LIVE@5 – Friday, May 20, 2022
Acts 4:23–37 (NKJV)
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, 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. 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.”
Acts 4:23-31
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 disciples, upon hearing of Peter and John’s powerful experience, including the backlash suffered from the Jewish leaders, recounted their shock at how the nation treated Jesus. They prayed that God would strengthen their cause and anoint their purpose. They also prayed for boldness to speak the word, and that they would see the hand of God heal and do other miracles so that those who saw would believe in Jesus. God heard their prayers and filled all of them with the Holy Spirit, and they went out speaking the word of God with boldness.
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.
Acts 4:32-37
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.
After this additional or subsequent outpouring, the disciples began to live with a kingdom mentality in place. They considered nothing that they owned to be their own. Instead, they distributed to each one as they needed, after many sold possessions and brought them to the apostles for that purpose. This communal understanding of the body of Christ was new to many of them. As will be seen in the next passage to be discussed tomorrow, there were even some growing pains involved, but nevertheless the church was learning to be together in all things. Individuality and selfishness was subsiding. This is never easy for an entire body to embrace, especially in the flesh. However, in the Spirit one can lay aside selfish motives and desires and work for the greater good. These were bold moves, and the boldness necessary to complete them came from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Lay open your spirit for the Holy Spirit to fill, and live boldly!
Artwork from https://laurazielke.com/2017/08/11/acts4_23-31-boldness/
Devoted To You 