During that time of church growth, a logistical challenge arose. The Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) felt that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles gathered all the believers and set a boundary on their area of ministry. It was not right for them to dilute their focus from preaching the word by putting more attention on distributing food. They did not consider distributing food to be beneath them, just not their primary area of responsibility. They had the church select seven men who were spiritually mature, with wisdom and character that showed them to be full of the Holy Spirit and appoint them to that ministry. The apostles then defined their own ministry, they would dedicate themselves to prayer and the preaching of the word. This proposal pleased everyone. Stephen is highlighted out of the seven as one who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. The apostles then prayed over the seven men and officially commissioned them to the ministry by laying their hands on them. With the apostles free to continue their focus on preaching, many more believers joined the church in Jerusalem including a large number of priests.

Luke turns his attention to Stephen, a Greek Jew and a believer who is the first non-apostle to be described as ministering with great wonder and signs. But he was opposed by a group from the synagogue of the Freedmen which was composed of people from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. They began to dispute with Stephen but could not withstand the wisdom he had from the Holy Spirit. So they changed tack and instigated men to falsely accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and against God. Through false accusations, they stirred up a group who took him before the council where these false witnesses claimed he continually spoke against the temple and the law. Like the accusations against Jesus, the false witnesses misrepresented what Stephen had been teaching which would have included Jesus’ own prediction of the destruction of the template (Matt 24:1-2) and the temporary nature of the Mosaic system now replaced by justification by faith and fulfillment in Jesus. As they looked at Stephen as he stood before the council, they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Stephen’s face should have been a sign to them that he was a messenger from God, but instead, they continued on their course with a characteristic hardness of heart.

Paul taught that the church is like a body comprised of different parts. Each part has a different role (ministry) to play but that none is more important than the other. Are you an active, serving member of the body? Are you avoiding service or ministry because you feel that you are above the things that currently need to be done?

Luke gives us another glimpse into the growth of the early church. The apostles were witnessing with signs and wonders. The believers were together. Those that did not believe seemed to keep their distance but held them all in high esteem. All the while God continued to add many people to the growing church. The impact of the apostles’ ministry was so great that people brought their sick to Jerusalem and laid them on the streets hoping that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on them to be healed.

But not everyone held them in high esteem. The high priest and the Sadducees with him were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in public prison. But an angel opened the doors, released them, and instructed them to return to the temple and continue preaching the gospel of Jesus’ [resurrected] life. At daybreak, they returned to the temple in obedience and began to teach.

That morning, when the high priest gathered the council and called for the disciples, they found an empty cell. The prison was securely locked and the guards were stationed at the doors but they found no one inside. They were all confused and unsure what the outcome of this situation would be. Then someone came and told them that the men they had put in prison were in the temple teaching the people. The captain and his officers brought the apostles to the council but not by force because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

The council asked the apostles why they were teaching in Jesus’ name when they had been charged not to. They were incensed that the apostles were intent on laying the blame for Jesus’ death on them. Peter as spokesman replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” He then repeated the same message he had spoken before, that God raised Jesus whom they had killed by hanging Him on a tree (1 Pet 2:24). God has exalted Jesus to His right hand as Leader and Saviour who was able to offer forgiveness of sins to Israel for their collective guilt as a nation. They, and the Holy Spirit who indwelt all believers, were witnesses to everything Peter declared.

The religious leaders were enraged to the point of wanting to kill the apostles but Gamaliel, a prominent Pharisee and honoured teacher of the law, interceded with some advice. He reminded them that a previous insurrectionist named Theudas had risen up with four hundred followers but his movement came to nothing. His suggestion was that the same fate was likely for the followers of Jesus. He offered another example in Judas the Galilean whose followers also scattered after he died. His conclusion was that if the apostles were operating by a man-made plan, then it was doomed to fail. But if their movement was of God, then they would have no ability to overthrow it and might find themselves opposing God. They took his advice, beat the apostles, and charged them again not to speak in Jesus’ name before letting them go. The apostles left the council rejoicing that they were given the privilege of suffering for Jesus’ name as a testimony of His resurrection. Despite the warning not to, they continued to teach and preach daily in the temple and from house to house that Jesus is the Christ.

