Pray to be filled: Commentary for 3-30-08

Acts 4:13-31

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 16 saying, " What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 "But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name." 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, " Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

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, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, 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.'

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. 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." 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.

NASU

Acts 4:13-31 Exposition

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Three things were notable about these Apostles: First they were confident, bold, and fearless in proclaiming the risen Jesus as the Christ and His power. They did not back down when challenged by the authorities and even went so far as to announce to these men their sins in rejecting their Messiah. Many a person will proclaim an idea or make a complaint against a person or even an authority, but when challenged will back away, retreating, apologizing or attempting to soften the impact of their words. The apostles increased the intensity of the focus of their message when challenged and made no compromise in its meaning.

Second: They were uneducated and untrained, even “ignorant” depending on the way one translates the Greek word idiotai which to our ears gives the force of its meaning being similar to our own word “idiot”. They were not thought to be mentally deficient but sufficiently untrained as to have their teaching considered doubtful. Their amazement comes from the bringing together of their confidence and their incongruous position of a lack of training. In short their speech would have been more suited to a trained debater or scholar than to working class Galileans.

Third: what draws together the two previous things is the third notable, the fact that they had been with Jesus. They were speaking from a position of having been among those close to him and eyewitnesses of His ministry. It is unlikely that the leaders would have considered the Apostles eyewitnesses of His resurrection since they did not believe it, but they would have considered that they were insiders to Jesus' ministry of apparent miracles which now seemed to be spreading among His followers.

These things left them amazed. What was it about having been with Jesus? That made these men so bold?

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.

Their amazement left them without reply to the apostles' speech and the were all the more without reply because of the evidence before them of a man healed who all knew to have been crippled. This was no “ringer” brought in by frauds who had him act ill then show a feigned “miraculous” recovery. His fraud would have to have been begun long before this event as all knew him to be the man whom others, unrelated to the apostles, carried daily to the gate to beg alms.

15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another,

With no reply the Council begins to discuss what to do. The danger all of us face when left with undeniable evidence of God is that we may look for a response which we can make other than the one Gods asks fro, namely: repentance and faith. These men conferred together to come up with a response which as we shall see more suits their own desires than any faithfulness to God or evn integrity in the face of the facts.

16 saying, " What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

By their own admission they lack any evidence to deny the truth of the miracle in the face of a public who had seen for themselves. It required no faith to believe the fact of the healing. What requires faith is to believe the words of the apostles are in fact the Word of God and something to be believed and trusted. Scripture informs us that we have sufficient evidence to believe that God exists but we still deny Him His due worship, not based on evidence, but on our own willing choice give our worship to another. Consider Rom 1:18-23

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

NASU

God's wrath is revealed justly against those who would willingly be ungodly and unrighteous in ignoring evidence and suppressing the truth. The Council attempts to continue the unregenerate pattern of humanity in looking for a solution that works for them and required no submission to the call of God to believe. The low status of the apostles, the people's previous rejection of Jesus, and the potential threat to their own power and institutions are too offensive to allow true repentance and faith.

17 "But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name."

Their decision is to attempt to use their power, authority, and influence to coerce the apostles to stop their preaching of Jesus' Name. Their intentions are to prevent any further spread of this message among the people. Perhaps “good” intentions to preserve the public order, but ultimately, had the apostles obeyed it would have resulted in the suppression of God's chosen means of salvation, Faith in Christ, through the preaching of the Gospel.

18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Assuming they still had the authority to command men to obey them in matters concerning their religion, the Apostles are summoned by the council and instructed to be silent concerning the Person and name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, " Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;

The apostles reach the crux of the argument immediately. Denying the Word of God is disobedience to God. A man cannot act in the name of God and command others to deny or suppress the Word of God namely the good news concerning Jesus Christ. This is why it is foolishness when a worldly authority tells a Christian minister to pray but to refrain from praying in Jesus Name. When faced with the choice of obedience to human authority or obedience to God we must always choose to obey God first despite whatever consequences we may face.

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Added to the force of their argument is the fact that they are speaking of things which they have observed and not mere ideas which may be taken as a matter of opinion or be subject to debate.

