All posts by roderickbarnes

Moving On

Acts 5:12-16

¹² And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. ¹³ Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. ¹⁴ And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Introduction

What does a congregation do after events like the discipline displayed with Ananias and Sapphira? You could stop everything and get a consultant / counselor to come in and help everyone deal with the grief and fear that comes with lying to the Spirit and the Spirit’s removal of the wrongdoers. You could lose momentum and eventually have to shut things down. That would involve contacting the district because the assets of the church actually belong to the denomination. If you were in the Ananias camp you could convene a clandestine committee to replace Peter. (But, in light of most recent events, Peter is going to know. And may the Lord have mercy on you when you come to church.)

Acknowledge the anointing and authority of the apostles. Their position and power in God’s work makes lying to them tantamount to lying to the Holy Spirit.

But what does a fellowship do after events like those recorded in Acts 5:1-11. In the writing of Luke we see that some things continue without change and one thing does not remain the same.

Continuity of Miraculous Power (Acts 5:12a)

With the conjunction and of and through the apostles hands (δὲ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων) of Acts 5:12 the material following the tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira is tied to the account that follows. In effect, using the coordinating conjunction, Luke tells the reader to look at Acts 5:12-16 in light of what has just happened.

The power of the apostle’s anointing continued to be at work with many signs and wonders being done among the people. Do not miss the significance of their continued ability to do miracles. Their credentials as approved men of God and authorities to whom the people must listen were in the many signs and wonders (John 14:11). If you were struggling with what had happened your confidence in the apostles would be restored daily by their godly character and their great ongoing power to help others. Through the continuity of miracles through the apostles, Christ was telling the church that He continued to be at work both in and through the apostles and that He approved of the outcome with Ananias and Sapphira.

Continuity of Unified Fellowship (Acts 5:12b)

The people continued to be unified as a fellowship. It says that they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. In light of verse 13 the all is certainly a reference to the known congregation prior to the event of Ananias and Sapphira. That same group of people, minus two, is still meeting in Solomon’s Porch. Unity remained and the custom of coming together in the temple to hear the word continued.

Ending of the Local Church Membership Drive and Continued Church Growth (Acts 5:13)

The growth of the formal fellowship that met in Solomon’s Porch (Acts 2:47) stopped. Seeing that the church involved both a dazzling display of kingdom power to reverse the curse and a deadly display of kingdom discipline, some people chose to not join the church fellowship. A godly fear has come out of the events recorded earlier (Acts 5:5, 11).

Some do not want to join the local church yet. And that is okay. They are not yet ready to bring their living under the authority of apostolic leadership. They believe in Jesus but know that if they join their fellowship they would have to continuously ask themselves and if their contemplations, their conversations, and their conduct were honest. Some commentaries seem to say that this is an issue:

One may wonder how the statement that “none of the others dared to join” the disciples can be squared with the report of “more and more” being added to their fellowship; the point seems to be that the death of Ananias and Sapphira scared off all but the totally committed (Bruce, 1988, p. 109).

However, there is no real difficulty here. It seems to me that some were able to bring themselves to put their faith in Jesus. However, in light of the recent events showing the seriousness of not acknowledging the anointing on the apostles, they were not ready to put themselves immediately under the leadership of the apostles. Knowing very little about the new cult of believers they must have wondered how easily one could bring capital punishment upon oneself. This is not altogether unlike the life-changing faith of “god-fearing” Gentiles who found a stumbling block in circumcision (Acts 10:1-4). I believe they are similar to a highly respected rabbi that visited Jesus at night (John 3:1-2); he believed in Jesus’ name (John 2:23-25) and verbally acknowledged Jesus as a teacher come from God. However he was not yet ready to be submitted to Jesus’ teaching and commands (John 2:10-11). Later this same man will show a measure of sincere concern for the Lord by anointing and burying his body (John 19:39). What must not be ignored is the fact that the believers were added to the Lord.

Some do not want to join the local church yet. And that is okay. They are not yet ready to bring their living under the authority of apostolic leadership. They believe in Jesus but know that if they joined they might bring judgement themselves.

