Acts Chapter Six

 Act 6:1  But in those days, the disciples having multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists toward the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving. 

Act 6:2  And having called near the multitude of the disciples, the Twelve said, It is not pleasing to us, having left the Word of God, to serve tables! 

Act 6:3  Then brothers, be looking for men among you receiving testimony, seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this need. 

Act 6:4  But we shall continue steadfast in prayer and the service of the Word! 

Act 6:5  And the saying was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose out Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 

Act 6:6  each of whom they made stand before the apostles. And having prayed, they placed their hands on them. 

Act 6:7  And the Word of God was increasing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplying exceedingly. Even a great crowd of the priests were attending to the faith! 

Act 6:8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, was doing wonders and great signs among the people. 

Act 6:9  But some of those of the synagogue called Libertines, rose up, also some Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some of those from Cilicia and Asia Minor, disputing with Stephen. 

Act 6:10  And they had no strength to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 

Act 6:11  Then they induced some men to be saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God! 

Act 6:12  And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes. And coming on, they together seized him and led him into the sanhedrin. 

Act 6:13  And they stood up false witnesses, who were saying, This man does not cease speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the Law; 

Act 6:14  for we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and will change the customs which Moses delivered over to us. 

Act 6:15  And having looked intently at him, all those having sat in the sanhedrin, saw his face as if it were the face of an angel. 

ACTS CHAPTER SIX - INTRODUCTION TO STEPHEN

 Verses 1-7: There is a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews (against the Hebrew Jews) that the Hellenist widows were not being served. The apostles get together with the church and explain that they need to put some men forward to take care of it so they can focus on preaching the word.

1. What is a Hellenistic Jew? Before Jesus' day and before the Roman period, Greek dominated the culture (via conquering). Many of the Jews assimilated the culture, language and tradition. The text reveals that there must have been certain attitudes towards these citizens. It is not unlike the Samaritan woman story we find in the gospels. 

2. What was the problem? The "serving" of widows was not being extended to the Hellenistic widows.

   a. What was the solution? The apostles did not want to stop preaching, so they suggested that some men were to be chosen to perform this task.

   b. Who chose these men? The context implicates the membership chose these men. 

 NOTE: This rather banal action could be read through with little notice. However, it should be noted as example for future churches. ( See "Additional" notes for more info below.)

3. We have seen the church multiply in nearly every chapter so far. What, in verse 7, shows us just how effective the gospel was? Multiplying Exceedingly + A Great Crowd Of Priests were converted. This is notable because priests were part of the central government/culture. They held influence and power. The church is now "dangerous" to some.

Verses 8-15: Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit is teaching and performing miracles. A group of men challenge him with argument. Through the Holy Spirit/Stephen, their arguments fail (they lose face). Those opposing Stephen put forth false witnesses, making claims of blasphemy (punishable by death). They seize Stephen and put him before the authorities. More false witnessing proceeds in the inquiry. They are all looking at Stephen and it is noted that his appearance in changed to "they saw his face as if it were the face of an angel."

4. List the nations/cultures from the synagogue. Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, those from Cilicia and Asia Minor, the people and the elders and the scribes, the Sanhedrin. 

5. Look up the Freedman (Libertines) history. What was their story? These citizens were once slaves and had been freed from their slavery. There is stronger evidence that these were Jews once enslaved and likely did not include Gentiles (though mixed-race is possible). In the bigger picture, we see the Jews are very fractured. Lines are drawn by race and perceived "purity" of bloodlines. These conclusions were drawn because of previous dispersions (by other conquering nations). 
We might stand in judgement of this, but we need to be careful. We culturally no different. The Christian church is fractured far and away more than this context. We gotta keep it real.
If anything, we should examine ourselves personally on a constant basis, remembering God is everyone's God...even those who think otherwise.