21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;

The Council's hypocrisy is shown all the more when without any real cause, that is any legal basis, for persecuting the apostles they resort to threats before releasing them. Their fear of the people was the only thing which restrained them from harming the Apostles further as even they had to acknowlege that the result of these events was an increase in divine worship among the people. The work of God will lead all who would respond to it to greater worship regardless of the human source of the work. The Apostles low worldly degree was no discouragement for many from glorifying God in what had occurred. The council on the other hand had a greater fear of the people than they had of God. We see this when they willingly threaten the Apostles but will not carry it far enough to anger the people. There is little thought to the prospect of angering God.

22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

The people's amazement is notable for the age of the man. His age would have made him more credible, no mere child, as well as more remarkable since he had been crippled all that time and was now healed.

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.

The Apostles turn to their fellow believers to report the threats, the orders of the council and the events which had occurred. We must likewise turn in moments of personal difficulty and dilemma to the body of other believers in our own congregations to seek God's will.

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,

Wisely the congregation turns not to their own ideas first but to Worship and prayer. God is acknowledged as sovereign over all having made all things. Our sovereign God is certainly capable of managing our dilemmas as much as he can manage the earth and the mysterious chaotic sea.

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?

Turning not only to prayer but also to the Written Word of God they see in David's psalm a parallel to their own situation. The Spirit inspired the Words of Scripture and included such events in its accounts as to inform us when we find ourselves on a similar path. Here we find in the Early Church's recognition of David's words as inspired by the Holy Spirit, an early and important support for the doctrine of inspiration of Scripture. In a practical sense the beauty of Scripture is that it shows the continuing history of the people of God and we may know from it that others have been this way before and God has dealt graciously, mercifully, and kindly with them as well.

26'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,

AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER

AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'

If you were to look up this psalm, Psalm 2 you would no doubt find the word translated here “Christ” rendered “anointed”, leading you to believe it refers to David alone as the Lord's anointed king over Israel. Yet the early church quickly, prophetically, and inspired as David was by the Spirit, Show David's experience to point to the eternal king of Israel, the Christ. It shows that if they treated David with contempt as the Lord's anointed king, how much more would the world hold contempt for the Christ.

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,

Here the believers add their own spontaneous prayer recalling the actions of the people, Herod the Half-Israelite King and Pilate the Gentile Roman Governor. As we shall see this is not to inform God of information which they believe Him to be ignorant of, but to converse with their God concerning their own trials and to seek their place in God's plan.

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

Here we see they believe the abuses of the people and the leaders of Jesus were done to fulfill God's plan and not in opposition to it.

29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,

Now their pray brings to God the present struggle and they ask not deliverance from it but faithfulness in it. They wish to play their part with all diligence and specifically they ask for boldness to speak the Word, the Message of God, with confidence in the face of confidence-shaking persecution.

30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

They ask too that their credibility come not from themselves but from the signs and wonders and healings which they must rely on God to do. Do we have the boldness to likewise ask for God to provide the evidence of our message rather than our own simple arguments and evidences? The early church grabbed so much attention because in addition to a message of hope their was a power from God evident in their work which left doubters speechless. They could threaten and kill the bodies of the messengers but they could not discredit the message or its very visible and real power. Dare we ask the same?

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.

Their prayer was answered with both an immediate display of power in the “shaking” of the place and in the general way in which the many now began to speak with the boldness they had requested. It is important to note that again it says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. God seems to honor our requests to be filled with the Spirit. This should be our foremost prayer before any others. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and live it out in whatever way God chooses to work, speaking the message of our faith in Jesus Christ with all boldness.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

All we have to Give is Everything. Acts 3:1-10

Acts 3:1-10

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2 And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene — walk!" 7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

NASU

Acts 3:1-10 Exposition

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.

Peter and John were going together to the temple at the hour of prayer. We are reminded by this that these early believers retained their Jewish practices of worship since God did not change. They went to the same temple and at the same times for prayer and other activities as before. The difference was that now they possessed a greater joy, one might imagine, than before, as before they went in hope of God's promises and now they went knowing the fulfillment of those Promises, namely that Jesus was the Messiah!. Worship was no longer seeking after an unrealized blessing, but thanksgiving for the blessing that had been received. Their attendance to worship has the result of placing them in an ideal place to tell others who came seeking God about the good news of Jesus. At the same time they attended to their own need for prayer as a follower of Jesus will still need and even desire communication with God through prayer.