The power of the miracles attracts. The awesome power of the Spirit that judges also demands commitment and responsibility. Before that power the crowd kept its distance with healthy respect, unless they were willing to fully submit to that power and make a commitment. Many did, Luke said, making it clear this time that men and women became disciples and were added to the growing community of believers (v. 14). (Polhill, 1992)

Church membership is not mandatory. It is automatic. Becoming a member of the Church is a consequence of committing oneself to Christ. This is why the apostles, following in the footsteps of their Rabbi, do not bother people with overly formal processes for becoming Jesus followers. Absent from the appeals of Peter are calls to sign a pledge, take a class, or be registered with a local fellowship. The sufficient outward signs of surrender to the Lord were seen in the believer’s baptism and changed life.

The Church is joined when the believer places their faith in Christ. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. What often remains is the finding of a local fellowship (church with a little “c”) in which to carry out the call to live for the Lord. This is sometimes said to be optional. However, Scripture makes it clear that only in disobedience and a disposition of defiance can a Jesus follower avoid regular fellowship (Hebrews 10:25; Proverbs 18:1).

What does all of this mean? When you are told that you are only a real Christian when you have joined a particular fellowship… run! This is not what Scripture teaches and is the precursor to being manipulated. Still, if you have made a decision to follow Christ do not let the following become a self-absorbed lonely walk. To follow Jesus is to follow Him into community and serve others. This will mean finding a fellowship where you can attend services (worship in community) AND help with the work of caring for its membership (work in the church) while bringing the good news to those who have not heard (witness to the world).

Questions for Consideration

1. Do I have a healthy respect for the anointing (abiding presence of the Holy Spirit) in church leadership? This should be expressed in a care about how I interact with them.
2. Am I committed to my local church fellowship? Beyond attendance, do I support my local church in the care of its members, worship, and witness to the surrounding community?

References

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of the Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

¹ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ² And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” ⁵ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. ⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” ⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

The But of Acts 5:1 antagonizes the message of Acts 4:32-35. Where Barnabas sold his land and brought the entire proceed to the church for its use, Ananias merely claimed to do this. His sin, with Sapphira his wife, was not in keeping back part of the price of the land. Peter makes it clear that he could have done that (Acts 5:4). There would have been no fault in giving only a portion of the sale to the church. In fact, Ananias could have kept the land in his own possession without there being a problem. His contribution was not compulsory (Acts 5:3-4).

Why did he do it? He and his wife wanted to be counted with the highly committed while still keeping a foot in the world. They wanted a positive nickname too. But, with a discernment that was given to him by the Holy Spirit, Peter explains why the plan would not work:

The Seriousness of Not Seeing the Anointing — Ananias failed to acknowledge the Anointing as he acted out his trespass. Even in the presence of continuous expressions of Heaven’s power (Acts 4:33) he made the mistake of regarding men after the flesh and the fellowship as being no more than what he could see. But the men leading the fellowship were anointed by God and able to do and see things above and beyond what is possible for mere mortals. The fellowship before Ananias and Sapphira is not only with the seen but also with the unseen Spirit of the Lord. The fellowship, treated as common and something to be manipulated, was in fact consecrated. That couple was tragically unholy in dealing with a people made holy by the Spirit of Holiness.

In light of all that Ananias had seen in the way of wonders it is amazing and confounding to Peter that he could have been so dull in thinking that his sin would not be seen. How did Ananias arrive at this point? The answer is that Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Satan had been at work trying to ruin the new creation. Just as in the garden, that serpent of old (Genesis 3:1,4; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; 20:2) had been working to (1) deceive people in paradise and (2) ruin relationships. After a while the arch nemesis of God was able to convince Ananias to lie to the Spirit. What could have been worse than bringing Satan’s corrupting influence entry into the new fellowship? Ananias had allowed Satan to furnish the rooms of his heart with worldly intentions.

Doors for Demonic Activity — When we fail to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:8) and and refuse to rigorously exclude ungodly desires that would take up residence in our hearts we (1) open doors for demonic activity and (2) create conditions conducive to crimes against God and His community (Ephesians 4:25-27; Romans 12:19; James 4:7).