6. Read the first part of verses 11, 12, 13, these were supposed to be holy men, what were they doing? They were putting forward "false witnesses" or testimony. Deuteronomy 19 instructs that if someone bears false witness: Whatever the penalty would be against the accused, the false witness will bear that punishment. The accusation against the gospel is blasphemy, which is a direct assault against the name of Jehovah, which is punishable by death.

   a. What could these men say to rationalize their actions? If these men were confronted with their false witnessing, they would simply state why they interpret how the apostles blasphemed. And they did! In their mind, there is an existential threat to all they hold dear and valuable. The temple is where you find God. The law is God-given and impeccable. Follow the law and you'll find God.
What would I say if someone told me that Jesus was not the final word? Now I am supposed to believe something else? I'm not having any of that! 
This primes us to stay searching for God's manifestations.   

   b. Do these kinds of things happen in churches today?  When?  Yes. There are so many...too many times when Christianity becomes bogged down in tradition and tradition becomes more important than the word. Christianity on its own is replete with simplicity. Sometimes that simplicity is overshadowed by the execution of tradition as law. That approach takes our sight off of God.

ADDITIONAL:

-How do we identify someone described in verse three? Finding someone full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom forces a knowledge that can only happen in a long-term community setting. It is not for the novice, outsider to perform this decision. Only long-term, close relationships can help in this decision. That does not mean that someone is perfect. It does not mean that the one chosen will never fall. In life, almost anything is possible when we deal with people/personalities. All we can do is follow these guidelines and trust God. That implies inquiry of God as well. There should be lots of personal and church praying when these decisions are made.

-If this early Christian church is considered a Jewish sect, what does the nomination of Nicolaus foreshadow (5)? It is encouraging! Accepting a proselyte was considered "liberal." It would have been criticized by some of the leaders. God is everyone's God, including Gentiles. More importantly, He has never NOT been the God of all mankind. Thinking that Jehovah was not your God was a fallacy made by man. The Gospel is breaking that stereotype. Do the apostles understand the complete implications? Chapter 2 verse 29: "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" seems universal, but the Holy Spirit has not yet revealed it in its entirety. Still, these Christians had to understand the promise God made to Abraham that; "And in you all families of the earth shall be blessed." (Gen 12:3) would ultimately include the Gentiles.

-What office within the church does this selection pattern help to establish? Deacons. Its importance shows not only how they are chosen, but what they're jobs are to include. The body chooses them. They are servants to the church, performing works to support the preacher/evangelist. In a technical sense, they hold little/no authority/leadership. In a broader sense we see that they must hold many of the "elder/preacher" characteristics to be qualified. In later letters, Paul puts a finer point on the selection of elders and deacons. (1Tim 3)

Acts Chapter Five

 Act 5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property, 

Act 5:2  and kept back from the price, his wife also aware of it, and bringing a certain part, he put it at the feet of the apostles. 

Act 5:3  But Peter said, Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to secretly keep back from the price of the land? 

Act 5:4  Remaining, did it not remain yours? And being sold, was it not in your authority? Why is it that this action was put into your heart? You did not lie to men, but to God! 

Act 5:5  And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and expired. And great fear came on all those hearing these things. 

Act 5:6  And rising up the younger ones wrapped him, and carrying out, they buried him. 

Act 5:7  And about three hours afterwards, his wife also entered, not knowing that happening. 

Act 5:8  And Peter answered her, Tell me if you gave over the land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. 

Act 5:9  And Peter said to her, Why was it that it was agreed with you to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those burying your husband at the door! Yea, they will carry you out. 

Act 5:10  And she immediately fell at his feet and expired. And entering, the younger ones found her dead, and carrying her out, they buried her beside her husband. 

Act 5:11  And great fear came to be on all the assembly and on all those hearing these things. 

Act 5:12  And many miraculous signs and wonders among the people took place through the hands of the apostles. And they were all with one passion in Solomon's Porch. 

Act 5:13  And of the rest, no one dared to be joined to them, but the people greatly magnified them. 