2 And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.

There at the temple they encountered a man who also went to the temple for the purpose of encountering the crowds. He was born “lame” that is unable to walk and was being carried along by those who helped him get to that place where he would beg for his daily needs. The man was arriving for his usual purpose but would find his needs met beyond expectation this day.

3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.

His encounter with perter and John begins with his ordinary request. We should be advised as the Church of Jesus Christ that many times those who come to us will be seeking something other than Spiritual fulfillment. Our opportunity arises not only to share what we have but also to share our greater gift, the good news of Jesus Christ.

4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!"

The Apostles do not pass him by but in fact engage him all the more, ensuring by their request “Look at us” that they had the man's attention. They were not about to slip by or offer a silent prayer but to engage him fully and personally.

5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

Again the man seeks the usual remedy for his situation, expecting nothing more than the alms that the usual worshipers would give.

6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene — walk!"

A word concerning miracles- There are those who go to great lengths to prove that either miracles were the sole property of the Apostolic age, or that they are surely for today. I do not see that either extreme is biblical. Certainly if we are encouraged as we are in James and elsewhere to pray for the recovery of the sick that we then ought not to neglect such prayers even in the cases of the most impossible situations, illnesses, injuries or the like. Likewise experience would seem to show that miracles while not restricted to the Apostolic age alone are not the ordinary experience today. That being said, I believe in any circumstance where a miracle is needed we ought to ask confidently of God trusting in God's goodness, God's personal love for His children, and God's omnipotence and therefore power and ability to effect whatever he wills. Trust in God also dictates that we would submit to His will in the result and stand on faith that our prayers are heard and answered as God wills and for our benefit.

The encounter here demonstrates the work of the Spirit in the Apostles where Miracles where the means of demonstrating the true power of Christ, active still in the world through the Holy Spirit. They spoke in Jesus name, which they would later use to demonstrate that it was Jesus alone and no power or holiness of their own which healed this man.

Perhaps we should be encouraged by the power shown here that there is more available to us through faith than the ordinary thing we usually expect. The man came looking for money which the Apostles did not give, but he received healing instead. The Apostles do model this for us that when it is within our power to give we should not withhold. If it is money then give it, but more so do not withhold the good news of the gospel, prayers, or whatever ministry we may offer. We also should never give only what is asked for if the real means to more fully meet a need is at our disposal.

7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.

Since they could give the man healing in Jesus Name they did so, and demonstrated the power of Christ. Surely we see the greatness of this miracle, a man born crippled made whole, but how much greater is the miracle which we take for granted as ordinary, that through the death of Christ, our sins and the separation from God they cause, are removed from us and we are restored to eternal life as though we'd never sinned. Physical healing is small by comparison. The devil has so blinded us as to make a great deal of temporary physical restoration and to devalue eternal life.

8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

His actions are a demonstration of how we are to respond to a gift from God. His gratitude is displayed through the enthusiastic use of his new gift and through the outward expressions of His praise to God as the source of his blessing. We should never forget or neglect the praise of God for each of His blessings.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God;

If our praise is hidden then no one will take note. The man was not making a public display of his righteousness or good works, but was praising God publicly. We often mistake the command to be humble and to not display our righteousness before the world as a command to make our faith a “private matter” known only to ourselves and to God. This is not the case. The man is not displaying himself as it were to be seen as a religious man to gain attention for himself or the praise of men. He is displaying the greatness of God through worshiping Him and giving God due credit for the blessing he has received. God must not be removed from the public square by the very people who ought to be proclaiming His praise.

10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

One of the greatest witnesses for Jesus Christ is the life changed by Him. The people knew this man to be the one who was lame and who begged daily. Now heis seen restored and praising God. This draws attention and causes those who knew Him to take note that something amazing had happened. This brings about another occasion for Peter to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Sunday's Text 1-13-08 Real Christian Community -Acts 2:42-47

Acts 2:42-47

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47 Exposition

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

As I commented before in another place, these are some of the marks of a Spirit filled disciple of Jesus.

