Acts Four - An In Depth Look

Acts 4 (Copied from BibleGateway.com)

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?"they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Before the crucifixion the Pharisees despised Jesus, because they were afraid that he would cause problems on Passover, and the Romans through Pontius Pilate would halt the festivities that were observed during this time.  After the crucifixion the Sadduces became the most outspoken against Christ because they did not believe in resurrection.  

Isn't it sad that so many people just can not handle change at all, that they can put up this hard shell around their heart, and not listen to the "truths" that are being spoken around and to them.  Do we really think that we are so "RIGHT" in our beliefs when we have only heard part of the story.  Christ said in Luke that there was much more "truth" that he couldn't share with us yet, because we weren't ready for it.  This tells me that we haven't accepted the "truths" he has given us already, that we are not ready for the next level.  I plead with you all, everyone that reads this, please get your nose back in that book, put aside your preconceived notions, and open yourself to the Voice of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that you may come to know His "Truth" they way He intended you too.  

Most people today never get a chance to see a miracle of this nature.  How is it even possible that you could see a man every single day for 40 years being a beggar because of his paralysis and now can walk, and NOT believe and want what this man received?  How is it, that they KNOW, cause you know they knew, and still try to keep Peter and John from sharing? How is it, that those who saw this miracle, can say to themselves, "it matters not, we have to keep it from spreading".  I do NOT understand why they wouldn't accept, believe, and spread the message.  

I know in my head, that God didn't allow their hearts to soften, so they could accept, just like he did with the Pharoah in Egypt.  And I know that the Gentile inclusion was part of this plan.  But why would he make his "chosen people" so hard hearted that they can't "SEE" the truth even yet?  This is one of those "truths" that I will say.... "ahhhh, I see", when the answer comes, and I have complete and utter faith that it will come, when God is ready for it... 

At the Azusa Street Revival, in 1915, a man lifted his deformed and mangled hand, and as the crowd watched, he regrew a new hand.  I have seen miracles, I have been the recipient of miracles, but I want to see a miracle of this stature... NOT because I don't believe it's possible, but just because I want to be in the presence of the Spirit when a miracle of this type happens.  I want to feel the Spirit in the air, and in the crowd, I want to feel the people believing...  I SO WANT TO FEEL THE SPIRIT WHEN HE'S IN HIS FULL GLORY.   NOT just in me, but in a large multitude.... IT would have to be awesome!

The Believers' Prayer

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' 27Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

It must have been an absolutely glorious time to be alive, when the Holy Spirit was so abundant and present in the lives of the Church.  Notice here that it says "filled with the Holy Spirit".  The Church had been baptized with the Spirit at Pentecost.  NOW, they are filled with the Holy Spirit, when the time calls for it.  The Holy Spirit did not just "fill" the 12, He filled Peter, and all the others after that believe, accept, and repent.  The Holy Spirit will fill you and me, and take over when we stumble, guide us when we are unsure, convict us when we are wrong, love us when we are feeling unworthy, you just have to ASK...

Dear Lord, please bring revival to us, bring your FIRE, bring your Spirit and settle on all those of the Fort Smith River Valley... I want to be a part of knowing your Church the way it was during the time of Peter and John...  I want to be a part of bringing the Church back to you Lord... A part of bringing your creations back to your embrace and the knowledge of your love, and commitment to them, your faithfulness to all, and the grace you have given to everyone! In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!!!

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas(which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if everyone tried to sell everything they had and live as a Church together?  Is this where the concept of "commune" comes from? Maybe they are on the right track of this point, but in the end miss the overall goal of this concept.  

I think the point in current times, is that we don't need to live in excess.  God is responsible for what you have, don't hoard it... use it for His kingdom!!!!

I hope that you are enjoying my in depth looks at the chapters of Acts.  There is so much great information in this Book...  and I am enjoying going through it.  There is so much more than I could ever share here, and each time I read it, I get more and more out of it.  


