Sunday 4-13-08- Freed to Proclaim

Acts 5:12-21a

12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. 14 And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. 16 Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

17 Imprisonment and Release

But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20 "Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life." 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.

NASU

Acts 5:12-21a Exposition

12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico.

God continued to bless the Apostles with the power through the Holy Spirit to prove the gospel they proclaimed with “many signs and wonders” These were done publicly so that they began to draw both positive and negative attention as we shall see. Meanwhile the believers were “in one accord” and continuing to meet together publicly in the section of the temple known as Solomon's portico. This was where Jesus in John 10:23 and following was when he declared “I and the Father are one.” It is also where Peter had delivered his second sermon. The word for “one accord” can mean one passion, and associate with breathing hard. There may be an intentional connection between breath and the common analogy of the Spirit as wind or breath, yet the word (homothumadon) is adequately translated “one accord, or in agreement. Certainly the work of the Spirit drew them together into agreement and gave them a passionate sort of unity that allowed the church to grow so rapidly. We likewise should ask for the Spirit to give us unity of Passion for Jesus and His Gospel. It is obvious that this sort of unity is not accomplished by a watered down, least common denominator message designed not to offend. If it were it would not have aroused the passionate responses from friends and foes alike.

13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.

Lukewarmness and compromise belonged on the outside of the group of believers among those who were afraid for their reputation or indeed their safety's sake to associate with the believers. Yet the conduct of the growing church led none to declare them scandalous.

14 And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number,

As a result more and more people came to believe and join with the church. The means of growth seems to be a passionate unity, and the power of the Spirit. This by no means discounts the clear preaching of the gospel which we have seen undergirds all of the apostles' actions and indeed in their prayer at the end of chapter four provided the reason for their desire for the Spirit's power and boldness.

15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.

Here we see a couple of developments. The church begins to be a place where people come to receive help. Also those on the outside begin to associate the power with the person of Peter as though it was association with him that could heal them. The world misunderstands Christian leaders sometimes making them celebrities and assuming of them more power than they themselves have. Not understanding the Spirit they look to the men themselves. Positively, it is this interest in coming to the church for help that provides the believers and especially the apostles the opportunity to proclaim the gospel to them.

16 Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Notice the church does not turn them away but does what it is able for them, not judging their motives, but caring for those who were indeed in one way or another “afflicted” and healing them. So also we should do what the Spirit empowers us, either naturally or even supernaturally, to do for those who come to us. This means using the resources at our disposal, and always prayer, to help those who come to us in need.

17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.

Now arises certain men whose worldly and religious power is threatened by this new movement. It is no coincidence that some of these were Sadducees who denied the resurrection and any supernatural aspect to the Jewish faith. Certainly this new movement with its healing and proclaiming of a resurrected messiah flew in the face of their education, teaching, and thus their position and power.

18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.

Unable to resist the apostles with reason, evidence, or any legitimate means of persuading the people not to follow the apostles, they resorted to the use of their civil authority and physical force and jailed them. The gospel may not be dis-proven by any legitimate means and therefore those who proclaim it will often be resisted by illegitimate force and abuse of worldly authority.

19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said,

God's authority is greater and God has the means at his disposal to allow His mission to succeed even when resisted by natural and seemingly irresistible means. I n this case an angelic messenger is sent not on;ly to provide physical release but also a clear instuction as to what should be done with their freedom.

20 "Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life."

The apostles are directed by the Word of God through this angel to return to their task of publicly telling people about the life that is given to them by the Gospel. They are to proclaim the whole message, avoiding any possible temptation to limit their speech to what would not offend and they are to do so publicly not in secret.. This I believe clarifies the purpose of their release. It was not for their safety, or so that they may be free to go into hiding. It was so that God's message could continue to be delivered. Likewise are we delivered from sin and death and given forgiveness and eternal life. It is not so we may live in fear of sin, nor should we willingly continue to sin. It is not so that we may retreat into the safe walls of Christian sub culture and seclude ourselves from society. We have been freed to proclaim the Life given through the gospel. Anything less is an improper use of our new freedom.

21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.

As we should, so the apostles obeyed. Some would question the need for preaching, believing that people do not wish to hear it or claiming that God may save those he has predestined with or without our efforts. Any such teaching is un-Biblical and a rejection of our calling. If for no other reason we must proclaim the gospel because we are commanded to. We cannot call God, Lord or even God, and willfully do other than God commands. So regardless of whatever outcome we may imagine we are called to proclaim the Gospel.

Sermon for Sunday 4-6-08

Acts 4:32-5:11

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. 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.

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.

Acts 5

5:1 Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." 9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

NASU

Acts 4:32-5:11 Exposition

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.

Following the rapid growth of the new believers in the wake of the Apostles' and the church's newfound, Spirit-filled boldness, the church is found to be in agreement of unity. They are described as a plethos or a multitude, signifying their number, so it is remarkable to find this unity; of “one heart and one soul”, living as valuing each other as much as each ones own self. Naturally this unity led to a changed view of possessions, no longer viewing goods as “mine” and “yours” but treating their goods as community property. Not in a socialistic sense of control but in a sense that they valued their community and their mission over their personal needs and wants. They were now a part of something bigger..