Action Steps — Let us stop lying and speak truth (Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 4:15, 25; Colossians 3:9).

1. 1. Stop Active Lying – Deceptive statements
   2. Stop Passive Lying – Omissions that mislead

Peter does not punish the man but explains the great foolishness of trying to deceive God; the sin, in this case, is judged by God Himself. Upon hearing these words Ananias dies (Acts 5:5). Sapphira colludes with her husband to mislead the church. But the plan will fail with tragic results. Asked if what she brought was the entire sale price of the land Sapphira, says that it was (Acts 5:8). As in so many Old Testament cases the opportunity to confess was given. Here are ten passages from the Old Testament where God asks a question aimed at prompting confession or self-reflection:

• Genesis 3:9 – After Adam and Eve sinned, God asks Adam, “Where are you?”
• Genesis 4:9 – God asks Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
• Genesis 18:13 – “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?'”
• Genesis 21:17 – God asks Hagar, “What ails you, Hagar?”
• Genesis 32:27 – God asks Jacob, “What is your name?”
• Job 38:4 – God asks Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?”
• 1 Samuel 15:14 – “But Samuel said, ‘What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?'”
• Jonah 4:4 – “Then the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?'”
• Jeremiah 2:5 – God asks Israel, “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me?”

These passages are instances where God’s questions are used to initiate introspection, catalyze confession, or to elicit a response that reveals deeper truths about the individuals involved. Sapphira did not make the most of her opportunity. If she had, mercy would have been shown:

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

Instead she took the opportunity to confirm her decision to test the Spirit of the Lord. What was the test?

The Test of Ananias and Saphira — Can we get away with lying about our giving in order to get a better status in our church community? Will God know?

She also dies and was carried away to be buried with her husband. Although this is bad, consider with me the consequences. Luke says that the result of this rebuke was that great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things (Acts 5:11). The loss of earthly life has produced in the church a profound reverence for the presence of Christ and the position of the apostles. Christ in our midst at communion is serious; by treating it lightly we bring upon ourselves judgement. Christ at work through the leadership of the apostles is serious; by treating them as mere men the meaning of the miracles is missed and the Presence at work in them is disrespected.

Figure 1 – Signs and their Significance in the Opening of Acts

The immediate deaths of this deceptive couple were a sign indicating a spiritual reality – God does not want or tolerate lying in his church. Just as the signs of Pentecost and the fellowship prayer were not going to be repeated, the immediate deaths of liars in the church is not happening today. But the spiritual reality indicated in the narrative is that with God there is a deep displeasure associated with people in the church lying to one another and to Him. Former is unloving. The latter is dumb; He knows all. Today is the day to stop lying and start telling the truth. We should do this out of reverence for the Holy Spirit in our midst, out of caring for concern for the people that are our brother and sisters in the faith, and with the goal of protecting the quality of our witness. The whole idea of lying is from Satan the father of lies; it is what he had done from the beginning (Genesis 3:1-4). The notion should be arrested and rejected. When we fail to do that the suggestion eventually looks reasonable and becomes sin (Genesis 3:6).

Questions for Community Discussion

1. In the verses of Acts 4:32-37 we are given a general description of the character of the new community. How does Luke give us an example of that character?
2. Would you be willing to part ways with your stuff to ensure that the needs of other believers in our fellowship are met? What encouragement did they have (Acts 4:33)?
3. What explains their ability to show this level of generosity (Ephesians 4:17-21; Romans 5:5; 1 John 5:1)?
4. What was the difference between the gift of Barnabas and the gift of Ananias (Acts 4:36-37; 5:1-4)?
5. Is your giving about gratitude toward God and worship or is it about garnering praise, creating a perception of piety, and generating an image of generosity.
6. Does it matter if your presentation of an offering does not line up with the truth (John 4:24)?

7. Do you think that Ananias was saved? Consider the words of 1 Corinthians 5:5 as you formulate an answer.

Barnabas Brings a Blessing (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.