Act 5:14  And more believing ones were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and of women, 

Act 5:15  so as to carry out the sick in the streets, and to place them on cots and mattresses, that at the coming of Peter, if even his shadow might overshadow some of them. 

Act 5:16  And also the multitude came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick ones and those being tormented by unclean spirits, who were all healed. 

Act 5:17  And rising up, the high priest and all those with him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with zeal, 

Act 5:18  and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 

Act 5:19  But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison during the night, and leading them out, he said, 

Act 5:20  Go! And standing in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this Life. 

Act 5:21  And hearing, they went into the temple about dawn and taught. But having come near, the high priest and those with him called together the sanhedrin and all the elderhood of the sons of Israel. And they sent to the jail to have them brought. 

Act 5:22  But having come near, the officers did not find them in the prison. And returning, they reported, 

Act 5:23  saying, Indeed we found the jail having been shut with all security, and the guards outside standing before the doors. But opening it, we found no one inside. 

Act 5:24  And when they heard these words, both the priest and the temple commander and the chief priests were in doubt concerning them, what this might be. 

Act 5:25  But having come, one reported to them, saying, Behold, the men whom you put in the prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people. 

Act 5:26  Then the commander going with the officers, they brought them, not with force, for they feared the people, that they might not be stoned. 

Act 5:27  And bringing them, they stood in the sanhedrin. And the high priest asked them, 

Act 5:28  saying, Did we not command you by a command that you not teach in this name? And, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring on us the blood of this man. 

Act 5:29  But answering Peter and the apostles said, It is right to obey God rather than man. 

Act 5:30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you seized, hanging Him on a tree. 

Act 5:31  This One God has exalted as a Ruler and Savior to His right hand, to give to Israel repentance and remission of sins. 

Act 5:32  And we are His witnesses of these things, and also the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to those obeying Him. 

Act 5:33  But those hearing were cut to the heart, and they took counsel to do away with them. 

Act 5:34  But one standing up in the sanhedrin, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law honored by all the people, commanded the apostles to be put outside a little while. 

Act 5:35  And he said to them, Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do on these men. 

Act 5:36  For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming himself to be somebody, to whom was joined a number of men, about four hundred, who was done away, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing. 

Act 5:37  After this, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the Registration. And he drew considerable people after him. Yet that one perished, and all were scattered, as many as obeyed him. 

Act 5:38  And now I say to you, draw away from these men and permit them; because if this counsel is of men, or this work, it will be destroyed. 

Act 5:39  But if it is from God, you will not be able to destroy it, lest even you will be found fighters against God. 

Act 5:40  And they obeyed him. And calling the apostles, having flogged them, having charged them not to speak on the name of Jesus, even they set them free. 

Act 5:41  Then they indeed departed from the presence of the sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were deemed worthy to be dishonored on behalf of His name. 

Act 5:42  And every day they did not cease teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus the Christ in the temple, and house to house. 

 

Verses 1-11: Ananias sells some property and gives it to the church. Apparently he lied about the gift. He kept some of the proceeds for himself, but reported that he was gifting all of the funds from the transaction. Peter confronts him over the deceit, telling him that he lied to God. Then Ananias dies on the spot and everyone becomes fearful. Sapphira, the wife of Ananias comes in later and is complicit with the deception. She too is stricken dead.

1. Was Ananias supposed to give the full amount? No. Peter says "And being sold, was it not in your authority?" The issue was not the gift, but that there was a decision made to deceive. Ananias was moved to help the church, that was good. The examples he had witnessed were encouraging him. And/or perhaps the positive attention the other givers received may have had an effect on his motives. 
The lesson here is not "God will strike you dead" if you don't give everything you have. It is more of a lesson in giving with a pure heart.

