The Book of Acts focuses on the deeds of the apostles after Jesus rose and ascended into Heaven after a period of 40 days. In Acts Chapter 4, the apostles began to face persecution for their works and teachings.
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The Sadducees, who were the religious rulers of the day, were angered and afraid of the miracles that the apostles were doing throughout Jerusalem.
Boldly Healing and Preaching
The apostles taught the people in Jerusalem and they preached while healing in the name of Jesus. Peter and John are major figures in Acts Chapter 4 as they were confronted by the religious leaders for their actions. The Sadducees were fully aware that many of the apostles were ordinary men, many of them even lowly fishermen. As a result, they marveled at what they were able to do. However, they were worried about the possible outcome as it reflected badly on them.
The Apostles Face Persecution
The religious leaders wanted to stop the apostles from preaching. They banned the apostles from preaching in Jesus’ name, but they had no charges to arrest them or punish them. The apostles continued their mission to preach and heal in the name of Jesus. They raised their voices and prayed. The Holy Spirit filled them with the courage and strength to continue to do so.
People Donate to the Cause
Many people gave the apostles various possessions so that they could distribute them to those who were in need. In Acts Chapter 4, a man named Barnabas is mentioned because of such a noble act. He sold land and laid the money he earned at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4 (King James Version)
SOURCE: TOTALLY HISTORY-ACTS 4
2.
FROM SHMOOP
Arrested Development
- As Peter is giving his big pep talk, some of the priests and Sadducees stroll by (you may remember them as the bad guys from the gospel stories).
- As usual, they're pretty ticked that Peter and John are still going on about Jesus. Seriously—didn't they just have that guy killed?
- So they have Peter and John arrested. No chance of them turning over a new leaf, we guess.
- The joke's kind of on them though, because thanks to Peter's little speech, about 5,000 people decide to start following Jesus. Boo-yah!
Preach, Peter
- The next day, the religious authorities get together to question Peter and John. It's a who's who of guys who killed Jesus.
- They want to know exactly how Peter and John healed the man who couldn't walk.
- Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and goes off on another long defense.
- First of all, what they did was a good deed (not a crime). Second of all, they did it by the power of Jesus Christ. Remember him, haters?
- Jesus was like a piece of stone that these guys said couldn't go into their holy building, but now he's become the cornerstone for the whole project. Yeah, he's a pretty big deal.
Keep It Quiet
- Now the religious authorities are between a rock and a hard place. They know that Peter and John were with Jesus from the beginning.
- They also know that they're just a bunch of uneducated commoners (they don't have fancy degrees from high priest
- school). And yet somehow, they managed to convert 5,000 people to their cause. Even the guy they healed is standing beside them in defense.
- What are they supposed to do?
- The religious authorities decide that, if they can't deny what happened, they'll just order Peter and John not to talk about it. Yeah, this plan should work.
- Peter and John straight out tell them they're not gonna stop talking about Jesus (it's kind of what they do).
- Then the religious authorities release them since they can't think of any way to punish them. Wow. These guys have really lost their mojo.
They Feel the Earth Move
- Peter and John head back to the other apostles and company and let everyone know what happened.
- Everyone prays that God will protect them from these naysayers and let them keep healing people because they're sure as heck not gonna stop doing his good work.
- After they finish praying, the whole place starts to shake and everyone is filled with the Holy Spirit. We're thinking that's a good sign that God was listening.
- Meanwhile, the followers of Jesus keep on living their communal hippie lifestyle. No one owns anything; they just pool all their resources together to live.
- People sell their houses and donate the proceeds to the community. No one is poor or needy, and everyone shares everything. Awww.
SOURCE: ACTS OF APOSTLES 4 SUMMARY
3.
