredibly sad.

Have we learned so much that we could behave in this manner? Sure, we don’t pick up stones and kill another for offensive words, but do we effectively reject those whose opinions differ from ours? Do we kill the relationship and terminate those we don’t understand? In the same context as the Levitical law for stoning we read:

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion Numbers 14:18

And yet we see anger, no chance for forgiveness, no love. Lord, help us when anger boils from within. Don’t take away strong emotions, but don’t let us be consumed by feelings that betray You in the process.

Unintended Consequences

The last thing the Sanhedrin wanted was to propel the Gospel beyond the walls of Jerusalem, but that’s exactly what happened as a result of their actions. As they tighten their grip, the people scatter.

But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Acts 8:3

In typical fashion, Luke includes women in his narrative, men and women are persecuted. In addition, Saul gets more attention as Luke builds his case for the next chapter.

Have no doubt, this is an ugly episode in the life of the early church. Those who responded to the Gospel felt the radical change within their hearts and now their very lives are threatened. Many flee the scene.

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Acts 8:4

They’re not cowards running from persecution, they’re messengers released to preach throughout the region.

Tough Choices

Stay or go? When times are really difficult we all have to make a choice to stay and fight or move away from that which oppresses us. It’s never easy and rarely clear which choice is best, certainly not at the time of hardship. It’s only in hindsight that we look back and appreciate the trial and decision.

In this case, Christianity grows rapidly by those who run and for those who stay and are persecuted. Both were required. If Saul and his band would have simply scattered the people, it would have looked bad, but people could have held onto their Levitical stronghold. By putting those in prison for preaching the Gospel, they actually accelerated the impact of the message. All God’s design.

Lord have Your way in everything we do and say. When we run, go with us. When we stay, comfort us. When we stumble, pick us up. In all things, have Your way. Teach us how to do the same for our brothers and sisters. May we never struggle alone, isolated, insulated, or abandoned. Give us eyes to see those who are in these very same battles and words to move them from fear to acceptance. All for Your glory.

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Acts: The Stoning of Stephen

Read: Acts 6:8-8:1

The Stoning of Stephen was a tragic event for the early Christian church movement. Stephen was one of the finest examples of a strong Christ follower. Luke includes a list of attributes to set the scene: full of God’s grace and power, face like that of an angel, one they could not argue with because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Falsely accused, Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin to be tried, drug into the streets, and stoned under the supervision of Saul of Tarsus.

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen…For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us. Acts 6:9, 14

When I’ve read this passage in the past, I thought the main point of Stephen’s review of Israel’s history was to demonstrate his knowledge and defend his character as one who knew the customs and the Patriarchs. But this time, thanks to some insight from the NIVAC, I’m seeing something different.
The accusations against Stephen relate to the Temple, it’s location and prominence, and for the ritualistic rules created by man in support of the Law. He further explains how Israel has a deep history of rejecting God’s prophets, even killing those who served the Lord. Stephen’s speech addressed these issues by pointing out irrefutable facts about Abraham and Moses.

Location

Of the many arguments, the tight grip on the Holy location of the Temple was akin to idolatry. Stephen includes a reference to the Golden Calf and dispenses with the notion that there is one Holy location.

  • God spoke to Abraham in a land far from Jerusalem. Acts 7:2
  • The burning bush was called Holy Ground, not anywhere near the Temple. Acts 7:30-33

Rejection

The Bible is full of stories that demonstrate how God’s chosen were rejected. Stephen knows his time is short, so I believe he attempted to speak to as many people as possible before they shut him up for good.

  • Jealous brothers rejected Joseph and sold him into slavery. Acts 7:9
  • Moses, once rejected by the people, was sent to lead them. Acts 7:35-36
  • Our ancestors refused to obey him and they made an idol from gold. Acts 7:39-41

On this basis, Stephen draws his convicting, concluding arguments:

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Acts 7:51

It’s true that Stephen demonstrated his thorough knowledge of scripture. Perhaps this is why it was too painful for the Sanhedrin to hear.

They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—-you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it. Acts 7:52-53

Completely unafraid, Stephen points out that these religious elite are guilty of rejecting the One who was sent to save them all…just like it was foretold.

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

This was the final straw, too much for them to handle.

yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:57-59

We are introduced to Saul at the very end, but that’s for another day. The end of this story is simply that Saul approved (Acts 8:1).

