Conspiracy Theory
The storm brewing would take form as a conspiracy (Acts 6.8-8.1). When last we read acts it was discovered that a large number of priests became followers of the Messiah, threatening the power-base of the high council and giving credence to the testimony of the apostles. Luke doesn’t provide details to anything that he wasn’t present to account for, but by reading between the lines we can flush out the secrets of the Sadducees.
Signs and Wonders
Following the instructive deaths of Ananias and Sapphira the apostles continued to showcase God’s power and authority.
Arrested!
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.
A Difference of Loyalty
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 First Deacons
The Acts of the Apostles hits the ground running at the start and doesn’t let go for the first five chapters. From the ascension of Jesus to an angelic prison break with plenty of threats, arrests, healings and exorcisms in-between to keep the reader enthused every event and miracle seems bigger than the last. Until…
God's Great Grace
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.
Peter Prosecutes Israel
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.
Baptizing the 3000
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.
Prison Break!
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.
Ground Shaking Prayer
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.
Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
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.
The Church Age Begins
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.