2. Do you consider this severe? It does seem very harsh. It is reminiscent of the one who is stoned to  death for picking up sticks on the sabbath. Both of these happen during the youth of a movement. Israel was still very young as a nation, wandering in the wilderness when the Sabbath breaker was executed. Similarly, Ananias and Sapphira's lives were taken in the very first stages of developing Christianity.
My initial reaction of harshness is near-sighted and ignorant of the fact that our souls belong to God. If He takes them, so be it.  

   a. Why do you think God took these lives? The Church is no place to practice a deceiving heart and God wanted to make that clear.

Verses 12-16: The Holy Spirit through Peter is becoming popular through the healing of people en masse. Many people are becoming converted to this faith.

3. What power did the apostles exhibit? Physical healing via the Holy Spirit. Especially Peter. Even the very shadow of him had the power to heal physical ailments. They were also casting out unclean spirit.

   a. Describe the relationship between the apostles and the rest of the people. The people were afraid of them. They did not try to become friends with them to hang out with them, the people stayed aloof from them. The people did magnify the apostles or in other words, the apostles are gaining the peoples' trust and are seen as authoritative.

   b. How did this affect the church? (14) Multitudes of men and women were "added." As we have seen, this denotes an acceptance of this new teaching. People are being converted by the thousands to this faith.

Verses 17-23: At the success of the apostles, Sadducees have the apostles put in public jail. An angel releases them and orders them to teach in the temple. At dawn they go to the temple to teach. At that time the leaders were convening to address the apostles and sent for them (thinking they were still in jail). The guards report the apostles are no longer in prison.

4. This time the apostles are thrown into public jail by the Jews.

   a. Which Jews? Act 5:17  And rising up, the high priest and all those with him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with zeal. 

   b. What was their motive? As was the case in chapter four and as was the case with Jesus, this teaching did not line up with the powers-that-be. These commoners were winning over the hearts of the people and it was construed as a loss of power. Remember, Jesus did not hesitate to criticize these leaders. Peter has conducted a teaching based on the accusation that these leaders killed Jesus unjustly. They were more concerned with maintaining power than finding God.

5. You are Peter; You’ve just been thrown into jail, how do you respond to the angel’s directive in verse 20? The directive is to return to the temple where the authorities have sway over life and death. I know I am hated by the authorities. I am aware I will be censored or perhaps even assaulted or worse. But the Hoy Spirit is working through us. I have the truth and God wants others to have it.
Whatever fear I may have needs to be ignored.

6. How has the Holy Spirit helped the apostles so far? The help has a two-pronged approach. First, the understanding and delivery of the word has been established. Secondly, through the miracles, the authority of the word has been established. Being busted out of jail helps as well no doubt. The authorities must be in panic mode. Like the issues they faced with Jesus, all the evidence points to this movement being from God. Their biggest problem is not understanding the grace of God. That grace would extend even to them if they were just receptive to it.

a.      How does he help us today? We have that same word today. We are given the same access to God's grace. There was a road to redemption for the leaders. That same redemption is offered to us as well.

Additional: How are we to “give?”  Do we need miracles today? Does God perform miracles today? 
Deu 6:5  And you shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. - Ananias and Sapphira missed the mark on that point. Our Christianity is not to be a catalyst for the approval of others, or to seek favor(s).

Scripture reveals God. Why would we test God further and continue to ask for signs or miracles? Jesus was brutally killed because of our sin. The word explains to us that it was an act of God's love to sacrifice His son to draw us near to Him. Is that not enough? Jesus grew tired of performing signs that did not produce faithful hearts. Mat 12:39  "But answering, He said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, and a sign shall not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet."
In this instance, Those seeking the sign would not have been affected by it. More to the point, they should gave been converted already and their faith should have been much more mature. 
Miracles are rudimentary. They are meant as milk to babies to lead them to maturity. Wanting continual miracles is a sign of stagnant faith. 
The Hebrew writer, addressing those who continue to sin and seek Christ in a vicious cycle says: "Heb 6:1  Because of this, having left the discourse of the beginning of Christ, let us be borne on to full growth, not laying down again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 

Heb 6:2  of baptisms, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of dead ones, and of eternal judgment."
We should look to not practice rudimentary faith. It should grow through practice and study of the word.

