Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Peter and John are arrested and released (the first time) (Acts 4)


Right after healing the beggar, the priests, temple guard, and Sadducees seize Peter and John.  They are disturbed by the teachings of Peter and John.  To them, the "Jesus issue" had been dealt with when the crucified Jesus, although a lot of strange things have happened since then (tombs opening and dead walking around, the temple curtain was ripped).

Peter and John spend a night in prison because it was late in the day when they were arrested.

The next morning, they are brought before the Sanhedrin.  They are questioned about their teaching and again Peter gives a speech testifying to Christ.  

The Sanhedrin wants to punish them, but is not sure how to given the popularity of Peter and John.  Further, they know the beggar was healed and they cannot deny this.  

Meanwhile, the preaching by Peter and John led to an increase in the number of believers.  They now number 5,000.

The Sanhedrin eventually release Peter and John unharmed, but with a stern warning not to preach about Jesus.  When Peter and John make it back to some of their believers.  There they give thanks to God, pray, and have another mini-Pentacost in which the house shakes and the entire group is filled with the Holy Spirit.

If we take that literally, then we have another manifestation of the Holy Spirit - physical shaking.  Here, it seems to apply to the house.  Based on Peter's speeches and actions, it would also be boldness in preaching, physical healing, and words during speeches.

The chapter concludes with another assessment of the state of the church.  As the numbers grow, they are continuing to pool their resources together.  

We also are introduced to a man who will be a central character later on.  He is Joseph, the Levite from Cyprus.  The Apostles nickname him "Barnabas", meaning "Son of Encouragement".

Barnabas sells a field he owns and gives the money to the Apostles.

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