The And of Acts 4:36 amplifies what has been said in Acts 4:32-35. A Levite named Joses (or Joseph) made a decision to receive Jesus as his own personal Lord and Savior. Luke will bring back Joses later. He is introduced now for the purpose of providing a positive and personal example of the sharing seen in the early church.

It is noteworthy that Joses is given another name by the apostles — Barnabas. The nickname has been given as a sign of respect and to encourage a person. [This was done by Jesus Himself for Simon when He was given the name Peter or Cephas (Matthew 16:18; John 1:42). In that case it was a foreshadowing of the fisherman’s destiny; he would be a rock in the church.] Barnabas means Son of Encouragement. And Barnabas excelled in the encouragement of others (Acts 9:26f; 15:36-39; 11:20-23; 11:24).

• Intercedes to Encourage Acceptance of a Former Pharisee – Paul (Acts 9:26f)
• Encourages a Deserter with a Second Chance – Mark (Acts 15:26-39)
• Encourages the Church in Reaching Rejected Jews – Antiochene Christians (Acts 11:20-23)

The encouraging ministry of Barnabas is explained as a ministry of the Spirit through him (Acts 11:24). Having introduced the positive general idea of sharing and then an encouraging character, Luke briefly shows us an example. The account put on display Barnabas in the Spirit-inspired activity of great giving (Acts 4:37). Of his own accord Barnabas sold his land and then laid the total amount at the apostles’ feet. In doing this Barnabas speaks volumes to us about what his church means to him. And God speaks to us about a sign of our anointing — love.

The Sign of Our Anointing (Romans 5:5) – His fellowship goes farther than mere membership. It works to meet needs and encourage the family of God. In Barnabas’ example is the complete surrender of self to Jesus and a high regard for those He has put in leadership. It sees him giving without trying to control the gift.

Barnabas brings a blessing to the church. He was not commanded to sell his land and give the proceeds. He was compelled by his faith and his love of his church family. This type of giving is held up for us as a good example.

• Cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7) – His giving was in line with his nature: encouraging; the money from the sale of the land was given with an attitude that would have been an encouragement to the fellowship?
• Sacrificial – His giving was of the sort that cannot be repeated. Once the land was sold, as a matter of course, it was no longer his. Barnabas willingly chose to have less so that the fellowship could have what it needed. In this way he looks like Jesus; the Son of Man made Himself poor so that we could be given what we need: forgiveness, favor, and a future with our heavenly Father.

Questions for Considerations

1. If my church leadership were to give me a nickname based on my behavior in the body, what would it be? Is it a nickname for which I am glad or would I like it to change?
2. What blessing do I bring to my fellowship? Do I give it gladly or with a grudge?
3. Is the blessing that I bring surrendered to the church or do I try to control it after giving it?

Action Items for Today

• Pray for an understanding of what attitude is associated with your own giving. That is, ask God to reveal if your giving is cheerful or done merely as a duty.
• Look for a way to give to your fellowship that is(1) secret, (2) sacrificial, and (3) surrendered without an ongoing goal of controlling the gift.

Introduction

This is the second time that the reader is told summarily that the people had all things in common (Acts 2:44, 4:32). But where the first summary is used to close a description of the immediate outworking and character of the early church in its new anointing (Acts 2:43-47), this report opens a lesson on the purpose of the power of the Spirit in leaders (Acts 4:32-37), the character of the Spirit as seen in the people being led (Acts 4:34-37), and the serious sin of lying among those set apart by God (Acts 5:1-11). This passage is a powerful study in the consequences of surrendered and unsurrendered living in saints. F. F. Bruce, in his classic commentary on Acts, says

The summary contained in these verses is similar to that in 2:43–47, but serves a different purpose in the narrative. The earlier summary concluded the account of the day of Pentecost; this summary introduces the contrasted episodes of Barnabas and Ananias. (Bruce, 1988, p. 100)

If you will tarry with me in this post for just a moment in the study of Acts 4:32-5:11, we will come away understanding three things: (1) the why of our anointing, (2) the sign of our anointing, (3) and the seriousness of seeing and respecting the mission of church community.