Let there be no doubt: Christianity is different than Judaism. This is something very different. The foundation is laid by our ancestors, but the stories we read in Acts let us know without a doubt that following Jesus is not only different but might even cost your earthly life.

Important Consideration

It is important to appreciate that Stephen was not looking for a fight. He did not go about speaking badly about Jews or even the Sanhedrin. He was, in fact, speaking good about Jesus. It was the Sanhedrin that concluded he was denouncing their faith, their heritage, and their God. They were wrong. That wasn’t the basis for Stephen’s daily ministry.

My point here is that we should preach Jesus, that we should spread the Gospel. Our energy should be focused on that which builds the body of believers while letting God, through His infinite wisdom, deal with those whose hearts are hardened, whose ears and eyes no longer work. Our job is not to tear down, our job is to build up. Without fear.

Remember the Great Commission: 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Nowhere in those words do we read anything about destroying others. Go. Make disciples.

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Acts: Growing Church Requires Better Structure

Read: Acts 6:1-7

The greatest problem for any church planter is dealing with amazing church growth. Luke provides one case where members are being added to the community at a pace that has outgrown the current organizational structure. The solution: create deacons.

On the surface, it seems like we’re being transported back to Moses’ day where people are whining, but this is much different.

the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1

One of the first significant requirements in leadership is the ability to receive complaints from those you’re leading. Filtering out the wheat from the chaff takes work and requires great discernment. Here, the apostles make an incredibly wise decision.

First, they hear there is a real problem that needs to be dealt with. One of the great strengths of Jewish culture is how they essentially adopt widows and orphans. This means they have a responsibility to tend to those who can’t otherwise take care of themselves. The problem lies in the sheer number of people who are suddenly under their leadership and require care.

The challenge in how to deal with the problem is significant.

It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables Acts 6:2

No argument here. The Twelve can’t stop preaching in order to distribute food, but this is not the beginning of any elitism or class system. This is simply a practical consideration within the body of Christ where the gifts of the Spirit are properly applied. The primary mission of the Twelve is to preach and teach. What they need is a group that is gifted to minister to the daily needs of food distribution.

Second, they demonstrate great leadership by validating the issue and giving the larger group a task with sufficient details to enable them to be successful.

Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Acts 6:3

The Twelve will validate and ordain the Seven, but the people will choose who they believe is best for the ministry positions.

Interestingly, the Seven chosen are all Hellenistic Jews (based on their names and according to the commentaries, not something I dreamed up). The group that levied the complaint is the group that gets to do the work! What’s that old saying about raising your hand?

Results

Luke is careful to point out this success for us to consider.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

One of the key things we do in Healthy Growing Churches deals with assessments. These tools help churches move through Life Cycles that are inherent in any organization. They are just tools. But just as the architect appreciates the hammer in the hands of his builder, the proper use of tools is required to effectively build the local church. We believe a healthy, vibrant church is the most important work we do, outside of leading someone into a personal commitment to Christ.

People working within their gifts and talents produces the best results for the local body of Christ. The Twelve carefully considered the issue at hand, successfully managed the process with the help of the believers and solved the problem.

And the church grew.

Father, may we be known as a people that made wise decisions for Your church in this city. Holy Spirit, teach us what we should do each day when complaints reveal issues that need to be dealt with. Jesus, may the world know this is all about You!

 

Note: Stephen Ministers

One of my favorite groups of people that support the body of Christ is Stephen Ministers. Those who are gifted with mercy, help & service, hospitality, and the like, are great candidates for this ministry. The practical training and ideas presented are meant to be universally accepted in any Christian context. In other words, it’s not for a particular denomination. Anyone can be a Stephen Minister. Check out their site for more information (link).

 

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Acts: Healing, Preaching, Prison, and Flogging — The Church Grows

Read: Acts 5:12-42

The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira resulted in great fear among the people, but these events did not slow the growth of the church in the least. The remainder of chapter 5 climaxes with Gamaliel’s assertion that the disciples should be allowed to follow their hearts and let God be the judge. His compelling speech satisfies the jealous Sanhedrin and propels the Gospel without taking sides. A brilliant political move. God’s church will grow!

What About Ananias and Sapphira?