BibleVerseStudy.com
Acts 4:13 Commentary: Peter and John
Acts 4:14-22 Commentary: Lame Man
Acts 4:23-31 Commentary: You are God
Acts 4:32-35 Commentary: One Heart One Soul
Acts 4:36-37 Commentary: Barnabas
Acts 4
Acts chapter 4 commentary Bible study
Acts 4:1-10 Commentary
Acts 4:11-12 Commentary: Chief CornerstoneActs 4:13 Commentary: Peter and John
Acts 4:14-22 Commentary: Lame Man
Acts 4:23-31 Commentary: You are God
Acts 4:32-35 Commentary: One Heart One Soul
Acts 4:36-37 Commentary: Barnabas
ACTS 4:1-2 1
Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and
the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being
greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the
resurrection from the dead.
Who are "they" (Acts 4:1) and where were they?
Acts 4 continues Acts 3, in which Peter and John healed a lame man in the name of Jesus, and then preached the Gospel to the people who gathered at Solomon's Porch.
Acts 4 continues Acts 3, in which Peter and John healed a lame man in the name of Jesus, and then preached the Gospel to the people who gathered at Solomon's Porch.
Who is the "captain of the temple" (Acts 4:1)?
The captain of the Jewish temple guards. Most likely, he would have brought some of his guards with him.
The captain of the Jewish temple guards. Most likely, he would have brought some of his guards with him.
Why would they be "greatly disturbed" (Acts 4:2) by
Peter's message?
They considered the temple to be their turf, and "resurrection from the dead" (Acts 4:2) would have been particularly disturbing to the Sadducees, who deny life after death.
They considered the temple to be their turf, and "resurrection from the dead" (Acts 4:2) would have been particularly disturbing to the Sadducees, who deny life after death.
ACTS 4:3-4 3
And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for
it was already evening. 4 However, many of
those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be
about five thousand.
What was the result of Peter's message?
"Many of those who heard the word believed" (Acts 4:4). Acts 2:41 records the number of men who believed after Peter's first sermon as three thousand. Now it was "about five thousand" (Acts 4:4), which means the total number of Christians including women and children would have been in the five figures.
"Many of those who heard the word believed" (Acts 4:4). Acts 2:41 records the number of men who believed after Peter's first sermon as three thousand. Now it was "about five thousand" (Acts 4:4), which means the total number of Christians including women and children would have been in the five figures.
What happened to Peter and John?
They were arrested and put "in custody until the next day" (Acts 4:3).
They were arrested and put "in custody until the next day" (Acts 4:3).
ACTS 4:5-7 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?”
Who are "John and Alexander" (Acts 4:6)?
The "John" named in this passage is most likely Annas' son who succeeded Caiaphas as the 'official' high priest in 37 AD. Not much is known about Alexander.
The "John" named in this passage is most likely Annas' son who succeeded Caiaphas as the 'official' high priest in 37 AD. Not much is known about Alexander.
Why did they ask, "By what power or by what name have
you done this (Acts 4:7)?"
They were asking at least about the power or authority by which the lame man had been healed. In addition, they could have been asking also about the power or authority by which the people in the temple had been taught.
They were asking at least about the power or authority by which the lame man had been healed. In addition, they could have been asking also about the power or authority by which the people in the temple had been taught.
Did Peter and John have cause for concern?
The last time this group had gathered for something to do with Jesus, they had committed murder. We know that Peter and John lived past this confrontation, but standing before the Sanhedrin at this moment, the apostles could well have thought that they would be murdered as well because of what Peter was about to tell them.
The last time this group had gathered for something to do with Jesus, they had committed murder. We know that Peter and John lived past this confrontation, but standing before the Sanhedrin at this moment, the apostles could well have thought that they would be murdered as well because of what Peter was about to tell them.
ACTS 4:8-10 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.
Does Peter mince words or try to sugarcoat his response?
No, he confronts them head on, even mentioning, "Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 4:10).
No, he confronts them head on, even mentioning, "Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 4:10).
Who is empowering Peter?
"The Holy Spirit" (Acts 4:8).
"The Holy Spirit" (Acts 4:8).
