Burunche’s Blog

Acts 7:54-60 Stephen the Martyr

“When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

“Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Stephen is one of the bright lights of the new church and learned as well as articulate. But now Stephen lies dead in the streets of Jerusalem, having been stoned by furious religious leaders. Is this the complete end for Stephen’s effect on the early church? No, actually Stephen’s death will have lasting effects. Here are the results of a computer search regarding the effects of Stephen’s death.

 “Stephen’s martyrdom, the first of a Christian, had a paradoxical effect: it fueled persecution but also led to the spread of Christianity. The stoning of Stephen, and the ensuing persecution of Christians, forced many believers to flee Jerusalem, and they spread the Gospel as they went. His death also had a profound impact on Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul, significantly influencing the growth of the church.
Here’s a more detailed look at the effects:
1. Increased Persecution and Dispersion:
The martyrdom of Stephen triggered a wave of persecution against Christians in Jerusalem, as detailed in Acts 8:1.
Many believers, fearing for their lives, fled the city, dispersing across various regions.
2. Evangelization through Dispersion:
As Christians scattered, they carried the message of Jesus with them, planting seeds of faith in new places.
This “dispersion evangelism” helped the Gospel reach broader audiences beyond Jerusalem.
3. Conversion of Saul (Paul):
The stoning of Stephen, and particularly his courageous and forgiving attitude in death, is believed to have had a profound effect on Saul, a Pharisee who was initially involved in persecuting Christians.
Saul’s later conversion and transformation into the Apostle Paul were significant turning points in the early church’s history.
4. Inspiration for Future Martyrs:
Stephen’s unwavering faith and willingness to die for his beliefs served as a model for future generations of Christians.
His martyrdom demonstrated the power of faith in the face of persecution and became a powerful symbol of Christian resilience.
5. A Turning Point in the Church’s Development:
Stephen’s death marked a significant moment in the early church’s history, moving it beyond its initial Jewish context and towards a broader, Gentile-oriented mission.
His martyrdom helped solidify the understanding of Jesus’ teachings and the nature of Christian discipleship.
6. Forgiveness in Action: Stephen’s Martyrdom and Christ-like Example
 Instead of harboring bitterness or seeking vengeance, he extended grace and forgiveness to those who persecuted him. (Biblical Life Lessons)”

In addition to the effects Stephen’s death had on his fellow believers, there are the effects on believers in subsequent generations. Stephen has inspired believers ever since and has served as an example for all those who face persecution. Stephen’s choice to tell the truth even though he realizes he might die for it remains the gold standard for all believers. And we need to forgive those who are persecuting us, just as Jesus ordered.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, give us the boldness of Stephen so that we will remain true, even in the face of persecution resulting in our deaths. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 7:37-43 Israel Rebels Against God

“This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’

“This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:

‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’”

Acts 7:44-50 God’s True Tabernacle

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built Him a house.

“However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?’

Acts 7:51-53 Israel Resists the Holy Spirit

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

Stephen has been presenting his case in the logical manner approved by traditional Jewish scholars. Stephen begins to mention Jesus by quoting Moses and his prophecy that “‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’

“This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected.” Here Stephen is referring to the Messiah as having been with Moses when Moses received the Law and the Commandments.

Now Stephen moves on to emphasize the failure of the Israelites to be true to God and their insistence on pursuing idols. This idolatry has resulted in numerous prophets being slaughtered because of their righteous stance against sin. As Stephen continues, you can almost see the haughty leaders beginning to stroke their beards and squint their eyes as they glimpse the point Stephen is going to make.

Finally, Stephen reaches his conclusion. “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

The gloves have come off. Stephen is directly confronting the men responsible for sending Jesus to the cross, and they know it. Not only that, but these men also know that Jesus has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven before crowds of witnesses. But these men have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, and nothing is more important to most of them. Are there some leaders who believe in Jesus? Likely, yes. But the threat of expulsion from the synagogue is a potent one, and these men are so far keeping quiet. What happens next to Stephen will force those who are undecided to make up their minds.

