Ananias and Sapphira
5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and 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 for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
Many Signs and Wonders Done
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
The Apostles Arrested and Freed
17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of the people of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (ESV)
42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
This is the mentality that I want to have: Jesus 24/7. Whether it was a big group (temple) or a small group (house to house) these Christians were always in fellowship and focuses on the Lord! May the same be said of us at True North. That we aren’t just having fun together, but really encouraging one another to live for Jesus Christ each day!
Excited to do this again at True North at 11 this morning! See you there!
Great comment Bobby! :D
38 “So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Acts can’t stop getting better…the first part of the chapter was about Ananias and Sapphira. Thought for the most part, I still don’t fully comprehend what happened there, I know that it is a warning to God’s people. Give all glory to Him because it is HIS! The story about the apostles being arrested, freed by the angel, and brought back for questioning…it is a powerful one. Its much like the story in the last chapter, but what really stood out to me this time was verses 38-39. It shows that even “Judas the Galilean” knew the power of God and didn’t want to be caught up in that situation, and he was warning others.
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
Wow, Peter was so bold and courageous here! He represented Christ and was willing to die for his faith. This is a good example by Peter and the apostles. Verse 29 reminds me of Matthew 10:28, to not fear man, but rather fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell! God, the creator of the universe deserves all the glory and because God made us, we are responsible to him! I want to make sure I am obedient in the things Christ has commanded me to do. At times, I may get nervous to talk to other people, but I know that Jesus is all that matters and that I need to give 100% at doing my job. I love how Peter was so on fire and told the high priest the truth no matter what happened to him. Peter was preaching the gospel and was representing the Lord! The way he stood up to the priest is really encouraging and motivates me to evangelize with no fear, but to be bold!
32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Here is a promise from God, that He gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. This is very important. I’ve touched on this before, but last night at Broom Hockey, something happened that brought me to think deeper on this, because what happened triggered me to reflect on when I was a teenager in high school…
I was in a youth group that did not teach and enforce God’s Word, but rather, what seems to be their own personal interpretation of God’s Word, and as a result, room was made for toleration of sin. But this was in direct conflict with God and what He mandates of anyone who is going to find themselves at His side for all eternity.
I grew up thinking and truly believing that it is right by God to hang onto certain areas of my heart and life-specifically in the context of sin-so long as I gave Him the big stuff, or, most of the stuff. And I made the grave, destructive, and longitudinally lethal choice to malign God’s Word by adopting the deception and lie that God’s Holy Spirit was with me, and that I was a believer.
The fact is, I did not have the Holy Spirit when I was living in such a compartmentalized way. Never under that way of thinking and living did I have a heart in its entirety that was in step with God’s Word. In my literal moments of sin (either individual, isolated choices, or seasons and patterns over time), I would whip up prayers, lying to myself, thinking that God was listening to me and would protect me and further my sinful choices if I was praying to Him and making claim that I was living by God.
Proverbs 15 speaks to this. Verse 8 says, “The Lord detest the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases Him.” And verse 29 goes on to say, “The Lord is FAR FROM THE WICKED but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”
The Holy Spirit was not with me when I was holding back part/parts of my heart and life. I did not have His power to protect, discipline, or guide me on His path of righteousness. God tells us through Luke in this chapter that, “the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
His Holy Spirit is given to those who OBEY Him. Don’t deceive yourself any longer, if you are holding even just a SMIDGEN of your heart and life back from Him. He tells us He must have our WHOLE heart if we are to be forgiven in full and made new in Jesus Christ. There can be NOTHING we hold back or hide from Him. And that means we do not rebel or fight against Him by choosing to do things OUR way, but instead live in full submission and obedience to Him by DOING what He tells us to, in accordance to His Word (and not according to our personal interpretation of His Word or our feelings).
mmm awesome comment Stacy! Praise the Lord that He pulled you out of that youth group and that you are saved! That’s amazing!