No mourning over Ananias and Sapphira is reported. Did they have no friends? Did the church simply not care? These kinds of thoughts are serious distractions, whispers from the great tempter to distract us from the main story. Luke did not record these details because they are not the primary story. I’m not faulting anyone for having questions, merely redirecting the thoughts from that which would take away from the incredible story of the birth of Christ’s church.

Miracles of Healing

So much of the early church was fueled by miraculous events, signs, and wonders that drew spectators, the curious, and the serious.

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Acts 5:12

The reputation of Peter, in particular, grew to such heights that people wanted to be close enough to have his shadow fall on them for healing or restoration. There is no indication that Peter is paying attention to this notoriety, instead, he just keeps on preaching the gospel!

The Sanhedrin — Again

The incessant preaching and crowds of people gathering to hear and be healed cannot possibly go unnoticed. As expected, the religious leaders are greatly offended by their actions.

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. Acts 5:17

With hearts bent against the disciples, the priests arrest them and put them in prison. During the night an angel of the Lord appears and releases them miraculously. The doors are still locked and the guards alert and present, but the disciples are simply not in the prison. It’s a mystery no one can explain, but they end up in the temple courts in the morning preaching again.

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” Acts 5:25

The guards carefully “invite” the disciples into the presence of the Sanhedrin. They aren’t fools! If the disciples were transported to the courtyard miraculously, there’s no telling what might happen to them if they cause trouble. Remember Ananias and Sapphira? Let’s be careful!

We Must Obey God and Not Men

Peter and the other apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, makes his consistent proclamation:

We must obey God rather than human beings! We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. Acts 5:29, 32

This is key. These leaders of the early church were 100 percent sold out to their calling and completely immersed in the Holy Spirit. Completely. There is no hidden agenda, no secret desire for a big building, private office, or reserved parking space. They are on a mission to spread the great news about Jesus.

Wise Counsel from Gamaliel

I believe Gamaliel was inspired by the Holy Spirit to address the entire Sanhedrin. The strength of his argument, coupled with the sound logic, was exactly what was needed at the time.

…in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. Acts 5:38-39

There is no counter-argument. The disciples are flogged (nothing to laugh about in those days) and released.

Joy in Suffering for Christ

Given the historical context, I don’t think the beating they received was any less than extremely painful, but we are not offered any insight here, instead, we read that they counted the beating as another sign that they are worthy of their calling.

rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5:41

How about us? Are we so heaven-bent on preaching the gospel that the world is beating us?

Lord, I pray we would get serious about Your great commission and preach through obstacles that hold us back. May we rely on You in times of difficulties, in a world that is desperate to know You, even if they don’t know.

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Acts: Lying to the Holy Spirit – Hypocrisy in the Church

Read: Acts 4:36-5:11

The story of Ananias and Sapphira are a vivid contrast to the euphoria surrounding the birth of the new church. Up to this point, we are given a great sense of unity and joy filling every gathering of the apostles and hundreds of new believers (over 5,000 from the latest report). The harmony in which they lived is something we desperately seek, definitely a beautiful picture of faith that seems elusive in today’s modern businesslike church.

Barnabas is introduced with little fanfare, almost as a “by-the-way” kind of sentiment:

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37

No big deal, right? Just an example of another heartfelt donation to the church. Barnabas was highlighted for selling what appears to be one of his properties and offering it to the disciples, to the church. There was no requirement to sell every field he owned, for all we know this was one of many, but what he sold for the church was offered to the church — 100 percent.

Was it pride?

This didn’t seem like a big deal. No bands were assembled, no song was written to honor Barnabas, but were people looking with envy? We know from the ensuing narrative throughout Acts that Barnabas was a man of great character. His action here is no surprise looking back. What I’m wondering about was the true character and nature of this couple. Were Ananias and Sapphira a threat to the church? If their approach to superficial giving was allowed, would this undermine the church that Jesus began with His small group of disciples?

Perhaps Peter’s ears were still ringing with the lengthy discourses from Jesus on actions by the Pharisees that He did not tolerate. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he saw through the hypocritical actions of Ananias:

Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…You have not lied just to human beings but to God. Acts 5:3-4

Results of Lying to the Holy Spirit

Luke makes sure we know there was no doubt Ananias and Sapphira were intentionally withholding some of the money. We don’t see the entire dialog, but I’m sure he had ample opportunity to change his story. He did not.

he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Acts 5:5

Three hours later Sapphira enters and the same questions are asked by Peter along with the same result.