Gamaliel’s observation was correct. If the apostles were operating from some scheme they had imagined to present Jesus as resurrected even though He hadn’t, then their organisation would have fizzled out long ago. But the church is still growing strong today. That can only be possible if Jesus is alive. What if someone asked you to stop talking about Jesus, could you? Are you even in danger of someone asking you to stop?

Undaunted by the threats of the religious leaders, the early church continued to live in unity, one in heart and soul. Their fellowship is seen in them all sharing their material possessions so that not one of them was needy. The apostles were able to continue to give their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord (share the gospel) with great power and God’s favour rested on them all.

Those who had land or houses sold what they had and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. This was done willingly and not as a result of some directive from the leaders. The apostles were entrusted to distribute the offerings based on people’s needs. Luke highlights one believer, Joseph, who was so encouraging to other believers that they renamed him Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. He was a Levite from Cyprus who sold a field he owned and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. In contrast, we are introduced to Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, who also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, Ananias kept back some of the money from the sale and laid only part of the money at the apostles’ feet. Ananias misrepresented himself by appearing to lay down the full proceeds of the sale. Peter, probably through direct revelation from the Holy Spirit, challenged Ananias and asked why he would lie to the Holy Spirit. The property was his and he had every right to do with it what he wanted. After selling the land, he had the choice to do with the money as he pleased. At the prompting of Satan, Ananias chose to lie instead of being honest in his dealings. Ananias didn’t even have a chance to respond but fell down dead and great fear came upon everyone who heard the story. Ananias was carried off and buried. Meanwhile his wife, Sapphira had not heard what had happened and came in about three hours later. Peter asked her if the amount Ananias had disclosed was the full amount they sold the land for. She agreed that it was the full price. She revealed her own sinful participation in the scheme and Peter challenged her on agreeing to test the Holy Spirit with her husband. She then suffered the same fate as her husband and was carried out and buried. The entire church was filled with fear as they heard what had happened. As the church was very new, God dealt swiftly with sin before it had a chance to permeate the body of believers.

Where in your life have you become lax about sin? Have you allowed something to gain a foothold and become a little comfortable with something God does not tolerate? Remember, God calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Pet 1:15-16). What are you going to do about it today?

After Peter and John were released, they went to their friends and reported what the religious leaders had said to them. Their response was to immediately draw on Scripture and pray with recognition of God as sovereign over creation. They drew on Psalm 2 to ask the question, why do the nations and people rebel in futility against God and against His Anointed—Jesus? The religious leaders, by rejecting the apostles, continued their rebellion against Jesus and ultimately against God the Father. Their prayer continued to look at how the city of Jerusalem had worked together with Herod and Pontius Pilate, representatives of the Gentiles, against Jesus. Even though the Psalm looks to the time of tribulation (Rev 17:10-18; 19:11-21), they clearly saw a parallel in what had happened to Jesus leading to the cross and continuing now after His resurrection. They understood that the sovereign work of God allowed man to make his own choice without coercion and yet still fulfill the will of God. Despite the danger, the disciples didn’t pray for protection, they prayed for boldness to go out and continue to speak God’s word. They expected God to continue to work with miraculous signs through the name of Jesus to validate the message they proclaimed. The Father responded with a sign of confirmation, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and enabled to continue speaking the word of God with boldness just as they asked.

How do you respond to challenges you face? Do you ask for escape or protection? Or do you ask for boldness in your situation to make God’s name known? Where do you need boldness to proclaim God’s word today?

As Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were approached by the religious leaders including the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees. The Sadducees were greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people (without the proper authority) and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead through Jesus (the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection, Luke 20:27). They arrested them but because it was evening they held them until the next day. Despite the interruption, many who heard the Word believed and about five thousand men joined the church.