MORE OPPRESSION

Verses 24-27: The guards report to the temple officials that the apostles were no longer in prison. The officials do not trust the report. Someone comes in and reports that the apostles are teaching in the temple. The guards bring them to the Sanhedrin for questioning. 

7. Do the officials feel comfortable with their actions? (26) No, not at all. They see that this movement is popular with the people. This time, they are "taken" without force. "for they feared the people, that they might not be stoned."
This shows just how popular (and feared) the apostles had become. It's important to remember that this is still early stages. The recent miracles have had the desired effect. Who in their right mind would fight against crowds of people seeking to healed?  

Verses 28-32: The apostles are accused by the Sanhedrin for teaching Jesus as the Christ even though they were instructed not to. Peter states/questions: "It is right to obey God rather than man." 
Again, Peter states/accuses them of killing the Christ. He also places the apostles as the witnesses of all these things.

8. What do the officials want the apostles to do? They insist that they stop teaching the gospel of Jesus as the Messiah. If this teaching is true, it convicts anyone in agreement with the injustice. It was important that anyone in the Sanhedrin, or any other elite class would remain "blameless." If you were addressing a Pharisee, you were to verbally acknowledge their piety. It was a confirmation of hierarchy and by implication, status and power. The gospel directly threatened that power. This is a culture of face.

   a. What is the apostles’ answer? It is right to obey God rather than man. - This is similar to 4:19. Peter rightfully pleads to the highest of authority. To this there are no justified arguments. 

Verses 33-39: Gamaliel addresses the council. He has the apostles removed. He reasons that if the apostles are teaching a man-made doctrine, they will come to nothing like previous agitators. If however, this IS from God, the Sanhedrin will be fighting God.

9. Name the defender of the apostles. Gamaliel. A popular teacher of the time. He was the grandson one of two major teachers (Hillel), the other was Shammai. Shammai was a staunch nationalist. He insisted on strict adherence to the law. He went as far as saying that Gentiles were never to be allowed into the temple and could not be proselytes. Gamaliel was considered more "liberal" in his views. Later, we will come to know Paul was trained under Gamaliel. He drops his name to foster credibility (Acts 22).  

   a. What was his argument? Gamaliel was obviously moved by Peter's citation of Jehovah. That, on top of all the miracles moves him to make his statement. If indeed these brothers are doing God's work, they need to be left alone. Would you rather fight God? 

   b. Look up the history behind this man. What sect of the Jews is he associated with? Is he more likely to believe in Jesus Christ? Why? Gamaliel belonged to the sect of Hillel which was open to the idea of proselytes becoming part of the Judean faith. He had an open mind in this sense. He likely was present for the execution of Jesus. He likely knew of the miracles and teachings of Jesus. Now he sees the fruits of Jesus' labors. People are coming to God. They are being healed and demons are thrown out of the sick. He is a reasoning man and is just going with the evidence presented to him

Verses 40-42: The council agrees with Gamaliel. They whip the apostles and release them. The apostles are happy to have been found worthy enough to punish for their teaching. They continue to teach in the temple and house to house.

10. What happened to the apostles? They are "flogged and released." G1194 δέρω derō der'-oA primary verb; properly to flay, that is, (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash: - beat, smite.
The council was only somewhat swayed by Gamaliel. First, we saw oppression by jailing the brothers. Now the message takes a violent physical turn. They were bent on saving face and maintaining power. It could be noted that if they listened and knew the gospel, they would have understood that God is offering them a road to redemption. Their position was really not at stake. Likely, they had been practicing heavy handedness in their execution of office. It would be difficult to reconcile a sudden turn in action if the system you enacted had always worked to your benefit and marginalized others.  

a.      How did they react? (41) "rejoicing that they were deemed worthy to be dishonored on behalf of His name."