Ananias and Sapphira both died as a result of their selfish actions. Whatever the full motivation, what we know is that they intentionally tried to deceive the church, not just Peter, and the leadership team.

Fear in the Community of Faith

The sudden deaths have an immediate impact on the community of believers.

Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. Acts 5:11

Some commentators like to point out that where there is strong discipline for actions the community gets stronger. While I’m not disagreeing with that concept, immediate death is a bit beyond rebuking poor behavior or self-righteous attitudes. This is a “touching the cart” (2 Samuel 6:1–7) moment that is difficult to understand. I’m not about to deny that God has a right to remove any of us at any time, but I’m also not going to sit here and say that I completely understand.

Results

Tomorrow we’ll explore what happens to the church as a result. Spoiler alert: the church continues to grow like crazy. Given these results, perhaps we should begin to public execute liars, right? Hmmmm. Probably not.

Perhaps we should look critically at the superficiality that plagues the body of Christ in organizations we call churches. The local church cannot be healthy by accepting half-hearted gifts from its people. This includes time, talents, and resources. To move beyond the checklist mentality, we have to build deep relationships based on sincere transparency.

You don’t have to agree with me, but I believe that if Ananias and Sapphira had real friends, true brothers and sisters in Christ, they would not have made the critical error in the presence of Peter. They had no accountability and therefore paid the ultimate price.

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Acts: Unity is Not Christian Communism

Read: Acts 4:32-35

For my generation, and those proceeding me (yes, there are actually people older than me!), the term Communism evokes an emotional response that’s hard to appreciate. Preface that with Christian and many of us are ready to fight! I am not an advocate for Communism, even worse, Christian Communism.

Last week, while visiting the Koinonia Farm, one of the books I glanced at had a chapter with this “CC” title. Honestly, it was hard to read. Perhaps it was written in a time of great remorse as the author witnessed the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, but it was nonetheless hard to appreciate.

If I may be so bold, let me dispense with the word Communism at this point and focus on what I think Luke wanted us to consider. The key problem with Communism is that everyone is required to participate. The church in Acts was completely voluntary. Not every home was sold. Not every account emptied. They shared and no one was in need. I don’t want this to become a dissertation on Communism, so I’m leaving it at that.

In this passage, we are invited to consider living in a complete community,

No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32

The truth is I don’t own anything, everything is temporary. The bank would disagree and our investment advisor would oppose such a statement but we know for certain the only thing we take out of this life is our soul. We have an eternal presence within each of us. Beyond that, we have a temporary privilege of that which bears our signature and a responsibility to be effective stewards of the same.

This community of believers had an extraordinary experience where they built each other up for the sake of the Gospel.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:34-35

This utopian experience sounds amazing — sign me up! Right? Well, not so fast. This would be great, but with humans involved, there is no doubt that that which might begin as a good idea will quickly become riddled with problems. There will be a time when the perfect order of the world is restored and we truly live in harmony. That will happen when Jesus returns. Until then, I’m afraid we need to learn selflessness from this passage while being shrewd at the same time.

The goal is not a community, the command is to make disciples of all nations. Here’s where we tend to mess things up in a big way. We read these passages and conclude that we should buy 100 acres, build huts, and serve Koolaid. History reveals these attempts often have horrible results because, in my perspective, they missed the point that we are to live in unity for the sake of the Gospel, not the other way around.

Evangelism is paramount:

But if the manager has no passion for evangelism, a slow rot can gradually convert the movement into a machine and finally make it into a monument.See note from NIVAC

So many times we put the cart in front of the horse and create some ingenious method for steering from behind. We are incredibly creative, but it’s all backward! If we keep the Great Commission greatest among our goals, we will likely have wonderful communities as a byproduct. Now that is a lofty dream worth chasing.

Imagine a community that is so focused on sharing the Gospel, worshipping together, praying for each other, and living in harmony with Jesus as the centerpiece. Think about waking up each morning and remembering that Jesus died to pay for our sins and was then resurrected by the Father to put an end to death.