1.They were devoted to the apostles' teaching: There was no laziness or disinterest in hearing more about Jesus or the life they were called to live. The authority of the Apostles teaching is seen in the continuing influence they have in their presence, especially in the epistles of Peter, James, John, and Paul as these are found in the New Testament. Likewise the teaching of the apostles was important enough that much of what we accept as canonical scripture is substantiated, not only by many ancient copies, but in accurately quoted fragments in early church writings that have also been preserved. I would caution the reader to consider that the Apostles' verbal teachings were of a greater authority in the time of Acts than in times since, as the New Testament portion of Scripture had not been committed to a written record. That is to say no teaching claiming to have “Apostolic Authority” or anything like it, that is inconsistent with the written Word in Scripture should be regarded with any authority in those points where it departs from scripture. We have no other way of ensuring that a so called apostle or prophet's word is true today than by comparison with the written Word of Scripture. Thus we are cautioned against by teachings of the traditionally orthodox denominations, (that is to say Trinitarian and Christian) as well as teachings of those of cults outside of orthodoxy, which depart from the whole witness of Scripture. While we may differ on minute points of doctrine, we still remain united by our common faith in the Word of God as revealed in the Bible. So our devotion then today should be to God's word and to the seeking of good teaching and proclamation (preaching) of the Bible, for in it is found the knowledge we seek of God and of God's will for us.

2.They were devoted to Fellowship: They preferred one another's company to that of the world and strengthened, encouraged, and admonished one another by their company. That is not to say they were separated from the world, but that they intentionally sought the company of other Christ followers that they may grow in faith, love, and devotion to Jesus Christ. They enjoyed and took more pleasure in the company of each other than in the people and things, attitudes and priorities of the non-believing world.

3. They were devoted to the breaking of bread: Both to the celebration of the sacrament, I am sure, and to the sharing of the intimacy of the ordinary table with one another. They did not keep a polite distance but shared their homes and meals with one another and with the Apostles, honoring one another and sharing greater joy in each other's company. Communion existed with these believers, with Christ and with each other and it was most notable at the table. Think for yourself of the way a person might view one's association with a great celebrity. It is quite different to say I attended her concert, than to say I ate with her in her home. This was an extension of their fellowship and new community.

4. Finally they were devoted to prayer: They prayed I am sure with and for each other. This shows the growing communion with God and one another of this new community. One cannot claim a close relationship with a person with whom he never speaks. Likewise we are never growing closer to God when prayer is neglected. When prayer happens regularly and with enthusiasm, there is growing relationship with God. Likewise to bring another's concerns and joys to God in their presence or in their absence, draws you closer to them. That is why it is sometimes even dangerous for a man to pray alone with a woman not his wife or a woman with a man not her husband. Prayer with and for another draws people closer to each other. It is difficult to disregard or to lose care for a person for whom you pray.

In Summary, their faith in Jesus Christ and their filling with the Holy Spirit was marked by a growth in connection to God and each other. The Apostles' teaching, and Scripture for us, brings us closer to God and closer to one another through the repairing of our broken relation to one another. Obedience to God's Word turns us from sins which divide us to service which unites us. Fellowship brings us closer to God in the prioritizing of those He loves over the world. Fellowship draws us nearer to one another as we enjoy each other's company and intentionally pursue it. Breaking bread is communion with Christ at His Table through the Sacrament of His Body and Blood in Remembrance of Him, but also in the sharing of this Sacrament not alone but with the gathered church. Likewise breaking bread in the home through ordinary shared meals shows communion beyond polite association. Finally prayer unites us in conversation with God, and for and with one another.

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Not to say that Christianity is marked by feelings alone. For there are times when we will not feel any awe or euphoric excitement, or even warmth and peace, in worship or in service. But there are times, especially in encountering the visible work of God that we cannot help but be awestruck. That was their situation. The apostles were doing many signs and wonders and it was truly amazing to see what God had begun to do in the world. Gone were the days of tired ritual or compulsory sacrifice. They were seeing the awesome power of the living God at work. God was no longer confined in a temple but active among them. This was the same awe that drew many to Jesus, now at work among the Spirit- filled Apostles.

44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

Their fellowship was so great as to cause them to desire to use all their possessions in the service of their new community. This was not a forced communism mandated by the Apostles as a cult leader would, or demanded by the state. This was a personal and joyful choice made by these believers to use all they had in such a way that no one had any need. The attitude is displayed again in Pauls instruction on giving when He tells the Church at Corinth to prepare their offering for the relief of the church gathered at Jerusalem. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NASU

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

This will become more important when we come to the account of Ananias ans Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. We begin to see a move of the Spirit which leads these believers to take so little stock in the things of this world that they give up the possession of property and begin to liquidate their resources to be used to alleviate the needs among them. The principle at this point is the focus they had, as they were filled by the Spirit, to share what they had and to see to it that no believer had need. There was no “I'll pray for you.” as is common when a need is expressed, but a sincere effort to use all at their disposal to ensure that there was no one left without the basic necessities of life. The following passage gives us more insight into how this was possible.

