ActsSample

Acts 4

What’s happening?

Acts 4:1-22 introduces the first confrontation with the Jewish leadership and its aftermath. The reality of the disciples’ healing a man through the power of the Spirit is evident. Yet, the Jewish leaders reject this truth, revealing their hardheartedness that stands behind rejecting Jesus. Even the obvious is denied, giving evidence of a veiled heart as Luke lays out the leadership’s response.

Whereas God stands behind what the apostles are doing and works with power on their behalf, the leaders are portrayed as maneuvering to undercut God’s will and His apostles. The leadership tries to exercise all the power it can to get rid of the problem. Jesus, as the “despised stone” (v. 11), is at the heart of this unit. God will exalt Him no matter what opposition arises (v. 12), for salvation is found in no other. People can reject Jesus and His representatives, but God will still exalt Him, and such rejection comes at a cost.

How do community members react to persecution and the report of the leadership’s charge to stop preaching the gospel? Acts 4:23-31 shows two things (vv. 24-30): First, they pray - not for judgment on those who are persecuting them nor to avoid persecution, but for their strength and enablement in the midst of persecution. Second, they pray to preach the message boldly, not to cower in fear of the leaders’ social and political power but to be faithful to God, who is the true Sovereign. They depend on God to carry out the mission He has called them to and band together in prayer to show corporately their commitment to proclaim the message.

Finally, in the last part of chapter 4 (vv. 32-37), Luke shows the church’s unity. Each person in the community voluntarily brings what they have to hold everything in common (vv. 32-35). The example of Barnabas closes the section where he is a paragon of the community’s description by selling a piece of land, taking the proceeds, and setting it at the apostle’s feet. The unity of heart and soul in this community is transparent; not only do its members declare the word of God powerfully, but they also make sure that each community member has access to everyday needs. Community life means both mission and mutual care.

What do we learn?

The church’s prayer in response to persecution is an expression of complete dependence on God, a recognition of His sovereignty, and the working of His power to show that God is behind the preaching of the name of Jesus in healing and signs. The church is not shaken by persecution but stands firm in faith as they trust in God’s power and hope in God’s provision.

What do we do?

In Acts 4, we see several signs of a healthy, believing community. We see the early church’s reliance on God, their trust in God’s justice, their willingness to suffer persecution, their desire to preach Jesus, their call to God to show Himself, and their unity through humility. These are the things we strive for in our individual lives and our communities so that we may be the people of God, showing the grace of God through the message of God.