Girl–you have NO IDEA… That is EXACTLY what I do: I ab-so-LUTE-ly give thanks and praise to the Lord for pulling me out of my sin and saving me. It is totally amazing, and my life is forever and gladly HIS. It’s the greatest Love Story ever :)
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
This verse stuck out to me because it made me think about how we should be giving our all to living for God. If we are like Ananias and we hold back from what should give, it will not be good (Ananias died on the spot). This verse also reminded me of a sermon done by Pastor Ben about how our hearts shouldn’t just be a house for God but a home. Our hearts should be a home to Him and we shouldn’t have those secret locked doors or separate rooms that is only for video games or work or anything else.
I pray that I would be like this, not holding anything back, living 100% for God and that my heart would be a home for Him with nothing hidden.
40 And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
This was an intense end to Acts 5! The apostles were put on trial and scourged for their evangelism, but that did not stop them from continuing to share the gospel after their release. Their beating consisted of being beaten on their bare skin with a tripled strip of cow’s hide. That would hurt and cause much ripping and bleeding to their skin. Instead of being intimidated or frightened by their near death sentence and their beating, they rejoiced and did not stop evangelizing. That really spoke to me. I am so weak-sauce sometimes because I do not want to face social persecution like being made fun of, gossiped about or excluded from get-togethers because of my faith. I have never faced any form of physical punishment for evangelism. I had to ask myself the question this morning, “If I was put on trial and beaten badly for my evangelism would I continue to do it?” Heavy question! I praise God that right now in America I am able to share my faith without the threat of physical violence or imprisonment and that makes me want to do it all the more. Lord, please help me to look past any social pain I might experience for evangelizing and have the attitude of the apostles…being totally focused on You and Your kingdom and saving souls!
11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
This verse reminded me of Pastor Bobby’s awesome sermon this weekend! So many people think that because God is gracious, they can live however and that He doesn’t care about sin anymore. There are many people today who think that the God of the OT is different from the God of the NT, and that God is only love in the NT. But this verse (along with many others) proves this wrong! God killed Ananias and Sapphira because they lied to the Holy Spirit, He killed them because of their sin. God is still a holy God who demands that sin be punished. And because of this people began to fear God more. Examples like these in the Bible remind us that we need to fear God! I know that I have been caught up in God’s mercy, love, and grace (which is good) but have forgotten to fear my Lord (which is bad). I need to remember passages like these that describe God as holy and just as well as gracious and loving! I need to fear God and give Him my all!
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This is a great chapter of Acts. I really like this verse because I can think of it in any context of my life. Any time I am tempted to compromise or sin to better “fit in” to this world, I can think of this verse…I need to obey God and not men! This fits right in with avoiding friendship with the world, fearing the Lord, and loving God and not the world. Like Peter and the other Apostles, I want to live my life to please the Lord and obey the Lord. God, please give me the boldness and faith to please you every day of my life.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
I love love love this verse. I heard this at church in the gospel reading a couple months ago and ever since then, whenever I face something that makes me sad or disheartened, this verse pops into my mind. I feel like that is what’s supposed to happen once you get well versed in the Word. Yay! I’m excited :D. And I was also thinking about how the apostles were beat. I don’t remember reading that part of this chapter. But wow. Even after getting physically beaten they just kept going! There’s that boldness again.