46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

It is no coincidence that their sharing of goods even to the loss of individual possessions is described together with this repetition that they ate together. Today it is quite common for us to neglect to sacrificially give to another in need for fear that they may not actually be in need, might misuse the gift, or simply might be using our generosity to “rip off” decent well meaning Christians. However this may have been prevented in that they were not giving to strangers but the very people they ate and drank and spent their time with daily. There was no fear of theft from people that they should have known their character and situation so well from so much time spent together. When our churches are lacking in intimacy of fellowship and communion so that we barely know one another, then we are in the unfortunate position to fear the other person's motives and so we do not enjoy this kind of blessed community.

These folks however continued in unity of belief and faith and vision. They were as it says “with one mind” or “with one accord”. They gathered in the temple, a place where they certainly could worship, but also as it was not their temple but the temple of the Jews, it was a open forum where those who came for spiritual purposes could be encountered and engaged for sharing the gospel. Their gathering was not in a Christian ghetto away from those who they would win but in a place where they would meet and speak to people who did not yet know the good news. Our churches need find these places to gather with one another where we may meet and share our hope with those who may be seeking God but do not yet know Jesus Christ.

In addition to gathering at the temple, they continued to meet in each other's homes. The fact they still had homes may show that not all of their property was abandoned, but what was retained what what was necessary, with surplus being sold, and even what was kept being used as a resource for their community, that is they met in their homes. They did this not out of a sense of duty or with the kind of tired burdensome way of many church “programs” but with glad and sincere hearts. In Short, with enthusiasm.

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

These things were done as well both as worship and including the act of “praising God”, that is outward worship and adoration of The Lord. Again this indicates this was no mere human movement or brilliant program that created their society but that they ascribed such great things as they were experiencing to God. Likewise they enjoyed the favor of the people. Surely this has not always been true of the church: that she has had the favor of the world. But during such times as God permits and so moves people, the church finds herself in the position to influence many by her right example of Christian community. As such it is rightly said that it was “the Lord” who added to their numbers and not they themselves. However the evidence of the Lord's work is shown in the growing numbers, the fact that these growing numbers are not mere “hangers on” but those who also were being “saved”, and that the church did display the marks of Spirit Filled Christian community described before.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Commentary for Sunday's text

Since I do not preach from notes (You wouldn't want to hear a sermon that I did.) What I have to remind you, and myself, of Sunday's message is the commentary I've prepared beforehand. I hope this is helpful and again I invite questions and discussion.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Acts 2:37-42

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Peter said to them, " Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, " Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

NASU

Acts 2:37-42 Exposition

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Brethren, what shall we do?"

Responding to the news of the gospel their hearts are touched, more accurately, “pricked” or “agitated violently”. The respond by asking “what shall we do?” The gospel requires a response when by the Spirit its preaching is effective. One should not be surprised that they become troubled. By Peters sermon they are made personally culpable in the Death of God's Son. Such is the truth of the Gospel. Sin is the reason for the crucifixion. It was for sin and to procure the forgiveness therof that Christ died. Trouble at the hearing of ones own lost condition is a work of the Spirit. If you find yourself worried that you may be lost, take it as the Spirits call to ask as these men did “What shall [I] do?” Then be prepared to respond affirmatively to the answer. It is not sufficient to regret sin, the remedy must be sought and taken. Just as it is not enough to know your disease, but that you must find its cure and take it.