This is why Luke sandwiched the thought on the community with verse 33:

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:33

Lord help us to keep the main thing the main thing. Teach us to live in community because we have a common desire to reach the lost, the least, and the lonely for Your great kingdom.

 

Note from NIVAC: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 78687-78688). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Acts: Speak the Word Boldly

Read: Acts 4:23-31

Peter and John went back to their own people and shared the story of their confrontation with the Sanhedrin. It’s only been a matter of weeks since this group of religious leaders tried and convicted Jesus. There’s no indication they were in hiding, but it’s clear they were not invited to the meeting, now they hear firsthand about the proceedings.

This time they process what they hear differently. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their conviction is strong and their words reflect the change of heart as they dig deep into prophetic words:

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Acts 4:25-26

They can see the words of prophecy as they relate to Pontius Pilate and Herod, the Pharisees and Sadducees, those who band together in an attempt to fight against the Lord. The Spirit has revealed this to their hearts and minds. Their reaction is to pray as a community.

Two Things

Those gathered prayed with great enthusiasm for two things: to speak the Word boldly and for the Spirit to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

The glory is not their own. The boldness with which they seek is not focused on fame and glory, it is simply to demonstrate the power and authority of the name above all names, Jesus.

They ask to perform signs and wonders to reveal God’s amazing concern for His people and desire to make them whole again, even in this earthly life.

The heavenly amen is felt when the room shakes.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

There are times when the presence of the Holy Spirit is thick and we can feel His hand on our shoulders as we pray. This is difficult to express in words, but the sensation is euphoric, a mountaintop experience that we need from time to time to recharge our batteries and prepare for another day.

Holy Spirit, we pray for boldness today, for the ability to speak powerful words with authority to those who seek to know You. Be with us as Your witnesses in this world. Help us as we seek those who are lost and keep us humble in the process, always giving You the glory.

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Acts: The Courage of Peter and John

Read: Acts 4:13-22

Though professionally unqualified, Peter and John are able to articulate scripture, defend their positions with eloquence, and act with courage that defies logic. They should’ve been scared and speechless but their response sets the Sanhedrin on its heels.

they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Someone took note of the unexplainable, perhaps irrefutable fact, that there is a common denominator: they had been with Jesus.

Parents can always tell who their children have been playing with. It’s sometimes subtle. Perhaps a phrase they say or how they carry themselves. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s surprisingly easy to observe when you know your child and the friend in question.

In this case, in particular, I wonder if one of the members of the Sanhedrin recognized Peter as the one who kept denying Jesus. Perhaps it was his servant girl that report seeing the Galilean by the fire muttering obscenities to those who suggested he knew Jesus. How could that guy be this man? Deep inside he knew the answer, but his training is now responsible for his denial.

The boldness and courage seen here come from a source that the Pharisees and Sadducees flat out refuse to believe.

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. Acts 4:14

The forty-year-old lame beggar is now the strong point of evidence against the religious right. It’s impossible to refute. The man who once begged for his mere existence is standing before them–something that made absolutely no sense! Their only recourse is to dismiss the disciples with a stern warning.

They “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). This is the very name they asked about in the first place. Now they know the answer, yet somehow conclude this is the very thing that must stop.

Peter and John don’t miss a beat. I wonder if they completed each other’s sentences in their response:

Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:19-20

The evidence and the crowds kept the Sanhedrin from going any further so they had no choice. They let the disciples go.

What have you seen or heard that cannot be quieted? If you cannot answer with evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, or if I cannot point to anything in my life, does that mean the Holy Spirit is no longer at work?

Perhaps this is why we are exhorted to always be prepared to give an explanation for the hope we find in Christ.

Right now, wherever you are, stop and answer this question with one convicting response to Peter’s question in 1 Peter 3:15. Write it down. May I suggest you avoid searching the internet, your favorite C.S. Lewis quote, or answering, “just because.”

Here’s my most recent attempt for your consideration. The Reason for the Hope I have in Christ.

The key to making disciples is wrapped up in the answer. Perhaps even more, it’s how we answer the question as Peter continues in 1 Peter 3:16.

The confidence Peter and John have is because of their faith in Christ. The past is behind them. Peter’s failure is written for us to have the assurance of forgiveness. John failed to speak up, as well as the other disciples, but we don’t get those details. They all hid until Jesus Himself appeared and had breakfast with them.