11. List the ways the world tries to “beat down” Christianity. Evolution's first order of business was to discredit Jehovah. The misuse of "freedom" has produced all sorts of evil against the God-head. We are taught to become indulgent by society. 

Additional: How do we strengthen our faith to withstand people who hate us?
It's important to understand the Holy Spirit within this context. Jesus makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of truth. With this understanding, we are attached to the Word/Spirit. We hold fast to this foundation when we address each other and the world. Along with the epistles we find that love is to drive all of our endeavors. Love of God, love for others. These truths may be hated, but that does not make them any less worthy.                       

 

Acts Chapter Four

 Act 4:1  The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. 

Act 4:2  These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. 

Act 4:3  It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. 

Act 4:4  But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord. 

Act 4:5  The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses met in Jerusalem. 

Act 4:6  The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. 

Act 4:7  They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, "By what power and in whose name have you done this?" 

Act 4:8  Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders: 

Act 4:9  You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a crippled man was healed. 

Act 4:10  But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. 

Act 4:11  He is the stone that you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. 

Act 4:12  Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone. 

Act 4:13  The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 

Act 4:14  But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles. 

Act 4:15  The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 

Act 4:16  "What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen. 

Act 4:17  But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus." 

Act 4:18  So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus. 

Act 4:19  Peter and John answered, "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 

Act 4:20  We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard." 

Act 4:21  The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than forty years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened. 

Act 4:22  (SEE 4:21) 

Act 4:23  As soon as Peter and John had been set free, they went back and told the others everything that the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. 

Act 4:24  When the rest of the Lord's followers heard this, they prayed together and said: Master, you created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 

Act 4:25  And by the Holy Spirit you spoke to our ancestor David. He was your servant, and you told him to say: "Why are all the Gentiles so furious? Why do people make foolish plans? 

Act 4:26  The kings of earth prepare for war, and the rulers join together against the Lord and his Messiah." 

Act 4:27  Here in Jerusalem, Herod and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 

Act 4:28  They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen. 

Act 4:29  Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 

Act 4:30  Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus. 

Act 4:31  After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message. 

Act 4:32  The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. 

Act 4:33  In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, 

Act 4:34  and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 

Act 4:35  to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 

Act 4:36  Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "one who encourages others." 

Act 4:37  (SEE 4:36) 

ACTS CHAPTER FOUR  -  PETER CONTINUES HIS SERMON/JAIL

Verses 1-4: Peter continues preaching in the temple. Some officials hear of it and are angry over their teaching. They throw Peter and John in a holding cell overnight since it was late in the day.

1. Why would the Sadducees have a problem with Peter’s teaching? (2) - The Sadducees did not believe in life after death. This seems oxymoronic to someone who has been raised Christian. Why would anyone raised in the OT scriptures form a belief system that excludes a spiritual dimension?
Historical Notes:
The Sadducees were a strict sect of the priestly class that dominated  temple worship (although the Pharisee held more power arguably). They relied solely on the Pentateuch and refused to acknowledge oral tradition. They were typically well educated and wealthy. They also were friendly with Rome to a large degree which bolstered their secular status.    

2. Note the word “hold” (KJ) or “jail” (NAS) means “to keep silence, hold one’s peace.... to be kept in silence, be concealed”. Peter and John were not placed in a public jail, but rather, a place where they could not be heard. What was the motive to “hold” Peter and John? We must not lose sight of the fact that Israel is a Theocratic state. They are controlled by Rome, but their government is structured in their belief in God. Those who are deemed "pious" hold power over the people. There was a balancing act to perform to hold this position before the people and with the nation that is occupying the land.
Israel was conquered and subjugated by Rome. Once peace was established, a puppet government was put in place that was "friendly." This ensured continuity of taxes and peace. Anything that disrupted the "status quo" structure could spell trouble for any/all of the authorities involved. The changing of religious belief was a direct assault against power. (Jesus was the origin of this.)
The apostles are political prisoners and censorship is the first line of defence in the eyes of these authorities.
As in the case of Jesus, it begs the question, "were these leaders true believers in God, or were they afraid of losing their status/power?"