Reading the story of Stephen may remind us of many recent events around the world. There are always leaders willing to compromise to maintain their power and position. There are always those eager to trounce whistle blowers and silence them by any means necessary. The question for us is this: Where do we stand? If we are challenged to defend our faith, how will we respond? Will we falter or will we follow Stephen’s example and remain firm? May God help us, so that in the time of trial, we will remain true to Him.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives and help us to remain true, no matter how difficult things become. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 7:17-37God Delivers Israel by Moses

“But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose who did not know Joseph. This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.”

“Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.”

“And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.”’

“This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’”

Stephen is one of those chosen to distribute resources to the Greek widows following Jesus in Jerusalem. Members of the Freedmen’s Synagogue have brought false charges against him, and he is now defending himself. Most of us would begin by listing the good things we have done; however, Stephen is describing God’s engagement with the Jewish people throughout the ages. Why is Stephen doing this?

The Holy Spirit is guiding Stephen. There are cultural variations in handling confrontations, and in this culture, setting the background is very important. Stephen is defending himself in front of Jewish religious scholars who value the learning of others. If Stephen wants these men to respect him and give him serious consideration, he must first demonstrate his knowledge of Scripture. Stephen’s defense demands that he first prepare his audience before he gives a description of the events that culminate in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Stephen has begun by describing Abraham’s faith journey, moving then to Jacob and Joseph. Now Stephen is retelling the story of Moses, concluding with a significant phrase. “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’” Here, Moses is foreshadowing the coming of Jesus, for it is Jesus whom Moses is describing as the future Prophet.

At this point, some of the scholars in the crowd might be starting to realize the point Stephen is going to make. But these men are waiting to see if Stephen is really going to say what they anticipate. What I said yesterday still holds.

“Why does Luke record Stephen’s entire speech? The Holy Spirit wants every word that Stephen speaks to be recorded, not only for those in New Testament times but for all the generations to come. Stephen describes a shining record of faith that will inspire believers for all time. Due to the length of Stephen’s speech, we will continue it tomorrow. But the take-home lesson for us is this: We can be inspired by the Holy Spirit and say everything He wants us to say and still be persecuted. Sometimes, we are not rewarded on earth but only rewarded in heaven. But heavenly rewards are eternal. Let us keep our eyes fixed on heavenly goals, not on earthly ones.”

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to be patient when we find we must defend ourselves. Help us to rely on the Holy Spirit for all our words. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 7:1-8  Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham

“Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”

And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

Acts 7:9-16 The Patriarchs in Egypt

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.  And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.”

Stephen is facing interrogation by the high priest because representatives from the Synagogue of the Freedmen have laid a complaint. “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 

When the high priest asks if these allegations are true, Stephen begins a summary of God’s working throughout the history of the Jewish people. Why does Stephen do this? Remember, Stephen isn’t saying these things by himself, for the Holy Spirit is inspiring Stephen. Even though the religious authorities are certain that they can out-argue Stephen, they are failing to appreciate the effect of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This speech by Stephen is going to have an enormous influence on everyone listening, including a Jewish scholar named Saul of Tarsus.

Why does Luke record Stephen’s entire speech? The Holy Spirit wants every word that Stephen speaks to be recorded, not only for those in New Testament times but for all the generations to come. Stephen describes a shining record of faith that will inspire believers for all time. Due to the length of Stephen’s speech, we will continue it tomorrow. But the take-home lesson for us is this: We can be inspired by the Holy Spirit and say everything He wants us to say and still be persecuted. Sometimes, we are not rewarded on earth but only rewarded in heaven. But heavenly rewards are eternal. Let us keep our eyes fixed on heavenly goals, not on earthly ones.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to always listen to the Holy Spirit, regardless of the circumstances. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 6:8-15 Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”

Who is Stephen? Stephen is one of the Greek-speaking Jews chosen to handle the daily distribution of food to Greek widows. Stephen is evidently quite charismatic, full of faith and power from the Holy Spirit. Stephen performs miracles and preaches eloquently. But there’s a problem: When members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, many of who are also Greeks, try to argue theology with Stephen, they are thoroughly and completely defeated and embarrassed. But in their intellectual arrogance, these men aren’t about to allow Stephen to go unharmed. If representatives from this synagogue can’t defeat Stephen any other way, they have no compunctions about resorting to employing false witnesses.