The next day a full compliment of the religious leaders gathered and challenged Peter and John to answer by what power they had healed the crippled man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit to answer, responded boldly (Mark 13:11). His response first pointed out that a good deed was done to a helpless man, which immediately called into question the validity of them being charged. Then He declared that the healing came about by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom they had crucified but who God had raised from the dead. Peter reminded them that Jesus, the stone which they rejected, had become the chief cornerstone (Ps 118:22). Peter explained that (according to Psalm 118) there was only one means of salvation, both personally and for Israel, and that was Jesus Christ, the one they had rejected. Salvation is found only in belief in Jesus Christ.

The religious leaders were impressed by their boldness despite lacking formal training. They recognised that Peter and John had been with Jesus. With the healed man standing beside Peter and John they could say nothing against them. After Peter and John left, the religious leaders conferred with each other. They knew that what had happened was evident to everyone in Jerusalem and they couldn’t deny it. But wanting to prevent further spread, they called them back and insisted that they cease any further speech in the name of Jesus. Peter and John’s answer was a bold declaration that they would not listen to human authority that stood in opposition to God’s. The religious leaders threatened them further but eventually let them go. They were apparently afraid to punish them because the people were all praising God for what had happened.

Are you prepared to boldly declare your faith, even in the face of opposition? What, if anything, is holding you back from sharing your faith with others?

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that are easily applied to everyday situations. Consider carefully which of the sayings you’ve read today are particularly applicable to you today and in the coming week. What do you need to change or do more of to make use of God’s wisdom in your life?

Peter and John were heading into the temple when they encountered a lame man who was carried daily to the temple to beg from those who entered the temple. This man was lame from birth which is important in light of the miracle that would soon take place. He was well known to those who visited the temple because they walked past him every day. When Peter and John arrived, he asked them for money. Peter asked the man to focus on them. Perhaps he was so busy asking everyone who walked by that he wasn’t really concentrating on what Peter had to say. He turned his gaze to Peter and John expecting to receive something. Peter told him that he didn’t have silver or gold, but what he did have he would give him. With that, he said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Then Peter helped the man up and in that moment [of faith] his feet and ankles were strengthened and he could not only walk but leap about. He was instantaneously and completely healed, just like when Jesus healed. The man went into the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God. This naturally caused a stir. Everyone recognised him as the lame beggar who sat at the entrance to the temple and they were amazed at what had happened to him.

Peter used the opportunity to address the crowd. He was speaking to Jews and his message was focussed on them as it was on the day of Pentecost. First, he put the focus on God as the healer, it was not because of their own power or godliness that the man was healed. Then he turned the focus onto Jesus and how the Jews had treated Him. They had handed over the pure and sinless Messiah to Pilate to be crucified and when he wanted to release Him, they asked for a murderer to be released instead. They had killed the Author of life but God raised Him from the dead and again Peter pointed out that he was an eyewitness to all of this. Then Peter explained that it was by faith in Jesus’ name that the man was made strong and given full health. The man had clearly believed that it was Jesus who could heal him and give him the ability to walk.

Peter prepared a way for them to respond in repentance. He pointed out that they had acted in ignorance (Luke 23:34) as had their leaders. Jesus had suffered as prophesied by the prophets. But now they needed to repent and change their minds about Jesus so that their sins could be blotted out. If the nation did this, then Jesus would return to establish His Messianic reign in Israel. Peter reminded them that Moses had promised a Prophet they were to listen to (Deut 18:15) but whoever did not listen to that prophet would be destroyed. Samuel, and all the prophets who came after him, had also predicted those days. Then Peter brought the focus back to that generation. They had the prime opportunity to receive the covenant blessings of Abraham if they would respond through individual belief and corporate obedience.

Some are still living in ignorance and need to make a choice about Jesus. For those of us who have believed, we need to decide how we are going to live for Jesus. Are you looking for opportunities to give more than what you have materially? You know about the gift of eternal life, you should be looking for every opportunity to share that with others. How can you share the good news about Jesus with someone today?