Can’t come to True North today :((((. I look forward to listening to it when it comes out on iTunes though :D
Missed you today, Elizabeth…but I’m always celebrating when I see you here on SOTD! That goes for EVERYone who I see on here :)
hm. The first paragraph was a definite reminder that God is in control of our lives and He can just take it away in a heartbeat…literally! haha…anyways. Ya, I think Ananias learned the hard way that you need to give your all to God.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
I was talking to a cool cat friend of mine (T Moore cough cough) yesterday. Basically my aunt pat lives in lincoln heights where it’s ghetto and where my dad actually had patrolled during the riots (rofl) so we were talking about what would happen if we got shot. I was like “wouldn’t it be awesome to be shot for being a Christian and go to Heaven?” and of course, we agreed with that, but then he said “it would be cool too if you got shot and lived”. I told him about how I knew someone like that, but then I thought, “noo! That wouldn’t be cool! That would be painful!” I told him that…but then I realized later on…that that would be such an encouraging story to tell other Christians about that would get them pumped to speak the truth, no matter what happens. It would also give an opportunity to tell more people about Jesus. How bold would you have to be in order to get shot and then just go back out there again? Just like Peter and Paul! mmm! Lord I pray for that boldness and I pray that I will give my all to You. MARANATHA. :)
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This is sooo important because if we dont obey God, we are breaking one of his biggest commandments..
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
This is so so so so encouraging!!! After they were beaten and almost sentanced to death for spreading God’s word and following his commandments, they rejoice and are thankful for the fact that they were persecuted for their faith! They see it as a chance to further evangalize and spread God’s word, and even though the people who tell them to stop teaching are the ones who beat them, they just get right back out there and keep preaching God’s word! This is the type of fire i need to have for God in my heart! I pray that I will have opportunities to evangalize and share the gospel with people I meet so that God’s name can be glorified and spread!
ELLO… I read
I like verse 41,”Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”
I like this verse because it talks about the disciples instead of feeling sorry for themselves and acting like they are in pain (which they were) they were rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer for JESUS’s NAME. This has really encouraged me and has set an amazing example for me. I pray that whenever I am hated or criticized for CHRIST’s name that I don’t feel all sorry for myself but that I rejoice that I am able to suffer for CHRIST.
CYA
Nice comment Tanner
and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
this guy started out doing a good thing, but he decided that he was going to keep some of the money and because of that he was killed, that is how serious God is
c u all later
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
Awesome verse! I love how they stood up for God and everyone knew that they were Christians. I want people to know I am a strong Christian and that I am always willing to suffer for my God. When I am around my classmates at school they know not to cuss because they know that I am a Christian. I am glad people know I am different and not of this world. I just pray that I will continue to stand strong for Jesus Christ, even when it feels extremely hard to!
Wooo…that was a great comment, straight to the piont and powerful comment. thats what i want to do tooo! keep on standing up for God!
40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
So they got beat up and yelled at by the bad guys. You would think that would discourage them, but it does the opposite! It made them happy that they were suffereing for Christ. What a great way to look at things. Suffering for Christ is a good thing, not bad. It may not be fun and it probably will hurt, but in the long run it shows that we are standing for Him. I want to be like the apostles, and like it says in James, consider it joy when i face trials and persecution!
“…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (vs. 41).
The apostles’ attitudes after continual affronts of persecution, jail time, and threats to their life by the people was that of joy? They truly “considered it joy” to suffer for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s inspiring!
If I preach the Gospel at San Clemente High School to my friends and people I know, then I am promised persecution. But as Paul writing Philippians says, it is always a blessing to be counted worthy to participate in the “fellowship of suffering” as Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior did. Amen!
And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (ESV)
These apostles were legit. They were evangelizing every day non-stop. Their whole lives were devoted to telling others about Christ. What a great example. Do I evangelize every day? No, not every day. Seems like a problem when compared to the zealousnacity of the apostles. I pray that God will grant me the boldness and desire to live for Him fully everyday in everyway.
zealousnacity…I like that :) Great comment John!
I like this Gamaliel guy. He’s very logical. He looks at past attempts to rally people and saw that if man was the source of the rallying it would fade out as the man died. Just like Jim Jones, Charles Manson, or any other wacko. God’s will, however, does not fade out. No matter how hard the Islam religion, or tolerance movement tries, they cannot cause the cessation of the Christian religion. God is too powerful and faithful to let that happen.