“This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” Of course, these statements are simply lies, and many in Jerusalem realize it. But the Jewish religious authorities are still smarting from the shock of Jesus’ resurrection and they are willing to grasp any opportunity to try to throttle these Jesus followers. The Synagogue of the Freedmen is handing Stephen over to these authorities as a gift. Accusations of blasphemy are easy to make and difficult to disprove.

As we study these verses, look at Stephen. Stephen has done nothing wrong; in fact, he’s performing signs and wonders and teaching and preaching. Stephen is a model disciple, doing everything correctly. And it is precisely because Stephen is such an outstanding witness that he has become a target for the religious authorities.

Many times, we feel that if we do what God wants us to do, God will reward us and our lives will be easy. But in the last few years Muslim extremists have massacred Christians in Burkina Faso and Nigeria, slaughtering them right in their churches. Believers in one part of India have been forced out of their villages because of their faith. NO. Sometimes believers may suffer and die for their faith.

What do these verses mean for us? We must continue to do God’s will but realize that we may suffer as a result. Sometimes we must stand for truth and righteousness, even as we realize that our stand may result in loss of income and jobs or even physical danger. May God help us, so that if and or when we face persecution, we will follow Stephen’s example.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow You, no matter the costs. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 6:1-7 Seven Chosen to Serve

“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

While the Jesus followers are sharing everything in common, sometimes the sharing appears to be lopsided, with the Hebrew widows getting more resources than the widows from other ethnic groups, particularly the Greeks. Certainly, the twelve disciples have no intention of being unfair; however, they are overburdened as church membership explodes, and those tasked with the distribution fail to understand their roles completely. It’s also natural that Hebrews who understand the language of the Hebrew widows might accidentally favor those with whom they can communicate more freely. There are undoubtedly hundreds of different ethnic groups in Jerusalem, and communication with some widows is undoubtedly challenging.

As a doctor working in rural northern Ghana, I can attest to the problems of communication in minor tribal languages. Many days, we might go through six or more tribal languages in our consulting room. Some of our Fulani ladies only speak Fulfulde, and we are frequently reduced to hand gestures to ask questions such as cough, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. In such circumstances, it is easy to overlook crying needs. (Incidentally, I have provided all kinds of entertainment for my nursing staff with my graphic demonstrations of vomiting and diarrhea! And no, I am not posting any Tiktok videos!)

“Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

The twelve disciples are being very smart. First, they consult “the multitude of disciples.” Proverbs 24:6 tells us, “For by counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” By consulting a number of people from different backgrounds, the twelve are ensuring that they won’t make a mistake when they select seven men to handle the equitable distribution of resources to widows. The twelve also demonstrate wisdom by realizing that they can’t handle all responsibilities, so they need to delegate. In addition, the twelve clearly understand that their business is to “give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”  While we can pray while working, ministering the word requires long periods of silence so that God can speak to us, an impossibility if one is handling relief supplies.

One famous Christian writer has spoken about the need to eliminate distractions and concentrate on God’s calling for our lives. The disciples are giving a graphic demonstration of those principles.

“And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.” Looking at these names, it is obvious that some of these men are Greeks, a fact that will placate the Hellenists. Also notice that these men were only appointed after prayer and dedication; they weren’t simply handed assignments and ordered to go out and work.

“Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” The word of God is spreading because the disciples are praying and ministering the word as well as making other disciples, who are also praying and ministering the word. The last observation is fascinating. Evidently, there are large numbers of Jewish priests who have been sincerely awaiting the Messiah. These men have realized that their Messiah has come and are now following Jesus. Why are the numbers of disciples multiplying? People are seeing that the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection and his payment for sin-debt is real, and that those following Jesus’ teachings are making an enormous difference in people’s lives.

Jesus told his disciples early on that men would see their good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven. Now that promise is being fulfilled in Jerusalem and lives are being transformed. Are we allowing Jesus’ teachings to transform our own lives, or do we view them as nice platitudes with little application for us? May God speak to our hearts so that we will become true Jesus followers!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, please help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 5: 17-21 Imprisoned Apostles Freed

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Acts 5:22-32 Apostles on Trial Again

But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Now when [e]the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. So one came and told them, [f]saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.  Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel’s Advice

When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Those Jesus followers are slippery! Throw them in prison, and the next thing you know, they’re back teaching in the temple. The religious authorities are absolutely fuming! These same men thought they had stopped the entire Jesus movement when they crucified that pesky Galilean carpenter. Little did they realize that Jesus would rise from the dead and the Holy Spirit would descend on the Day of Pentecost. Now the movement is growing exponentially and controlling the leaders is proving to be impossible.