Verses 5-12: After a night in a holding cell, the temple leaders get together to question Peter and John, They by what authority they are doing these things. Peter implicates to them that questioning them about the healing misses the main point. The bigger issue is that the man was healed by the power of Jesus. He is the messiah who affords salvation, and they killed Him!

3. You are Peter and John, what is going on in your mind? First, I would be concerned and/or fearful. These people have power over me. They have already crucified Jesus. Next to Him I am even less in their eyes. Second, what we see is "Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit." That statement changes everything. How does that work? We know for sure that Peter knows the truth. That is where he looks for courage. Also, as stated, there was a great miracle which reveals this is all from God.

   a. What was Peter's accusation in verses 10-11? Their execution of Jesus was murder. Peter has done this over and again, not just to accuse, but to reveal the truth to those who will respond. Simply put, they just got it wrong.

4. Detail the characteristics it takes to stand before those who despise you and stand your ground. As stated, understanding that what wee hold is God's truth should give us he courage to speak it. Peter was already in jail for the truth and having that faith gave him the courage to confront those who were against it.
It's important to note that the delivery of the gospel is void of animosity. There is only truth and sometimes that truth seems harsh or confrontational. That is not for the bearer of it to worry about. If anything, the bearer should have a large dose of concern for the condition of those spoken to. They have a soul too. Maybe that soul is in grave jeopardy with God.

Verses 13-22: The council is impressed with the bravery and boldness of Peter and John. The remove them from the room. They discuss what is to be done with them since they cannot deny the miracle. They tell the apostles not to teach about Jesus any more. Peter answers "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard." 
Since there were no formal charges to be had, they threaten the apostles then release them. Everyone (else) was praising God for the healing of the man. 

5. You are a council member; 

   a. What is your predicament? You are in a position of governmental and religious power. Jesus withstood both the Pharisee and Sadducee. If Jesus is God's will for a new order, my power, my place in society, my tradition, my wealth, my family, stands to lose some or all of it. 

   b. How would you handle it? If I have a heart toward God and the truth, I need to go with that. If I have a heart towards earthly gain, I will fight it tooth and nail.  

Verses 23-31: Once released, Peter and John report everything to their people. They pray and parallel the experience with David. Just as David, a messiah was attacked by enemies, so too was Jesus. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and encouraged to continue speaking/preaching about Jesus.

6. Peter and John had been severely threatened by the authorities; what did they do? They get together with the church and pray for courage.
KJ- "boldness" G3954 παῤῥησία parrhēsia par-rhay-see'-ah From G3956 and a derivative of G4483; all out spokenness, that is, frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication assurance: - bold (X -ly, -ness, -ness of speech), confidence, X freely, X openly, X plainly (-ness).
What is interesting is that they seek boldness through the Holy Spirit. It is not necessarily an intrinsic characteristic. The implications of this should encourage every Christian. 

Verses 32-37: There was a strong sense of unity among the people. Everything was shared between the body. Some members were selling property and giving it to the church to support the cause. One of them is named Barnabas.

7. What seems to be the first order of business of the early church? Unity. The sharing of wealth reveals just how important these believers regarded the gospel. 

ADDITIONAL: What was the work of the Holy Spirit in verse 31? In this section we see the Holy Spirit is looked to for unity and to embolden these first Christians. The work of the Holy Spirit has not changed. Today we seek to know the word to embolden us and unify us. The mission we have today is nuanced a little differently. These first Christians were attempting to change a culture entrenched in tradition. then they were going to change the world. Our mission today is to change people's hearts wherever we are.

Should Christians today sell their possessions for the Church? No. Not in the sense that it may bring poverty to the seller. The point is made in this context to put context into the next chapter. That doesn't mean that if a member decides to do this it is not ok. It's just not a rule. It does reveal just how dedicated the first Christians were for the church.