ACTS 4 COMMENTARY ◄
Acts 4:14-22 Lame Man
Acts 4:23-31 You are God
Acts 4:11-12 Chief Cornerstone
Acts 4:13 Peter and JohnActs 4:14-22 Lame Man
Acts 4:23-31 You are God
ACTS 4:11
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which
has become the chief cornerstone.’
What is "the chief cornerstone" (Acts 4:11)?
A building typically has four corners, and buildings back then were built with stones. The chief cornerstone was the first stone laid down on the ground at one corner of the building, which was then built by adding stones next to and on top of the chief cornerstone.
A building typically has four corners, and buildings back then were built with stones. The chief cornerstone was the first stone laid down on the ground at one corner of the building, which was then built by adding stones next to and on top of the chief cornerstone.
How important was the chief cornerstone?
If the chief cornerstone was laid even slightly angled, the whole building ended up at least slightly rotated on its own axis. If the chief cornerstone was laid even slightly slanted, the whole building ended up tilted and risked collapse.
If the chief cornerstone was laid even slightly angled, the whole building ended up at least slightly rotated on its own axis. If the chief cornerstone was laid even slightly slanted, the whole building ended up tilted and risked collapse.
Who is the "stone ... which has become the chief
cornerstone"?
Jesus, who is the chief cornerstone of our faith, "for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:11).
Jesus, who is the chief cornerstone of our faith, "for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:11).
Is this analogy appropriate?
If what you believe about Jesus is set correctly, the rest of the building blocks of your faith will work themselves out and your faith will endure. If you what you believe about Jesus is incorrect, nothing you add to it will correct the error and your 'faith' will risk collapse.
If what you believe about Jesus is set correctly, the rest of the building blocks of your faith will work themselves out and your faith will endure. If you what you believe about Jesus is incorrect, nothing you add to it will correct the error and your 'faith' will risk collapse.
How so?
For example, the Bible says that you will go to heaven instead of hell when you die if you sincerely believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the death penalty due for your sins (see John 3:16 meaning). If your faith is built on this chief cornerstone, it will endure through hardship, even death, because the rest of your eternity in heaven or hell hang in the balance. But many pulpits today tell people to believe in Jesus because He will make them more healthy and wealthy while on the earth, and to express their "faith" by giving money to their ministry. If your faith is built on this lie, it will collapse as soon as the promised health and wealth fail to materialize and the lie is exposed.
For example, the Bible says that you will go to heaven instead of hell when you die if you sincerely believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the death penalty due for your sins (see John 3:16 meaning). If your faith is built on this chief cornerstone, it will endure through hardship, even death, because the rest of your eternity in heaven or hell hang in the balance. But many pulpits today tell people to believe in Jesus because He will make them more healthy and wealthy while on the earth, and to express their "faith" by giving money to their ministry. If your faith is built on this lie, it will collapse as soon as the promised health and wealth fail to materialize and the lie is exposed.
Who are the "builders" (Acts 4:11), and why did they
reject the chief cornerstone?
The religious leaders and teachers, who wanted themselves to be the chief cornerstone of what their hearers believe.
The religious leaders and teachers, who wanted themselves to be the chief cornerstone of what their hearers believe.
Does this still happen today?
ACTS 4:12 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.”
Why isn't "there salvation in any other" (Acts 4:12) person than
Jesus?
Nobody else died for your sins, and nobody else could die for your sins.
Nobody else died for your sins, and nobody else could die for your sins.
Why not?
If a death row inmate were to tell the judge that he would like to die for the crimes committed by another death row inmate, the judge will tell him, "No, you will die for your own crimes." Only a sinless persons can die to pay the death penalty due for someone else's sins, and the only sinless person in history was Jesus.
If a death row inmate were to tell the judge that he would like to die for the crimes committed by another death row inmate, the judge will tell him, "No, you will die for your own crimes." Only a sinless persons can die to pay the death penalty due for someone else's sins, and the only sinless person in history was Jesus.