When The Kingdom Came (Acts 4:32-35; Romans 14:17)

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. 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.

The Kingdom Came in Attitude (Acts 4:32a) – The great company of people that has placed its faith in Christ is characterized by unity. They were of one heart. That is to say that they were unified in their desire to make Him known; the heart may be regarded as the seat of my desire and central to my consciousness and ability to aspire (Acts 4:29-30; Genesis 6:5-6; Genesis 43:30; Deuteronomy 6:6). They are also said to be of one soul. Where the heart is regarded as the seat of my desires the soul encompasses all that I am; it is, in many ways, my identity.

• Psalm 103:1-2 – ¹ Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! ² Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
• Matthew 16:26 – ²⁶ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
• Luke 12:20 – ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

In fact the word soul means self more than the word self means self. To speak of the saving of oneself is really to refer to the soul. While it may be an acronym, the distress letters SOS are said to mean save our souls not save our selves. Even today it is common to refer the count of passengers on a plane or ship as the number of souls on board.

The church, at this point in the account from Luke, has no division in it. There are no denominations, no designations for people who believe in tongues and those who don’t, no associations for congregations that only use particular translations of the Bible. The church is unified under Jesus and in that sense has one identity or soul.

Arguing is absent and the progress of the church is not hindered by warring agendas; the people are unified in their ambition to make Jesus known (Psalm 133:1-2) – to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8; John 15:27). A disposition of meekness, generosity, and sharing with one another is ruling the day (James 3:13-18). The unanimity in their thinking and great graciousness toward one another is the outworking of their changed natures. In this way they signify to Jesus their surrender to Him and certify to the world that they are His followers:

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

The community is a spectacle, a marvel among men, and grand departure from the world’s way of working. The kingdom of God has come (Romans 14:17).

¹⁷ for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

The Kingdom Came in Action (Acts 4:32b) – The new community is nothing like the world around them. They are peculiar, when compared to ancient or modern congregations, in their consideration of the needs of one another and their conduct with earthly things. Readers are peering into a strange world when told that neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own (Acts 4:32). Think on that: people who own things consider those things as belonging to the community – as common. If you force this idea on someone it is communism and an attempt to better society through an ungodly and dehumanizing overreach into personal affairs. But what do you say when people do it on their own? Imagine the conversation today:

Frank – Walking up to Bob as he is sitting counting out change for bus fare Frank speaks, “Bob, we noticed that you do not have a car and that you need one to get to work. Here are the keys to a good working vehicle.”

Bob – With a look of gladness and confusion he says, “Who’s car is this?”

Frank – With a smile he says on behalf of the group Frank says, “Ours, Bob. It is our car.”

In the midst of all this harmony and helping one another the Spirit of God is using this period of peculiar peace to make surrounding people see the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Acts 4:33). To what end? Again, the unity, the uncommon sharing, and the supernatural powers are all present for one reason – to make Him known.

⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

In the latter part of Acts 4:33 it says that great grace or favor was upon them all. They were experiencing the kingdom (Deuteronomy 15:4). Why?

The Why of Our Anointing

With only a modest reading of the New Testament it is obvious that much of present-day talk surrounding the gathering of believers and the anointing of the Holy Spirit is not supported by Heaven. The Spirit’s presence among surrendered believers promotes unity under Jesus’ name, self-initiated humble sharing of possessions for the needs of Jesus’ people, and a display of Jesus-promoting power that cannot be ignored. To what end? That is, why do we receive the Spirit of Holiness? Our Anointing, while of great benefit to our fellowship, is aimed at promoting the recognition of Jesus’ Lordship. The Holy Spirit is poured out on us for many reasons. Chief among them is the enabling of a life that is effective in making Jesus known.

Luke, having described the general character of the new community, brings the report on early Christian sharing into focus with two specific examples – one to be admired (Barnabas) and one to be avoided (Ananias and Sapphira).

Questions for Consideration

1. Is my community characterized by generosity and unity?
2. What happens when the needs of people in my community become known?
3. In the light of the Bible says about the kingdom (Romans 14:17), can it be seen in my church community?

