Lesson 7 – The Brotherhood of Believers December 9, 2012

One More Class The Acts of the Apostles2

Review Peter and John have just been reprimanded by the Sanhedrin for healing a man lame since birth –And then having the audacity to attribute the healing to Jesus Christ They’ve been told to stop preaching about Jesus The Acts of the Apostles3

Reporting In … Acts 4:23-24a – 23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said … The Acts of the Apostles4

For Discussion In a similar situation, what would you do? What is Peter and John’s first order of business? –Report what has happened Most likely to the Twelve –Go to the Father in prayer Have you ever prayed … ? The Acts of the Apostles5

All Together in Prayer Acts 4:24 – 24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, “ The Acts of the Apostles6

For Discussion The Greek word translated here as Lord is despota, rather than kurios –Root of our word despot –Denotes absolute authority They believe that God is in absolute control of this situation and are seeking His will He has all the power in this situation The Acts of the Apostles7

All Together in Prayer Acts 4:25-26 – 25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 26 THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'” The Acts of the Apostles8

The Second Psalm Psalm 2:1-2 – 1 Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed … The Acts of the Apostles9

For Discussion They understand this as a prophetic Psalm and attribute it to David –An affirmation of the Old Testament It speaks of the Lord’s Anointed –David at the time of writing –Jesus in this case The Acts of the Apostles10

Prophecy Fulfilled Acts 4:27-28 – 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 purpose predestined to occur.” The Acts of the Apostles11

For Discussion Nations/Gentiles: Romans Peoples: People of Jerusalem Kings of the Earth: Pilate and Herod Rulers: Sanhedrin Why was their plan a “vain” or “futile” thing? Exactly what had God predestined in this situation? The Acts of the Apostles12

Their Prayer Continues Acts 4:29-30 – 29 ”And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond- servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." The Acts of the Apostles13

For Discussion What is their prayer for themselves? –They ask for strength and courage –Why? What else do they ask? –For the signs and miracles to continue –Why? All in all, their prayer is for God to continue using them to fulfill His plan The Acts of the Apostles14

Affirmation Acts 4:31 – 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. The Acts of the Apostles15

For Discussion Many times in Scripture, an earthquake occurs to signify God’s presence There is another appearance of the Holy Spirit –Was the first visit insufficient? –Did they need a booster shot of the Spirit? The Acts of the Apostles16

Fellowship Acts 4:32-33 – 32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. The Acts of the Apostles17

For Discussion The people were giving selflessly for the good of the community of believers The Apostles were preaching boldly The two go hand in hand –We have to show people that we have something worth having –Not $$$, but community The Acts of the Apostles18

Generosity Acts 4:34-35 – 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. The Acts of the Apostles19

Not This … The Acts of the Apostles20

But This … “The one [communism] forcibly invades the right of private property; the other [fellowship] voluntarily relinquishes the right of private property where it sees a need.” Gareth L. Reese The Acts of the Apostles21

For Discussion Does this passage forbid the ownership of property? How much of our own desires and/or comfort are we willing to forego for the sake of our Brothers? Can we simply stop at 10% and say “I’m good”? Are you ever convicted that you should give (sacrificially) to a specific cause? The Acts of the Apostles22

Barnabas Acts 4:36-37 – 36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. The Acts of the Apostles23

For Discussion In earlier times, Levites were forbidden to own property –Their share of the Promised Land came from the tithe of the people Barnabas performs a selfless act for the good of the Christian community –Are we willing to do the same? We’ll more about him in the near future The Acts of the Apostles24

Next Week Lesson 8 – Ananias and Sapphria The Acts of the Apostles25