Why doesn't Satan point to a dog or a cat and tell
people, "You can be saved by believing in that"?
People would laugh at him.
People would laugh at him.
So whom does Satan point to and tell people to
believe to be saved?
The people who were close to Jesus during His time on earth, including his mother and lead disciple.
The people who were close to Jesus during His time on earth, including his mother and lead disciple.
ACTS 4 COMMENTARY ◄
Acts 4:11-12 Chief Cornerstone
Acts 4:23-31 You are God
Acts 4:11-12 Chief Cornerstone
Acts 4:13 Peter and John
Acts 4:14-22 Lame ManActs 4:23-31 You are God
ACTS 4:13 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.
Who were "uneducated" (Acts 4:13)?
"Peter and John" (Acts 4:13).
"Peter and John" (Acts 4:13).
Who were "untrained" (Acts 4:13) in religious
matters?
Peter and John.
Peter and John.
So what right did Peter and John have to challenge the
most educated and the best trained religious leaders in their nation?
Peter and John had been with Jesus, who had taught and gifted them, including with a sign of His power that the religious leaders could not deny (see lame man).
Peter and John had been with Jesus, who had taught and gifted them, including with a sign of His power that the religious leaders could not deny (see lame man).
Who appoints and gifts people to teach
Christians?
God the Holy Spirit: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, ... But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills... Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, ..." (1 Corinthians 12:4-8, 11, 27-28)
God the Holy Spirit: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, ... But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills... Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, ..." (1 Corinthians 12:4-8, 11, 27-28)
If God has not appointed or empowered a person to
teach Christians, can and should that person be educated by humans to
teach Christians?
No.
No.
If a person has been appointed and empowered by God
to teach, does that person need educational degrees to teach Christians?
No.
No.
What do most churches require their pastors to have
attained?
A "Master of Divinity" degree from an accredited seminary.
A "Master of Divinity" degree from an accredited seminary.
What is the existential goal of all private schools,
including seminaries?
Maintain student enrollment so that the institution can continue to operate and salaries can continue to be paid.
Maintain student enrollment so that the institution can continue to operate and salaries can continue to be paid.
Are all seminary professors saved?
No, and they include strategically placed agents of Satan who twist Scripture to corrupt and erode the faith of the students.
No, and they include strategically placed agents of Satan who twist Scripture to corrupt and erode the faith of the students.
Are the students aware?
Most are too busy trying to absorb and then regurgitate on tests what their professors teach to question, let alone challenge, them.
Most are too busy trying to absorb and then regurgitate on tests what their professors teach to question, let alone challenge, them.
What should be done about the "Master of Divinity"
requirement?
The only Master of Divinity is the Creator. Any creature who confers, receives or claims this 'degree' is guilty of Satanic blasphemy. This blasphemous degree, which has filled pulpits with hirelings, novices, wolves in sheep's clothing and others whom God has not appointed, needs to be abolished.
The only Master of Divinity is the Creator. Any creature who confers, receives or claims this 'degree' is guilty of Satanic blasphemy. This blasphemous degree, which has filled pulpits with hirelings, novices, wolves in sheep's clothing and others whom God has not appointed, needs to be abolished.
Really?
If Jesus were to walk up to a preacher at a pulpit and ask, "By what right are you preaching in My name?" will the preacher reply to Jesus, "I have attained Master of Divinity"?
If Jesus were to walk up to a preacher at a pulpit and ask, "By what right are you preaching in My name?" will the preacher reply to Jesus, "I have attained Master of Divinity"?
"What should I do if I already have an MDiv"?
Take it out of the frame, repent, and ask Jesus what He wants you to do with blasphemy.
Take it out of the frame, repent, and ask Jesus what He wants you to do with blasphemy.
What about a doctorate in theology?
Not content to be a mere "Master" of Divinity, many pastors pursue a PhD, ThD, DMin, etc., or at least lobby for an honorary DD (Doctor of Divinity) so that they can be called a "Dr."