References

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of the Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

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.

The answer from Heaven was immediate. As if to say “Let’s shake things up,” the place where they were assembled together was shaken. It says that they were then all filled with the Holy Spirit. This was not a new anointing or fresh anointing as it is called in some circles. The same anointing they had received earlier, in response to the request and renewed surrender, is active in them with expression. What expression? They spoke the word of God in the boldness that they had requested.

But we are made to might ask, (1) why was the building shaken and (2) why is that not happening today when we ask for boldness? First, we must see that a sign was being used as an indicator of a spiritual response. What response, then, is being indicated? When you and I gather to request boldness and backing signs for a ministry that aligns with the mission of witnessing, God answers. The building was shaken as a sign that their prayer was being answered.

Second, for those of us who ask why this is not happening today, we are mistaken. The Spirit is still being poured out on people who believe just as He was poured out on Pentecost; the signs of rushing wind sounds and flaming tongues, however, are no longer needed. Each time a believer receives Jesus the Holy Spirit is given to them (Ephesians 1:13). With the Jews the sign of the promise of the Holy Spirit being provided was heard and seen and experienced as rushing wind, flaming tongues of fire above their heads, and speaking in other tongues respectively. A similar type of sign was given when the Gentiles received Christ (Acts 10:44-48). What was the sign? Gentiles, also known as the uncircumcised, spoke in tongues.

Speaking in tongues was sufficient sign for the circumcised (Jews) to believe that the same spiritual work that had been done in them was now happening in the uncircumcised (Gentiles). There is no mention of the sound of a rushing mighty wind or tongues of fire upon the heads of the Gentiles that heard Peter preach. It was not needed; speaking in tongues was enough to convince Peter and his fellow Jews that the Gentiles had been accepted by Jesus (Acts 10:46). Going forward Jews do not have flaming tongues above their heads when they receive Christ and Gentiles do not erupt in tongues. The purpose of the signs had been served; they had indicated spiritual realities that, when regarded rightly, affect the outlook and conduct of the witnesses. There are times in Scripture where a sign is used to indicate that something spiritual has taken place without seeking to make it normative. That is, there are instances of God performing a work in a special way so as to reveal how He will work in the future in a world we cannot readily perceive. Going forward He continues to do the work but without the sign.

Here is the point, beloved. Pray for boldness and backing signs for the mission of making Him known, the Lord answers these prayers and shakes things up.

God is listening now for prayers to answer. Action: Pray for boldness in the face of persecution. Pray for validation when confronting vicious opponents of the gospel. Let the church convene, call out to God for help, in order that we might succeed in our commission — witnessing.

A word of warning to my fellowship Jesus followers. Don’t try to force God to provide a particular sign. That is, do not insist on signs seen in the early church when there may be one more appropriate for your setting. Backing signs today may be different than what was used in the church in Jerusalem. Do not seek their sign when you may need your own. (In fact, don’t seek signs for yourself at all; they are for those you are trying to reach.) Seek, rather, to have evidence provided by God that will be lend support to the message of the gospel. For example, a sign certifying the gospel in a community that has been ravaged by racism could be real steps toward reconciliation between the races.

In His grip by His grace,
Roderick Barnes

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 Servant Jesus.”

In the latter part of their prayer the apostles and their companions call the Lord’s attention to the threats of the priests and the elders: look on their threats. The charge of the risen Lord is fresh in their minds (Acts 1:8); they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus had called them, trained them, consecrated them with His own sacrifice, had commissioned them, and finally had come alongside them in the Spirit (John 14:18) to ensure that they had the Power to do the work. His commissioning was not to be subverted by cowardice in response to threats or the desire to avoid conflict with corrupt authorities.

Remembering their former false ideas about their own fortitude (Matthew 26:33-35), their recent failures (John 18:17,25), their tendencies toward fretting (John 11:12-14), and the advice of Jesus for facing temptation (Luke 22:40,46), their Teacher’s example (Luke 22:39-45), they called upon God to make them bold:

For your own glory give us the disposition to boldly go where no one has gone before with a message that no one has heard before validated by works that no one has done before.