But sometimes I feel that this isn’t an eternal truth. When I think about the movements that continue after the death of the leader. Like Marxism or existentialism for example, they are still being continued. Yet, I must keep my eyes on the promises of God. He says that He will one day come back to judge and destroy any falsehood so that he may set up His Kingdom on earth. And that’s what I’ll focus on each day. The promise that I have that is yet to be fulfilled.
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
I loved this verse today because it makes me realize that God is always wth us. Even though they were put in jail the angel came and let them out of jail so they can educate those who are uneducated. This also kinda reminds me of how pastor Bobby was preaching how grace is not like a “jail free card.” The angel came to let them out so they can preah to those who are not belivers. This inspires me so much to get out there and start spreading Gods word!!!!!!
i rember when i read Acts the first time, and i thought it was a good book, but i didnt really understand some of it. but i now do and this book so far is really helping me out on how to talk to people about Jesus Christ. im loving this book :) my favorite verses are Acts 5: 3-4,1-8-21 & 29
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
its werid how somtimes u think u are doing stuff for God, or u think God wants u to do that, but it could be satan telling you what to do…i like the sermen last week when we were talking bout him, and it really made me think how carefull i need to be, i havnt that much i though he cant do anything to me. but he does stuff to the christians cuz he knows that we are Gods people.
18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
its sooo awsome to me, that they got thrown into a public prison, done so many stuff to them so that they dont share people about Jesus. and and angle got them out…and they still told people about Jesus Christ. its soo cool, i pray that God will use me to talk and open doors to people so i can tell them the good news outside of school..and inside. Cuz sometimes im sared for what people think of me, but its God!!! whats better God> who made everything and that can juge us, or people of this world that we will see only for like few years..WHO CARES WHAT MEN THINKS ABOUT U. CARE WHAT GOS THINKS BOUT YOU…
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
yes what i just said up there, “We must obey God rather than men.” i pray that i would do that more.
well u guys can see i love this chapter!!
I can also see that you love the Lord and fear Him which is AWESOME! <3 <3 <3
40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
What an amazing example of rejoicing in suffering! These men were thrown in jail, scolded over and over, and finally beaten. They could have complained (seriously I’d want to complain if someone beat me!), But instead they were happy to have suffered doing the Lords work. The best part is, they continued preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. It makes me reflect back on the things that I should be rejoicing about, but have been sorta just complaining about. Like how my grandparents don’t like True North or Christians very much. I get the chance to be prosecuted in the name of Christ in my own home and I totally see it in this negative light. Sometimes its easier to be ok with strangers or kids at school prosecuting me for being a Christian rather than my own family members. But whoever said prosecution was easy? Besides I’ve got nothing on Peter and the others who were beaten.
I read…
Verse 29 made me think… “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
In this verse, the High Priest of Israel one of the most powerful men around in the day told Peter and the disciples to not preach the Gospel or they would be punished. But Peter was bold in defying the law against the Lord and preached anyways. If we are ever oppressed in this way by our government we need to get ready to stand and fight for our Lord!
5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and 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 for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
What gets me the most about this story in the Bible is how Ananias’ sin/motive is still common today (obviously)…There are so many different examples where I have held back all i could give, or all i should have given! Lets start with work- yeah, there have been times where i havent given my tasks at work my all or given my homework the thought process I should have given it. There are people who cheat the government when they dont fully pay their taxes…there are times when i give the bigger portion to myself instead of someone else. Those are just some wordly things that go along with this story.
More importantly, what have i held back from Jesus Christ? There have been days and weeks where i dont even meet Jesus half way…i would go days and weeks without praying or reading my bible. This is so important to understand…I cannot live my life as a Christian and only give 20% of myself, or even 95%…i have to give 100% to God, all of me, my life, my heart, my soul, my spirit, everything! What do I profit if i gain the whole world and i forfeit my soul? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! well, ide gain hell. To think back at all the times ive partially held back from giving my all to the Lord makes me so upset with myself! Now is the time to make things happen. Now is the time to evangelize and memorize scripture. Now is always the time, but it has to be now! I cant procrastinate! I have to give God my all! This is convicting!!