Not content to be a mere "Master" of Divinity, many pastors pursue a PhD, ThD, DMin, etc., or at least lobby for an honorary DD (Doctor of Divinity) so that they can be called a "Dr."
Why is a doctorate in theology unbiblical?
A doctoral degree is conferred on a person who expands an academic field by adding some new knowledge to it. Therefore, a doctoral degree in theology, by its nature, disobeys God, who closed the Bible with a stern warning against adding anything to the Bible, which is not only inerrant (without error) but also complete: "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18).
A doctoral degree is conferred on a person who expands an academic field by adding some new knowledge to it. Therefore, a doctoral degree in theology, by its nature, disobeys God, who closed the Bible with a stern warning against adding anything to the Bible, which is not only inerrant (without error) but also complete: "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18).
What about having a new understanding of what is
already in the Bible?
Then all who hold doctorates in theology are guilty of plagiarizing from the Holy Spirit, for Jesus said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (see Spirit of Truth), and taking for themselves the glory that should be received by God the Holy Spirit.
Then all who hold doctorates in theology are guilty of plagiarizing from the Holy Spirit, for Jesus said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (see Spirit of Truth), and taking for themselves the glory that should be received by God the Holy Spirit.
"What should I do if I already have a doctorate in
theology?"
See above.
See above.
Who then, should fill pulpits?
Those who have been appointed and gifted by the Holy Spirit as per 1 Corinthians 12 (see above).
Those who have been appointed and gifted by the Holy Spirit as per 1 Corinthians 12 (see above).
How can a church know if someone has been so appointed and
gifted?
It should take the time to confirm that the man, preferably among those who have been trained by the current pastor, exhibits all of these traits: "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
It should take the time to confirm that the man, preferably among those who have been trained by the current pastor, exhibits all of these traits: "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
ACTS 4 COMMENTARY ◄
Acts 4:13 Peter and John
Acts 4:32-35 One Heart One Soul
Acts 4:13 Peter and John
Acts 4:14-22 Lame Man
Acts 4:23-31 You are GodActs 4:32-35 One Heart One Soul
ACTS 4:14 14 And
seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say
nothing against it.
Who stood with
Peter and John?
The lame "man who had been healed" (Acts 4:14)
The lame "man who had been healed" (Acts 4:14)
What effect did the healed lame man standing with
them have?
It validated their words, protected them against false accusations, and attested to God's grace and power.
It validated their words, protected them against false accusations, and attested to God's grace and power.
Where had the healed lame man spent the night?
Either "in custody" (see Acts 4) with Peter and John, or he had gone home and returned the next morning.
Either "in custody" (see Acts 4) with Peter and John, or he had gone home and returned the next morning.
What example does the healed lame man set?
When God does anything for us - healing us, calling us into His kingdom, etc. - we shouldn't walk away from Him. Instead, we should stand up for Christ, even against opposition, to both glorify and serve Him.
When God does anything for us - healing us, calling us into His kingdom, etc. - we shouldn't walk away from Him. Instead, we should stand up for Christ, even against opposition, to both glorify and serve Him.
ACTS 4:15-16
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.
What should they do?
If they "cannot deny it," they should accept it and listen to what Peter and John have to say instead of trying to shut them up.
If they "cannot deny it," they should accept it and listen to what Peter and John have to say instead of trying to shut them up.
ACTS 4:17-22 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.
Did the Jewish religious leaders claim to speak for or against
God?
Who claims to speak for God today?
People who call themselves "pastor," "bishop," "minister," "reverend," "prophet," "priest," etc.
People who call themselves "pastor," "bishop," "minister," "reverend," "prophet," "priest," etc.
Is it "right in the sight of God to listen to" such
people "more than to God" (Acts 4:19)?
What must every Christian read for themselves to know
when such people say things that contradict God?