Just when the leaders are plotting to kill the disciples, Gamaliel weighs in. Gamaliel is one of the most respected Jewish scholars and also incidentally, the teacher for Saul of Tarsus, who eventually becomes Saint Paul. Gamaliel quickly cools these hotheads off.

“When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Certainly, Gamaliel’s advice makes excellent sense and also reminds these furious men that the Romans are watching and that they need to wait and see if this Jesus movement is actually from God. You have to wonder if Gamaliel has already become a secret Jesus follower.

Were such incidents confined to New Testament times or is the Holy Spirit still setting people free? Throughout the world, there have been multiple incidents in which Christians have found themselves walking right through groups of soldiers sent to arrest them. Brother Andrew used to smuggle Bibles behind the Iron Curtain and had many stories of miracle deliverances from police or hostile government authorities.

What can we learn from these verses? God does not play favorites. If we are faithful to witness, God will be faithful to help us. Does this mean we will never face persecution? NO. Continue to read the Book of Acts and you will learn about several early Christians who become martyrs. But when we are doing what God wants, God will guide us and send us where He wants us to go and give us the words.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to trust You to give us the words and the courage to speak on Your behalf. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 5:12-16 Continuing Power in the Church

”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. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 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. 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.”

The word has gone out through all the villages. “Something marvelous is happening in Jerusalem! Those Jesus followers are healing people with all kinds of problems. When that fisherman Peter passes through the streets and his shadow falls on someone, they are restored instantly!”

In a society in which cripples are scorned or generally reduced to the ranks of beggars and where epileptics and others with chronic diseases are fortunate if anybody cares for them, this news is electrifying. Who does not dream of health and wholeness? Which cripples, which epileptics, which demon-possessed men and women do not long to be freed and normal?

So people are flocking into Jerusalem, filling the streets as never before. The word has gone out as to where the disciples stay and the route they take to the temple to pray, and now the sick, the maimed, and the halt are lining those streets. If only Peter’s shadow will fall on them or if only one of the disciples will lay hands on them, they will be healed. And these hopes are not false, for as Peter and the other disciples pass through the streets, the Holy Spirit sovereignly arranges for their shadows to fall on all those who are sick. The first time the disciples pass by and then hear loud cries of joy behind them, they are stunned. Surely these people are happy over something else. But looking back, the disciples see that the very people whom they have just passed are the ones making all the noise. The disciples are as awe-struck as anybody else, for they know that these healings must be due to the Holy Spirit and not to any other force. The disciples have no illusions about themselves; they realize that unless God sovereignly moves, they are helpless.

It’s always amazing when God demonstrates His power in a special way. The late Kathryn Kuhlman conducted healing services during which the anointing of the Holy Spirit was so strong that some people were healed as they entered the building. Not everyone who attended those services were healed, but many others walked away healthy and whole.

Why does God heal some people miraculously and not others? Only God can answer that question; however, around the world, there are millions of people receiving miraculous healings as believers pray for them.

Years ago, I cared for a lady who had fractured her breastbone in a motor vehicle accident. Our first x-rays confirmed the fracture. That night about 10 PM the lady suddenly felt all the pain go away, and a CT scan the next morning failed to demonstrate any fracture. When I learned about the sudden disappearance of the pain, I immediately demanded, “OK. Who prayed?” That’s when I learned that this lady belonged to her church choir, and the choir members gathered at the altar that night after practice to pray for her healing. It was as those people were praying that the pain suddenly disappeared, never to recur. I remain fully convinced that this lady did have a sternal fracture and that God miraculously healed her as her friends prayed for her.

There’s a lovely hymn inspired by the stories of Jesus healing people at Peter’s house in Capernaum. Ponder these words this morning and use them as your prayer if you need healing or restoration.

At Even Ere The Sun Was Set

1 At even, ere the sun was set, the sick, O Lord, around thee lay;
O in what diverse pains they met! O with what joy they went away!

2 Once more ’tis eventide, and we oppressed with various ills draw near;
what if thy form we cannot see? we know and feel that thou art here.