Maranatha.
I like the status!
even if i sin and think that no one saw it, the Lord saw it and hes the only one that matters who sees it. i need to always keep that in mind the next time i think no one will see this sin, but God will.
the Lord is so powerful. not even jail can hold them back from preaching Gods word. the Lord opened the doors of the jail and told them to go and preach the gospel. the Lord uses everything for his will which is so awesome!
5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
this story about ananias and how he didn’t give all his i money shows us many things about money. It shows me that i need to give every thing to God and not be greedy. God gave everything that i have to me as a gift and can take it away at any time.
4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
this is comparable to what Pastor Bobby said in last week’s sermon that Satan makes people think that they’re Christian, then twists it around so bad. It’s scary to think that it actually happens. 100% to God!
Wow. What a powerful message. Peter and the apostles keep on preaching the gospel even when they get thrown in jail and get stoned. My favorite verse is: 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” So very true. You must put God first in your life. So many people have something else first instead of God. God gave you life, so you must put God first in your life. Another thing is that, don’t be afraid to stand up for God. Speak bold about God, and with no fear, just like Peter did. That is what I got from this message.
is currently locked out of my house! BUT God has blessed me with a phone capable of going on the internet… d:- D
It’s kindof a shame though since I really have a lot to say about this chapter…it’s one of my faves.
I just love the level of dedication that the disciples devote to evangelism. they are charged not to speak about Jesus ( and they are well aware that disobeying this could mean death ) but yet they are so dedicated to God and his ministry that they are willing to risk it all for the reward of redemption.
That’s the ultimate example of evangelism to me, and how seriously we should be taking it. It’s an important thing and we’ve got to be willing to lay down our lives in doing it.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Even after being beaten, the apostles rejoice! Now that’s powerful–that’s grace! In fact, they thank God for being worthy to suffer for His name. This is the bold attitude I want to have. I want to thank God when I suffer, knowing that this is a sign that I am walking a legit Christian walk. But to do so takes that 100% confidence in God that Bobby talked about this weekend. I want trust in God’s great grace and draw on that strength so that I can rejoice always, no matter my circumstances.
29 But Peter and the apostles answered “We must obey God rather then men”.
this is such a powerful verse and it is 100% true. We need to live everyday for Jesus Christ not ourselves. we need to do what God would want us to do, not what we think we should do. This verse helps me remember to determine what is right and wrong. if somebody tells me a secret that they say dont tell ANYBODY not even your parents, i need to decide what to do. i know i should always obey God’s word and tell someone if there is a serious problem somebody tells me about even if it means losing them as a friend. but at least if i lost them as my friend deep down in my heart i know that i still have God and i have honored him by doing whats right.
So awesome to see you on here Andie!!!!!
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
The disciples just get out of prison and that has not hindered their readiness to speak about Jesus it has made them more bold! I don’t ever want my obedience to be about or swayed by what people think, but focused on obeying God alone!
42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
This is a good verse and encourages me to maintain my focus on Jesus Christ. I pray that i will consistently read and meditate on your Word and encourage others every single day!
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Peter and his crew were facing serious opposition, probably much more serious than any of us will experience here in the United States. They were thrown in prison and beaten, and that was in this chapter alone. Later on I recall they suffered a lot more. But Peter had a truly exemplary attitude: the right attitude. He did not be quiet, back down, or give up. The religious leaders of that area were telling him to stop proclaiming the Good News of Jesus, and this is what he said: sorry, but I’ve got to listen to what God says, not men. Being as blunt as it is, that’s not really what we would call the “loving” thing to say today. But it’s the truth. Peter declared the truth. Not everyone liked it. Some people were probably wanting to kill him for it. Interesting thing is, it’s exactly the same way today. Like back then, if I am shining God’s light in the spiritual darkness of this world, opposition is guaranteed. On the other hand, just as pastor Mike touched on in his sermon today, if there isn’t any opposition/”persecution” from the world in my life, there’s something wrong. Clearly I’m not representing Jesus Christ as much as I could be. However, if I want to be representing the Truth at all, I’m going to need to know the Truth. And I’m not going to know the Truth unless I’m constantly reading and meditating on it! God, please give me a heart that hungers for your Truth and is ever ready and willing to declare it, whenever the opportunity arises!