Marvel at the amazing things God is doing in the midst of persecution!!!*

• Thousands put their faith in Jesus!
• Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preaches with boldness. 
• Peter got to preach to the priests and the political leaders. 
• The Miracle was confirmed by ALL.
• The enemies of Jesus were left speechless and confused. 
• The whole congregation was shaken and filled with boldness. 
• God is glorified and praised.  

*Shared from Timothy Team notes, Heritage Church, Van Buren, Arkansas, October 8, 2014

This happened yesterday, is happening today, and will happen tomorrow!!!  BE a part of it!

Acts Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine. "

At the Feast of Pentecost, in Jerusalem, the Church was born.  With the sound of tornadic capable winds (just the sound, not the actual winds), and tongues of fire that didn't burn, the Holy Spirit baptized the Apostles, and the Church was born.  

"The were filled with the Holy Spirit".  FILLED with the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was IN them.  Yes, IN them.  This is an amazing feeling, when you let Him in.  

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below,blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' 22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him,as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' 29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:34  “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.””  At this point I must question, if he did not ascend to the heavens, then where is he?  Is he in Abraham's bosom, with Abraham and Lazarus?  I've heard some say that Christ cleared this out and took those souls with him when he left Hades.  I've heard Sh'eol referred to as just in the ground waiting.   J Vernon McGee says, David will be raised with the Old Testament saints to live on this earth someday.  Why? And where are they now?  Questions I am adding to my research list.  And will come back to here when I have the answers.  

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Notice here it says "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This is awesome, and tells you, it's not what we do, but the Lord does it.  He tells us to go, share the Word, share the Way, share the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, and once we do that, then HE brings them in.  He does the work.  This is fabulous, utterly and amazingly fabulous.  

The Believer's Prayer

The Believers Pray for Boldness

ACTS 4:23 When they (Peter & John) were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'-- 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

The Bible ~ Original aired on the History Channel, currently on Netflix.

The Bible ~ Original aired on the History Channel, currently on Netflix.

Starring Robert Powell as Jesus, and Roma Downey as Mother Mary.

Also saw this at WalMart today (6/12/2014) under the same Son of God   (Son of God is a 2014 American Christian movie feature, produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. It was released in the United States on February 28, 2014.   The film was adapted from the ten-hour miniseries The Bible,  which aired in March 2013 on the History channel.)

I must admit, I have more of an open mind than I truly expected myself to have at this point.  And I am so hungry for the Word and the Truth, that I just can’t get enough.  I am watching everything that comes across my scope of purview, and I am reading as much as time will allow.  There are just so many avenues, thoughts, directions, that all need to be looked at. 

I watched the mini-series version of this project.  And the first episode The Beginnings, starts with Noah (Noach) and skips a lot of important stuff, and some of it just isn’t in the depth I would have liked.  However, at the beginning the disclaimer says that it is based on the stories in the Bible, and “tries” to remain true to the spirit of the stories.  AND yes they did.  There were quite a few “embellishments” to make the story flow in movie form, but they did not discredit any of the tales, and I must admit, that Mark Burnett and Roma Downey did an excellent job.  By far, the best movie I’ve seen in quite some time. 

Once I started, I couldn’t stop.  I watched episode 2 on my iPad the next day.  Well I started it anyway.  My husband was trying to listen, and couldn’t see from his chair, so he loaded it on his computer and played it on the big screen.  He was hooked as well.  We made it a Saturday family film fest.  Watching them all by the end of the day.

I would even go so far as to tell you guys, that I made my kids leave the room during the “40 lashes” due to thoughts of the depiction of this scene in “Passion of the Christ”, which I refuse to let my kids see until they are much older.  But I didn’t need to, it was shown, not in it’s fullness and not in it’s full effect, so it was very kid friendly. 

All in all, this was an excellent family oriented telling of the story of the Bible.  One that I would whole heartedly recommend for all ages, genres and orientations.  A great starting point.  And a nice introduction to some of the story I haven’t read yet.  Sampson & Delilah, David & Goliath, Stephen, King Cyrus, this series has me wanted to go through it faster, and I find myself, forcing myself, to slow down and go through The Bible slow and steady.