We must be especially aware of the reason for their prayer. They did not ask for a way out but for the strength to press in.

The prayers of the early church look very different from our own. We beseech God to give us better stuff where they asked to be made better; they asked for boldness for the one thing: witnessing. We want healing in order to be comforted in our affliction often apart from whether or not we are operating in our calling. They asked for healing as a help for the one thing: witnessing. We seek signs and wonders as a means of creating buzz about our ministry. They asked for the same thing but for the message, for His ministry, for the mission of making Him known: witnessing (Isaiah 43:10; 44:8; 49:6; Acts 1:8)

Questions for Consideration

1. Do I respond to threats with going to my fellowship to pray?
2. Are my prayers in moments of difficulty aimed at helping with the call to make the Lord known?
3. What would it look like to be (1) bold about faith in Jesus in the places where God has set me and (2) capable in sharing the gospel?

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, 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 Servant 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.

The followers of Jesus are not confused by recent events. They are not tossed about by adversity and left to wonder about what is happening. Both the apostles and the people being discipled know exactly what is going on. There are two reasons for their sound understanding of their circumstances. First, Jesus told them these things would happen (Matthew 5:11-13; 10:23; 23:34; Luke 21:12; John 15:20) . Second, they have learned to see life through the lens of Scripture; they have a biblical world view. As they review the recent persecution of their Rabbi they realize, owing to the Spirit’s leading, that it was all according to plan. Here is what they see in Psalm 2 and recent events:

• Why did the nations rage? – The apostles and their companions can see that two nations have been enraged: (1) the nation of Israel and (2) the Gentiles as seen in the shared role in mocking (Matthew 20:19; 27:29, 41; Mark 10:34), scourging, and crucifying Jesus.
• And the people plot vain things? – After the raising of Lazarus the Jews began to plot how they might put Jesus to death (John 11:45-53; Matthew 26:4).
• The kings of the earth took their stand – King Herod, knowing that he had no right to the throne and fearing the rise of the promised Messiah, took His stand against the Christ in two ways. He murdered the herald and then consented to the mistreatment and murder of the actual King of the Jews – Jesus.
• And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ – The rulers conspired together against Jesus both in their plotting and in their unjust punishing of Jesus.

This part of their prayer comes from God by the mouth of [His] servant David. They not only see through the lens of Scripture (Acts 4:27-28) they pray using the words of God Himself.

Persecution of the early church drove it not to programs, petitions, or powerful politicians but to prayer. They went to God Himself. In the wake of threats they threw themselves before the throne of grace pleading for help with the words of God Himself. Our prayers will have more weight when we follow their example and pray to God Himself with the words of God Himself.

Notice their perspective on persecution: It was ordained by God (Acts 4:27). David also had this perspective when he was being wrongfully accused or mistreated by his enemies (2 Samuel 16:10-11).

People with the vision and mission of Messiah see meaning in the meanness of the crowd. Their focus is not on the cursing but on a character that honors God in the moment. And just as David did not retaliate or revile his persecutors, and as Jesus did not rail against those who were jeering, the early church did not pray for harm on their enemies. They prayed for (1) boldness in their mission as witnesses (Acts 1:8) and (2) backing through signs and wonders that would help their adversaries to believe.

Questions for Consideration

1. Do I have a biblical world view? That is, do I look at events through the lens of what God’s word says? Am I able to assess a situation in the light of precedents and principles found in the Bible?
2. When I am being persecuted or wrongfully treated, do I consider the possibility that the other person is being used by God to accomplish something in His good plan?

Sharing Problems with People of Faith (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,

Immediately upon their release the apostles Peter and John went to their own (ἦλθον πρὸς τοὺς ἰδίους). [The word companions (NKJV) or friends (ESV) has been added for readability. However the text only says they went to their own.] In the company of their fellow Jesus followers they begin to share their experience. What did they share? The threats of the chief priests and elders were reported to their fellowship.

