Acts 4:23-37 Prayer for Boldness
“And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 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, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’
“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 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 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.
Sharing in All Things
“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. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 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, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Well, Peter and John return to join their friends and fellow believers, thrilled beyond belief that the Holy Spirit has given them the words and the strength to withstand the intimidation of the religious leaders. When Peter and John return, a prayer meeting broke out, and the Holy Spirit descends again anointing everyone with fresh power.
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 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.”
It’s an amazing thing about the Holy Spirit. Not only does the Holy Spirit give courage and inspiration, He also moves in hearts to unite believers so that they are “of one heart and one soul.” The good news of salvation has changed the hearts of the fellowship, and they are exhilarated that Jesus’ blood sacrifice has freed them from sin and the need for endless animal sacrifices and onerous religious ceremonies. These new believers are so thrilled at the freedom they are finding that no sacrifice is too much.
“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. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 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, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Things are going amazingly well. The grace of the Holy Spirit is on all the believers and they are sharing everything in common. One of the new believers, Joses, also named Barnabas, is a wealthy Levite from Cyprus, who sells land and donates the proceeds to the apostles. Sounds great, doesn’t it? But wait, for others are envious of the acclaim Barnabas has earned. And not everybody who claims to be a believer is as sincere as Barnabas.
Have we ever experienced the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our lives? Sometimes we wish we could have an experience similar to that of the Day of Pentecost, not realizing that the Holy Spirit works in many different ways. God does not play games nor does He deceive us. If we will ask for the Holy Spirit, God will give Him to us. Let’s pray.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, many of us have no experience of the Holy Spirit. Please graciously anoint all those who are truly seeking You. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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