Act 5:1-16 – What a Statement!

Read Acts 5:1-16

What did you think about what happened to Ananias and Sapphira? It’s a shocking story no matter how many times you’ve read it. There’s a huge lesson in there for us, even though I don’t often teach this Bible story to young children. This couple gave us an example to avoid.

We might want to commend them for giving to the work of the growing, young church. But was it generosity or a desire to receive respect like Barnabas in our last reading? It was the deception that ruined any possible beauty in their gesture. It wasn’t that they made a mistake, this couple intentionally made the decision to give only a portion of the sale proceeds away. The mistake was lying about it. Continue reading “Act 5:1-16 – What a Statement!”

Acts 4:23-37 – Answered Prayer

Read Acts 4:23-37

The early followers saw one of King David’s prophecies come true. They saw up close exactly how that played out. God gave David that message so many years before. The fact that what happened to Jesus was in God’s plan all along was beginning to sink in with the followers. This persecution didn’t end with Jesus, as Peter and John found out firsthand.

Did you notice the believers didn’t cower back because of the persecution they were now receiving because of their message about Jesus? They knew the Spirit of God had given them power, and they also implicitly trusted the name of Jesus. Continue reading “Acts 4:23-37 – Answered Prayer”

Acts 4:1-22 – Propaganda or Not?

Read Acts 4:1-22

The Sadducees and religious leaders now confront Peter and John for their presentation. Peter’s words have struck a chord with them, but not in a positive way. This text has always been a helpful example for me and Christians everywhere to be bold and remember who we are trying to please.

Are there any details of this account that surprised you? Some might be surprised that Peter and John found themselves in jail. Others may marvel at how quickly the number of believers was adding up. Perhaps it is how perplexed the religious leaders were with these two “ordinary men.” Continue reading “Acts 4:1-22 – Propaganda or Not?”

Acts 3:1-26 – Peter Seizes the Moment

Read Acts 3:1-26

What an opportunity Peter and John had that afternoon to speak the truth about Jesus. They had been planning to attend a prayer meeting, but God had other plans. The lame man benefited greatly from Jesus’ healing touch, working through Peter. It would have been a lot easier to just throw a few coins at the beggar, but the Spirit moved Peter to take action.

You may feel convicted by what Peter did and wish you had more opportunities to share Jesus’ love. Perhaps you prefer a behind-the-scenes role and like to tithe and give offerings to those in need in the name of Jesus. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, we are encouraged to be cheerful givers. But we shouldn’t avoid those divine appointments placed before us to minister to someone’s needs, as Peter did that day. Continue reading “Acts 3:1-26 – Peter Seizes the Moment”

Acts 2:29-47 – Community of Believers

Read Acts 2:29-47

Peter’s sermon continues here as he tries to help the people listening catch up and understand the great opportunity they had been given. They were living in the days shortly following Jesus’ resurrection, an event that changed history forever. Can you imagine being one of the ones who witnessed Jesus’ return from the grave? Reading about it is great, but having witnessed it happening in real time would have been crazy!

Peter’s words “pierced their hearts” into action. The people were hungry and asked what they could do. How many times have you been so moved by a sermon? Peter’s response to those seeking more of Jesus was to repent and be baptized. If they choose to do that, they will receive the Holy Spirit. Continue reading “Acts 2:29-47 – Community of Believers”

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)