Jesus followers should be intentional and inclined to keep close company with committed Jesus followers… especially when they are being persecuted for Jesus following. (Psalm 1:1-2; Acts 4:23-24)

The companions of Peter and John are said to have raised their voice to God with one accord. What does this mean? Were they were all saying the exact same thing at the exact same time? The word rendered with one accord (NKJV) or together (ESV) is an adverb that literally means with one mind (ὁμοθυμαδὸν). Whether for a good reason (Acts 1:14; 2:1; 2:46; 8:6; 15:25; Romans 15:6) or a bad reason (Acts 7:57; 18:12), they had unity. It is likely that as one in the group was praying aloud the others were sounding out their agreement and support for the words being spoken. We do this by saying “amen” as a person speaks to God on behalf of a group we are in (1 Corinthians 14:16). One-accord praying happens when (1) the Lord’s people convene in His name to make requests (Matthew 18:19-20) and (2) they are unified in purpose. Where the prayers of a single righteous person are effective (James 5:16) there is a special presence and power associated with the gathering of God’s people unified in prayer:

• The One Accord of God’s People for His Purpose is Indicative of a Special Anointing (Psalm 133:1-2) — ¹ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! ² It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.
• The One Accord Praying of God’s People for His Purpose is Especially Effective for Getting Answers (2 Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 18:19-20; James 4:3) — ¹⁹ “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Based on the promise of Jesus, this group, unified in purpose and under His person in prayer, will get results. As we consider the prayer we should note that it is very Jewish. It sounds like the worship literature of their Scriptures (Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 146:6); it begins with an acknowledgement of God’s power and role in the universe – Sovereign Creator.

By starting prayer with a recognition of God’s role in Creation the person praying declares an acceptance of the Lord’s right to rule and their own obligation to obey.

Questions for Consideration

1. Am I sharing the problems I face with other people of faith? Is it a community that I am committed to?
2. Is my fellowship unified in purpose? Can we clearly state our purpose?
3. Do we convene to pray?
4. In our prayers are we acknowledging God’s right to reign and our decision to obey?
5. Pray for your government; ask God to give them wisdom for their work and favor in the discharge of their duties.

The Fortuitous Partnership of Folly and Famine (Luke 15:14)

The famine of the parable is a good thing. How so? The son of the story has no regard for the feelings of others or the consequences of his sin. But two come against him to make him realize his wrongs. First among those that will make him think is Wasteful Living or Folly. It will take a while. But Folly (aka Foolishness) will eventually put the prodigal son in a place where he has to think. But Folly will need help. It requires the assistance of circumstance. Specifically, the circumstance of Famine. The famine of the parable conspires with the Folly of the son to force him to slow down and think about what he has been doing. Prior to wasting his livelihood (Folly) and this new period of resource lack in the region (Famine), the character does not consider the consequences of his conduct; he only cares about in-the-moment pleasure (Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19). The wayward son does not care about the pain he has caused and does not consider the long-term effect of his decisions. 

Not Done Being Dumb (Luke 15:15)

In the story the son is not immediately repentant when faced with the poverty that comes out of the famine and his wasteful living. It will take a little time for the hardship to reach his head and heart. Rather than go home the young man of the story joined himself to a citizen of the far country. The citizen of that country was growing swine. Jesus’ listeners would hear that this person was not a follower of Yahweh. Why? Jews, because of the law of God, are not to have any dealings with swine. Instead of giving up an going home the young man digs in his heels and puts himself into the service of people that are living contrary to the ways of God. He does it so that he can remain in his rebellion, so that he can avoid acknowledging how badly he has messed up, and so that he does not have to face the father that he has disrespected.

Do not be condescending toward this parable character. He is us! I am getting the most out of the story when I am willing to acknowledge the times in my own life when I have walked away from God, wasted my gifts, and then refused to repent. He is me!

Questions for Consideration

1. In what ways have I taken the Lord’s provision and wasted it? The Lord has provided you with time, with talent, and a measure of treasure.
2. What circumstances have conspired with my foolishness to create conditions that are uncomfortable?