The early church, beginning with the three thousand (Acts 2:41) began to function as a body. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship with one another, the breaking of bread, and to prayer. This wasn’t just passive listening, attending on a Sunday, communion every now and then, and the occasional prayer. They were devoted, steadfast, and persistent in these things. These things are the lifeblood of the church and the indication is that they embraced them all wholeheartedly. Fear and awe came upon them as they witnessed God’s work through the signs and wonders of the apostles. Everyone who had believed was together. They had taken a stand against the nation and identified with Jesus through baptism. They were unified and began to freely share their material possessions with one another. They weren’t living where everyone owned everything. Individuals were selling their possessions and then distributing the proceeds to those who had need with the idea that “there will be no poor among you” (Deut 15:4). Daily they attended the temple. They retained their Jewish heritage but the temple was also a place where crowds gathered and they would be able to witness (Acts 3:11-12). They also met in each other’s homes where they shared the Lord’s supper and meals together with glad and generous hearts. They praised God for what they received and what they were able to give. They also had favour with those unbelievers around them. God grew the church daily through those who came to saving faith.

This is a beautiful picture of how the church can be. It’s not a model for how every local church must be, but it has all the markings of what the church should be. As the church is made up of individual believers, consider how you are doing in these areas. Are you devoted to the teaching of God’s word, to fellowship with your fellow believers, to sharing in the Lord’s supper and other meals, and to prayer? What about being open and generous with your material possessions? Do you have a glad and generous heart? What can you do to move closer to this ideal?

Peter continued his sermon, now pointing to Jesus. Jesus was a man from Nazareth but His divinity had been attested to by God through mighty works, wonders, and signs that God did through Him in their presence. Jesus was then delivered over to the hands of lawless men to be crucified and killed, not by chance, but by the foreknowledge of God. This had been God’s plan all along. But God raised Him up releasing the pain of death because He could not be held by death. Jesus, as a man could and had to experience physical death, but as God and because of His perfection, it was impossible for Him to remain dead.

Peter referred to Psalm 16 as a prophetic psalm about Jesus. Peter explained that David, who wrote the psalm, had died and was buried in a tomb they could visit. David acted as a prophet with the promise from God that one of his descendants would sit on his throne and wrote about Him who would not be left dead and whose body would not decay. “This Jesus God raised up.” And Peter declared that the disciples with him were all witnesses (1 Cor 15:5-7). Jesus was not in a tomb that they could visit. Peter then explained that Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of the Father and sent the Holy Spirit as He promised He would. That is what everyone was witnessing that Pentecostal morning. Peter then pointed to David’s prophecy in Psalm 110, David did not ascend into heaven, Jesus did. David also recognised the Messiah as his master when he declared that Jesus would sit at the Father’s right hand and perform His priestly duty (Ps 110:4) during the church age “until I [the Father] make your enemies your footstool.” Peter concluded with a call to all of Israel to recognise that God had esteemed Jesus, whom they crucified, as both Lord and Christ. They had accused Jesus of blasphemy for referring to Himself as God, but the Father affirmed His deity because God does not share His glory with another (Isa 42:8).

Hearing that they had crucified their Messiah, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter what they should do. Their question and Peter’s answer indicate that they believed in Jesus. Peter addressed the generation who had seen Jesus’ earthly ministry and rejected Him. Now they needed to reestablish fellowship with Him through repentance (of their role in the crucifixion of the Messiah) and baptism, then they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This was a unique situation for that generation of Jews (Gentiles who believed received the Holy Spirit before their baptism, Acts 10:43-48; 11:15-18). Repentance and baptism are not a condition for eternal life, which is by faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). It was a requirement for this generation of Jews to publicly identify with Jesus and distance themselves from the actions of the nation. Peter concluded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was available to them, their children, and all Jews, even those not with them (the promise of the Holy Spirit for the Gentiles was not yet understood, that would come later, Acts 10). Peter urged them all to be saved from the judgment that would befall that generation (Matt 21:41-44; 22:7). That day the church grew from about 120 to just over three thousand.

Jesus is not in a tomb that you can visit. That is the crux of the gospel message. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father and has done everything to reestablish your relationship with the Father—no matter what you have done. What could be worse than the sin of crucifying the Messiah? And they were offered forgiveness and a relationship with the Father (Rom 5:10). Do you still need to believe? What’s holding you back? Have you strayed from God? What’s keeping you away?