We all have weaknesses. Get over it. Seriously, please let go of those things that are holding you down. Have the courage of Peter. It’s yours for the asking if the Holy Spirit lives in you if you have confessed Jesus as Lord. It’s simple, but it’s not easy, I get that. Search within. Seek. I pray you will hear and respond today.

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Reason for the Hope I have in Jesus Christ

Read: 1 Peter 3

For years I have encouraged others to write down their response to 1 Peter 3:15, to work through the words and develop a cohesive statement of personal faith. Here is my work in progress, some thoughts that help me respond to Peter’s exhortation:

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17

My hope is wrapped up in many experiences in life. I can point to examples of divine provision, but you might think God is a magic genie if I leave you with the notion that asking and receiving is a precursor to faith. Believing without seeing is the definition of faith.

My apologetic reasoning goes something like this: the more I look at the complexity of life, the more I’m convinced it was no accident. I’m convinced it would take infinitely more faith to believe we were accidentally created than it does to believe there is a God who orchestrated the whole thing.

From this point, William Lane Craig and Tim Keller kick in. In Reasonable Faith, Craig provides scientific arguments that are compelling, to say the least. Keller’s book, The Reason for God, takes a more philosophical approach and really makes you think — if you have an open mind. There are scores of other resources if you’re interested in venturing into the halls of apologetics, all quite interesting.

I’m not a scientist, but if we can agree that there is a Creator God, we can begin to explore His character as revealed throughout the Bible as well as the countless examples of mere mortals throughout history. Once we begin this journey, I have no idea where we will land, but I am confident that if we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and minds, wherever we arrive is a better place than where we began.

The Bible provides a snapshot of God’s consistent desire to have a relationship with His creation. It’s only a highlight reel for us to consider, but an important one to say the least.

All this to say I believe there is more to life than breathing in and out. As I have stopped to consider the possibilities and understand the nature of mankind, I must conclude the story of Jesus is more compelling than any other. I’m no scholar and certainly not well versed in every religion. What I do know makes sense, but more than that, I get a sense of peace from it all.

Mathematicians can explain harmony in musical notes, the meshing of frequencies that define a perfect triad. All I know is I can hear dissonance, I can feel the tension and know how to resolve the chord. Must I have a degree in Mathematics to convince you? I don’t think so. The only real requirement is an open heart and receptive mind.

From this perspective, the Spirit of God can and does perform miracles.

The reason for the hope I have in Christ is not because my Sunday School teachers said so, though they did. It’s not because I heard David Wilkerson’s convicting call to accept Christ when I was a teenager, but he most certainly did. It’s not because of the miracles I’ve seen in my life, those incredible coincidences that are unexplainable yet too real to refute, but I have seen many. It’s not because of these things, but it is these things have caused my mind to wander and wonder.

When I sit and listen, my heart is stilled by creation. A love that is unexplainable enters my mind. A peace that cannot fit into a formula comforts my heart.

And I smile.

Medically, the twitching muscles in my face respond to requests from my brain as electrical signals are transmitted to the exact nerves that fire and the skin on my face flex in an upward fashion on the left and right at the precise moment the thought entered my mind.

Or perhaps it’s the water that forms in the corner of my eye when I first saw our oldest child born — the first time I saw her breath. Then the second, third, and fourth child. Then every other child I’ve seen since.

And I cry.

Maybe it’s the funniest thing Tim Jones said, or just the expression on his face when he said it, I don’t know. He has a way of making ordinary words create a response inside me that’s hard to express. Or maybe the clown nose that Patch Adams donned to make his patients smile, along with his goofy antics.

And I laugh.

It could be that holding the one I love creates a sensation in me that is vulnerable, daring, comfortable, uncompromising, safe, secure, content, and warm. At the end of a long day or the beginning of a storm, this thing is irrefutable and unexplainable with scientific measurements, but there is no doubt:

And I love.

The reason for the hope I have in Christ is wrapped up in moments like these. I hope you’ll take time to examine your life to see what it is that means more to you than mere existence. I hope you’ll look for the source in the pages of an old collection of writings we call the Bible.

The more I look for answers in Christ, the more I’m convinced I made the right choice.

Live. Love. Cry. Smile. Laugh.
But mostly
Love

How about you?

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