ACTS 4 COMMENTARY ◄
Acts 4:14-22 Lame Man
Acts 4:36-37 Barnabas
Acts 4:14-22 Lame Man
Acts 4:23-31 You Are God
Acts 4:32-35 One Heart One SoulActs 4:36-37 Barnabas
ACTS 4:23-24 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,
What did the companions of Peter and John first acknowledge?
That the God of the Bible is God the Creator: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them."
That the God of the Bible is God the Creator: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them."
ACTS 4:25-28 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 Son 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.
What do they cite next in Acts 4:25-26?
The prophetic words of King David from a thousand years earlier and recorded in Psalm 2:1-2
The prophetic words of King David from a thousand years earlier and recorded in Psalm 2:1-2
And what do they indicate in Acts 4:27?
The fulfillment of that prophecy
The fulfillment of that prophecy
What is reaffirmed in Acts 4:28?
That Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins was according to His "purpose" as "determined before to be done."
That Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins was according to His "purpose" as "determined before to be done."
ACTS 4:29-31
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
Son 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.
What don't they ask for in Acts 4:29-30?
They don't ask for the persecution - "threats" - to decrease. Instead, they ask for God's empowerment to increase so that "with all boldness they may speak Your word" and for more "signs and wonders" to "be done through the name of Your holy Son Jesus.”
They don't ask for the persecution - "threats" - to decrease. Instead, they ask for God's empowerment to increase so that "with all boldness they may speak Your word" and for more "signs and wonders" to "be done through the name of Your holy Son Jesus.”
How soon did God answer their prayer?
Pretty much right away, as indicated in Acts 4:31
Pretty much right away, as indicated in Acts 4:31
When facing persecution, do you pray for it to
decrease or for the Lord to empower you to serve Him through it?
Acts 4:36-37 Barnabas
ACTS 4:32 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.
How united were the thousands of new Christian converts?
So much so that they are described as being "of one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:32)
So much so that they are described as being "of one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:32)
Were they of one heart and one soul only in words?
None of them said "that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common" (Acts 4:32).
None of them said "that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common" (Acts 4:32).
Who prayed for them to have one heart and one soul?
Jesus, and that unity lent credibility to their message about Jesus: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17:20).
Jesus, and that unity lent credibility to their message about Jesus: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17:20).
ACTS 4:33-35 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.
Were they selling off things that they didn't really
need?
No, they were selling their own homes.
No, they were selling their own homes.
Who was doing that?
All Christian homeowners: "all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them" (Acts 4:34).
All Christian homeowners: "all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them" (Acts 4:34).
Where did they bring the proceeds?
They "laid them at the apostles’ feet" (Acts 4:35).
They "laid them at the apostles’ feet" (Acts 4:35).
Did the apostles keep the proceeds for themselves?
No, they distributed it to people who had more pressing needs than homeownership: "They distributed to each as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35).
No, they distributed it to people who had more pressing needs than homeownership: "They distributed to each as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35).
But isn't homeownership a basic need?
No, just food and clothing are: "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:7-8).
No, just food and clothing are: "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:7-8).
What is the result of not being content with food and
clothing today?
Millions of Christians suffer and even die from lack of food, particularly in developing nations, while millions who claim to be their brothers and sisters in Christ, including in developed nations, take God's money for the hungry and buy "lands or houses" (Acts 4:34), recreational toys, etc. for themselves.
Millions of Christians suffer and even die from lack of food, particularly in developing nations, while millions who claim to be their brothers and sisters in Christ, including in developed nations, take God's money for the hungry and buy "lands or houses" (Acts 4:34), recreational toys, etc. for themselves.
"But I worked hard for my house?"
Do you think the Christians mentioned in Acts 4:34 stole theirs?
Do you think the Christians mentioned in Acts 4:34 stole theirs?
What is the consequence of neglecting any Christian
in need?
According to Jesus, hell: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment...” (Matthew 25:41-46)
According to Jesus, hell: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment...” (Matthew 25:41-46)
Why don't pulpits preach this today?