25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”
This is awesome! The apostles are preaching the gospel, get arrested for preaching, the Lord frees them, and they go right back to preaching! They were not afraid of the Pharisees, but were obedient to the Lord. They did not allow the experience of prison hinder their obedience. I need to make sure that I, like the apostles, fear God above man.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
This verse is awesome. I can distinctly remember a time when i was made fun of for not doing something because i was a christian and i knew it was wrong. i can remember the feeling afterword and how awesome it was. i need to keep this in mind at my high school and go more out of my way to talk to people about Christ.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
I love the apostles’ response to being beaten. They rejoiced because they were worthy to suffer for Christ. I want to have this attitude as well. Because I’m a Christian I can expect to be persecuted and hated. When this happens I should be like the apostles and rejoice. I also love how they apostles did not stop teaching because they were opposed. Instead they kept right on preaching. I want this kind of perseverance in my ministry. I want to keep going even when times get tough.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
This is such an encouraging verse that I can rejoice through persecution. No matter how hard it is in this life, I know its all good in the end. This attitude Paul had was absolutly amazing and that needs to be my attitude too. They were happier than ever that they were worth to suffer the dishonor of Gods name and thats completely how I need to be. Persecution= one of the best things I can go through to honor God.
Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.
This stuck out to me, sometimes i will have the temptation to lie in order to evade trouble, but this makes me realize that it is far better to be honest and suffer earthly consequences than to lie to the face of God, who takes it extremely seriously…
11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
God does not allow His church to sin. Striking people dead seems like a much more old-testament way to deal with sin, but God’s attitude has not changed. He will discipline His children – even cause them to die – if they refuse to turn from their sin. Many Christians talk about the sin of the world with a somewhat superior air, but we need to be watching our own lives more closely! God does not tolerate even a hint of sin; I need this same attitude of hatred towards sin in my own life, so that I can live in a way that is pleasing to Him!
42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Ahhh, Acts is simply the pinnacle of New Testament awesomeness. This verse is sooo encouraging to us!! It’s not easy going out and talking to people. Especially when they persecute us for getting out there!! Let’s use this bold example and get out there and tell people bout Christ! The school year is almost over!!! Theres not much time left!
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
What great examples! The apostles definitely had a “persecution party!” Instead of giving up or backing down, they rejoiced that they were able to suffer because of their faith, and then continued on even harder at it! I want to be like this when I am persecuted for my faith!
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This directly relates to something that my mom has always told my brother and sister and I growing up. She always says , “Sometimes an A on earth is an F in heaven and an F on earth is an A in heaven.” God holds completely different standards than the world and the men in it. One must choose for whom he is living. One cannot simply try to live for pleasing both. He will either live to please God or he will live to please man and gain their approval.
I need to value my obedience to God above all else. When times and situations comes where I must choose between doing what is right in God’s eyes or doing what is accepted by the world, I need to forsake whatever popularity or approval I am trying to win and seek after obeying God. As I am his ambassador here on earth, my life needs to be all about representing him. It is he who truly matters, not other men and their opinions of me. I need to care less of what others think of me as I keep my eyes fixed on living my life to glorify God!
>While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And
>after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it
>that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have
>not lied to men but to God.”
These people were concerned more about how they looked to men than how they looked to God. They wanted to simply appear as if they were giving 100%, but instead they were holding back some for themselves. It’s worth noting that they are not punished because they kept some of the money. Instead, they are punished for pretending they were giving everything when they weren’t. I cannot ever let myself live this way! I need to give 100% with my whole heart and hold nothing back!