The events may have played out in the Temple courts rather than on 34th Street, but a miracle occurred all the same. With thousands of Jews becoming followers of Jesus in Judaism’s capital city, we’re told the high priests and all the Sadducees became jealous and ordered the arrest of the apostles.
In Acts 4.32 through 5.11 we get a glimpse into the culture of the early church. We’ve already shown that the economic situation of the early church was not socialist in its structure, but was rather based on grace and generous giving.
As promised last week, its time to examine the hostel situation referenced in Acts 2.41-.47 (also in 4.32-5.11). Many believe this passage is an approving nod toward socialism, which is a dangerous error.
The passage we turn to today, Acts 2.41-.47, appears to slow the action at last but in reality reveals the origin of the church.
Today is the Jewish holiday Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost.
Yesterday we had some fun with Peter and John’s discussion with the temple leadership, but Peter hit upon something truly important and worthy of consideration.
Discovery! It is a word that evokes excitement and a spirit of adventure. In truth, however, every discovery from early exploration to modern medicine is merely a discovery of what has been there all along.
When the crowd grew too large for the apostles to address in small groups, Peter stood and likely guided them to a nearby plaza outside the southern entrance of the temple. Here he would declare for the first time to the nation of Israel the New Covenant.
Following the instructive deaths of Ananias and Sapphira the apostles continued to showcase God’s power and authority.
In Acts chapter 3 Peter and John were having an amazing day. They had been to prayer twice already, at nine and noon, and now at three in the afternoon they were able to heal a lame man and tell all who were there about Jesus, the Messiah.
As promised last week, its time to examine the hostel situation referenced in Acts 2.41-.47 (also in 4.32-5.11). Many believe this passage is an approving nod toward socialism, which is a dangerous error.
Pentecost is a pilgrimage holiday, so the streets were packed with Jews from the surrounding nations, each speaking their own language.