38 Peter said to them, " Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter does not leave them in their sins. Certainly Peter's sermon would not be considered “Seeker sensitive” today. It would be branded “Hellfire and brimstone” and marked as unacceptable in many of our churches. Yet notice that it is effective in being the means of the Spirit to draw people to God. Peter could have left them without hope. To die in the misery of their sin, yet he does not. Even though these men were culpable in Jesus death, Peter extends to them the true means of Salvation. The grace of the message is beautiful. The need not pay the penalty for Christ's death. There is no penitent act or payment of reparations. They must simply repent and be baptized. Repentance is the willing turning from Sin, the change of heart and mind from willing sinfulness to agreement with God that our acts are sinfull and there is no merit in them which can save us. It is the turning also, as much as you are able and with the Spirit's help to do what is right from here forward. Baptism is important here not only because it is right. Jesus did command that the Apostles “make disciples...baptizing them”. But also baptism in the “name of Jesus Christ,” is the public identification with Jesus, whom they had formerly rejected. It is like taking off the Jersey of your favorite team and donning the Jersey of it's rival. But more so it is turning from the world's opinion to stand for something that the world will reject. In one way this Grace is simple in that there is nothing one does to earn it. Yet at the same time it is difficult because we must stand in the face of the World and say I reject you and I am going with Christ whom you hate. Does this sound harsh. Then why did Jesus say (as recorded in John 15:18-20 NASU )

" If the world hates you , you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you .

Likewise Scripture says in 1 John 3:13 NASU

Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you .

I see no trouble with Peter request that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ as opposed to “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” as in Matthew's recording of the great commission. The point here is identification with Jesus as the Son of God, and Baptism as a mark of God's grace, not as a formulaic action one takes to be saved by which he will be lost if the words are not gotten precisely right. Salvation it is clear, is through Christ, not a formula or works.

In addition Peter proclaims the promise of the Holy Spirit. A person who is saved and identified with Christ does through the promise of God, receive the Holy Spirit. One can debate endlessly when and how this occurs, or one can simply receive the promise by faith and take God at His word that one who believes in Christ, and calls on His name, who has repented and is baptized, has assurance that he or she has received the Holy Spirit. These acts do not manipulate God to action, but serve to grant us assurance of God's promise. If we lack in any of these work then we lack also the assurance that the work gives.

39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."

God has worked out His purpose in Christ and has given us His promises through His Word. The good news of this promise is not for any identifiable group of individuals, but to all the secretly elect of God who are being called to God. The identity of these elect being known only to God, we must therefore proclaim God's promise of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all that all who receive it will be among those to whom the promise is effective, namely “as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.

40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, " Be saved from this perverse generation!"

Peter's message is persistent as he testifies with many other words and exhortations. His words are also “testimony” as it is that he “testified” built from the word for witness. Our message is not our own or up to our skill or creativity. It is simply and accurately repeating those things we have received from God's Word. The message is also to call out to those who would hear that they must be saved from what is a “perverse” or warped or twisted world. The world and even the community we live in, by itself and without Christ is a perverse, warped and twisted version of what It was meant to be and will never be anything more without Christ.

41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

This passage is the great hope of many a small congregation, and yet the means of it we fail to employ. Churches look to gimmicks, the latest “Christian” fad, watering down of the call of God in Scripture and many other things to attempt to “open the doors” to allow many to come in. Yet it is the claims of the Gospel that draw these 3000 to baptism and not anything else. We have been equipped with the same message and yet we seek some other means. It is no wonder we fail when we look to something else instead of witnessing faithfully to the Gospel for growth. Those who received it were baptized. Those who heard the Word turned against the world and identified themselves with Christ.

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

At the same time the result of this turning to Christ is the development of a real community. More on this in the verses that follow. For now though we see a group of new Christ followers “devoted” to the apostles teaching, not neglecting their need for instruction; “devoted” to fellowship, enjoying one another as a community of those who were in Christ; “devoted” to the breaking of bread, not merely superficial relationships but the intimacy of shared family life at the table; and “devoted” to prayer, speaking to God and living in community not just with each other but in communion with God as well. The content of their prayers is unspecified but “prayer” is a clear mark of one who have received the Gospel and its effects. Indeed the marks of a believer are shown here in part as learning the faith which we have received (“the apostles' teaching”), “fellowship”, sharing community (“breaking bread”), and

“prayer”. In measuring the Church's effectiveness today, even our own congregations, how do we measure up in these categories. Are we hungry to learn and discuss matters of faith? Do we enjoy the company of other believers and prefer their company to the world? (Not to say that we exclude the world but that we enjoy each other more than we enjoy the world.) Do we truly and intentionally share life together or do we keep each other at a polite distance? And are we “devoted” to conversation with God for ourselves, each other and any other subject of concern to us?