They don't want to lose the "possessors of lands or houses" (Acts 4:34) in their pews.
They don't want to lose the "possessors of lands or houses" (Acts 4:34) in their pews.
Should pulpits preach what God said that offends
sinners?
ACTS 4:36-37 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.
Who is "Barnabas" (Acts 4:36)?
Originally named "Joses" (Acts 4:36), Barnabas was a Jew and a "Levite" (Acts 4:36), which means he was from the tribe of Levi, which descended from Jacob's third of twelve son. Barnabas was in Jerusalem at this time but originally from "Cyprus" (Acts 4:36), the large island in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea.
Originally named "Joses" (Acts 4:36), Barnabas was a Jew and a "Levite" (Acts 4:36), which means he was from the tribe of Levi, which descended from Jacob's third of twelve son. Barnabas was in Jerusalem at this time but originally from "Cyprus" (Acts 4:36), the large island in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea.
What does "Barnabas" mean?
"Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36)
"Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36)
Did the apostles rename him "Son of Encouragement" because
he
sold his land and brought the money?
No, since all other landowners were doing what Barnabas did (see one heart one soul), and there is no mention of anyone being renamed for it. The name Barnabas combines "Bar," which means Son of, with "nabas," which means counsel, prophecy, exhortation or consolation, so Barnabas' name refers to the encouragements he gave to others via his words of counsel, prophecy, exhortation or consolation. Barnabas was a 'people person' who liked to encourage and include others, with his words, as well as his possession.
No, since all other landowners were doing what Barnabas did (see one heart one soul), and there is no mention of anyone being renamed for it. The name Barnabas combines "Bar," which means Son of, with "nabas," which means counsel, prophecy, exhortation or consolation, so Barnabas' name refers to the encouragements he gave to others via his words of counsel, prophecy, exhortation or consolation. Barnabas was a 'people person' who liked to encourage and include others, with his words, as well as his possession.
Did Barnabas continue to live up to his new name?
When Saul, the persecutor of Christians (see Acts 9) returns to Jerusalem as a Christian after his conversion on the road to Damascus and everyone fears he may be trying to trick them, it is Barnabas who meets with Paul and bring him to the apostles (see Saul escapes in a basket). Later, it is Barnabas who fetches Paul in Tarsus to minister with him in Antioch (see Saul of Tarsus) and then partners with and helps him during his first and second missionary journeys. And God eventually used Barnabas' tendency to include others to double the number of missionary teams sent out (see Acts 15).
When Saul, the persecutor of Christians (see Acts 9) returns to Jerusalem as a Christian after his conversion on the road to Damascus and everyone fears he may be trying to trick them, it is Barnabas who meets with Paul and bring him to the apostles (see Saul escapes in a basket). Later, it is Barnabas who fetches Paul in Tarsus to minister with him in Antioch (see Saul of Tarsus) and then partners with and helps him during his first and second missionary journeys. And God eventually used Barnabas' tendency to include others to double the number of missionary teams sent out (see Acts 15).
What did the "apostles" (Acts 4:37) do with the
money Barnabas laid at their feet?
They distributed it to those in need (see one heart one soul).
They distributed it to those in need (see one heart one soul).
How much money flows in your church from the 'haves' to the 'have nots'?
Did the apostles do anything to recognize or reward
Barnabas for bringing a sizeable sum of money to them?
Why should they? The money wasn't for them, but for those in need among the brethren, and an act of worship to God.
Why should they? The money wasn't for them, but for those in need among the brethren, and an act of worship to God.
Did Jesus ever commend anyone for making a large
offering?
No, but He did commend someone for making a small offering that was a large proportion of her assets: And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4)
No, but He did commend someone for making a small offering that was a large proportion of her assets: And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4)
Which does your church appreciate more: large
offerings or offerings that are large in proportion to assets?
SOURCE: BIBLE VERSE STUDY
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1. PATHEOS
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