3 O Saviour Christ, our woes dispel; for some are sick, and some are sad,
and some have never loved thee well, and some have lost the love they had;

4 And some have found the world is vain, yet from the world they break not free;
and some have friends who give them pain, yet have not sought a friend in thee;

5 And none, O Lord, have perfect rest, for none are wholly free from sin;
and they who fain would serve thee best are conscious most of wrong within.

6 O Saviour Christ, thou too art man; thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried;
thy kind but searching glance can scan the very wounds that shame would hide.

7 Thy touch has still its ancient power; no word from thee can fruitless fall:
Hear, in this solemn evening hour, and in thy mercy heal us all.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to perfectly love You and worthily magnify You as Savior, Lord, and Healer. Please enter our hearts and minds and bring us health and relief. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

 Acts 5:1-11 ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA DIE FOR LYING! “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?”

“Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.”

“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.”  

Originally, the Book of Acts was not divided into chapters, but was one continuous manuscript. The chapter divisions were added much later. As Acts 4 ends, Joses, also known as Barnabas, “Son of Encouragement,” has sold a desirable piece of property and donated the entire amount to the disciples. Barnabas is a wealthy Jew from Cyprus. Now, another couple, Ananias and Sapphira, decide to sell property and donate SOME of the money. Perhaps Ananias and Sapphira fear that the Christian movement may fall apart and want to keep back some of the proceeds to live on. So far, no problem. But this couple is trying to compete with Barnabas for approbation, so they give everyone the impression that the money they have donated is the total amount they have received for the land.

At this point, Christians are living under intense scrutiny from their neighbors, so it doesn’t take long at all before word gets out that the amount this couple have donated is far less than the total amount they have received for the land. “Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

“On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.”

Well, this event has certainly turned things upside down! For years, Ananias has been attending the temple, publicizing his family’s donations as trumpets sound and announcements ring throughout the building. It’s quite possible that Ananias has been lying about his temple donations. Now that Ananias and Sapphira have become Christians, Ananias naturally expects something similar to happen. Barnabas has already gotten lots of attention, so why shouldn’t Ananias and his wife? And who’s ever going to know if they are donating the full price of their land or something less? But Ananias has failed to recognize the all-knowing presence of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is hidden from God, and after years of pretense, today Ananias pays the price for his lies, drops dead, and is buried immediately.

Somehow, the word about Sapphira’s husband’s death fails to reach her, and she comes boldly to meet the disciples. Sapphira is an accomplished liar, so when Peter queries her about the price of the land, she readily gives him information about the donation and not about the full price. But this is the day the lies end, for Peter confronts her. “About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?”

“Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.”

“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.”  

Undoubtedly, over the centuries, there have been large numbers of people who have lied about their donations to the Church. Why were Ananias and Sapphira punished so harshly? The British have a phrase, “Begin as you mean to go on.” God wants to make sure that these new believers have proper respect and awe for Him. Have there been other cases in which someone has lied and has been struck dead? Possibly. But God also is merciful, and many times He gives people the chance to repent and change.

Quite evidently, God knows that Ananias and Sapphira have been playing these games for years and have no intention of repenting or changing. It’s possible that this couple have become Christians simply because they think Christianity might prove cheaper and easier than traditional Judaism. It’s also possible that there are many more new believers who are being tempted to compromise just as this couple has done. Nothing will convince people to behave honestly more rapidly than seeing two people drop dead under the power of God! And the word about these deaths will spread throughout Jerusalem at the speed of light, causing others to seriously consider the claims of the Christians.

We read this story and think, “Oh, I would never do anything like that!” But would we? How many times have we prayed, “Oh, God, if you will just ______, then I will pray more/do better/be more loving?” And when God answers our prayers, do we simply walk away, conveniently forgetting our promises? How many small lies does it take to add up to an “Abomination to the Lord” lie? Or, what if God views all lies as equally wrong and equally sinful? We love to consider our lies as “white lies,” that are somehow more acceptable than those of others. But what does God think about our “white lies?” May God help us to search our hearts and confess our sins and failures so that He can forgive us. Otherwise, we too are in the same category as Ananias and Sapphira.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, please send Your Holy Spirit to search our hearts and to reveal our sins and failures to us, particularly the lies we have told to ourselves and others. We confess all those things as sin and beg You to forgive us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

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.