33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

Their prayer in the previous section continued to be answered: The Apostles preached and displayed the ongoing power of God; They stayed to the message for which they had been threatened, namely, the resurrection of Jesus Christ; God continued to allow them to experience His Charis from which we get Charisma to mean both giftedness and grace. In short they were experiencing the gifts of God while they were letting loose of the things which they might have claimed to “own”.

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

The church may have seen poverty but those in the body were not permitted to remain in need because from the resources of the community they willingly shared to provide for others as though for their own selves. Recall they were after all “of one heart and soul”. We would not allow our own selves to be in need for long before attempting to provide for ourselves. They treated others needs as though it was their own need. How this was done was by those who had houses and lands selling these holdings and releasing the money from the sales. To follow we shall see that this was a specific work of the Holy Spirit but it makes us accountable now top at least consider what God would have us do with our own holdings. If we are to be led by the Spirit, then any decision concerning our possessions should seek the calling of God.

35 and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

The apostles now emerge as leaders being the closest to Jesus and now seeming to qualify as elders, entrusted by the people, to make decisions concerning the distribution of goods to those in need. It would seem that their position as spiritual leaders here qualifies them to be practical leaders and decide best what the Spiritual duty requires.

36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),

Here is our first sight of Barnabas who will emerge among the leaders and earlier missionaries of the church. His character as “Son of encouragement” will emerge as well throught this episode and through the chapters to follow. The word for “encouragement” can also mean “Consolation and is the Greek parakleeseoos of the same root as the title paraklete which is given by Jesus to the Holy Spirit when the Spirit is called “Comforter”. Barnabas may be closely associated with the work of the Holy Spirit in his life by this title.

37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

He is identified as one of those who sold his land and brought the proceeds to be shared.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet.

The picture here is one of deception. Placed alongside the description of Barnabas' and the other's sharing of their proceeds, the mention that Ananias wife had “full knowledge” and the way in which the portion was “laid at the Apostles' feet” like the others indicates something amiss in their choice to withhold a portion. See too Peter's words to see this is something other than a generous gift that merely happened to be less than what others had brought.

3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?

Ananias' action is seen as inspired by Satan and a lie to the Spirit, an attempt at deception, perhaps even a pretending or a faking of the Holy Spirit's work through its similarity to the genuine work in those who did not withhold. The following verse will show more.

4 "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

Ananias did not sin until he chose to act deceptively with his gift. The Land was his, the money was his. It is clear that he was free by the Peter's understanding to do with it as he wished, yet he conceived in his heart a plan to give as though he were giving more. Our deceptions, we can learn are not just to men but also when done before God who knows all, are attempts to deceive God or to disregard God's full knowledge of not only our actions but our motivations.

5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.

Peter has not harshly judged Ananias or unjustly accused him. Not a hand was raised against him, yet God, in whose hand is all life, confirms the truth of Peter's words when Ananias falls dead. God has not changed as some would estimate, between the Testaments. The same God who loved and forgave David in the Old Testament, also took the life of Ananias and Sapphira in the new. As in the days of the Exodus when God swallowed up may of the Israelites in the desert for their disobedience, demonstrating His very real and holy wrath toward sin, so God again shows it in this episode. One cannot be sure why in this case God chose to act in such a way, except that God is sovereign and all He does is right. The results of His actions are shown to follow. “A great fear came over all who heard of it”. Those who saw would not consider it lightly to attempt any similar deception. We should never believe God to be weak or sin to be excusable.

6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

There is little to say here except the body was dealt with as needed. As for the soul of Ananias and soon Sapphira, nothing is said. We are given insufficient evidence to know if they are in heaven or hell. Such is the problem with those who die having a life of questionable witness. Those who live are robbed of any assurances concerning their loved one. All we have is to trust in God's Goodness, Justice and Holiness. Certainly more comfort is available when a person dies a believer, living a consistent witness in striving toward a holy life until his or her last day.

7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

Sapphira appears now the body having been removed three hours ago. She does not know of her husbands fate and perhaps a congratulation from Peter for her and Ananias' generosity. We cannot know for certain, but what is sure is that she from ignorance of her husbands fate continues the deception.

8 And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price."

Peter questions her specifically, providing her the opportunity to either show ignorance, had she been uninformed of her husband's business affairs, or to choose to tell the truth. Instead she adds to her previously silent complicity to the lie with her own active attempt at deception.

9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well."

Peter again confronts the lie and points to the fact again that the issue is deception and now adds that they conspired together to test the Spirit of the Lord. It was not enough to lie but also they did so in a way that showed contempt for the very real work of the Spirit in driving the generosity of those around them. Peter prophetically announces that she will be likewise carried out.

10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Again God confirms the justice of this indictment in taking her life as well. She too is taken and buried.

11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

The result of the fear among believers and other who heard was to allow all to know that the Spirit, like the Father, was not to be toyed with, treated deceptively, or invoked without due reverence. Fear of God, is the beginning of wisdom, as it says in Proverbs, and leads us into due reverence and worship. Our dealings with God in all areas of life should include due reverence.