Purifying the Church

• Giving to God…
  • As a result of the healing of the Lame Man – the church had GREAT power and grace…
  • FULL of the Holy Spirit – they were of ONE heart and mind [selfless] – Acts 4:32
  • And they began to SELL their possession and give the money to the APOSTLES…
  • BUT [δέ] ONE couple had a DIFFERENT heart [selfish] – Ananias and Saphira…
  • Perhaps motived by PRIDE – they gave a portion – but said they gave it all!
• Lying to God…
  • Peter called out Ananias – told him satan had filled his heart to LIE to the Holy Spirit…
  • Why would satan want people to give MONEY to the CHURCH…
  • If people gave with the WRONG motive [pride] – it would cause DIVISION…
  • Because God does NOT want our MONEY – He wants our HEART – Matthew 6:21
  • The result of LYING to God – trying to compromise the church – both Ananias and Saphira DIED!
• Purified by God…
  • Immediately after their death – THREE things happened…
  • FIRST – the APOSTLES did great miracles – even the SHADOW of Peter healed the sick…
  • SECOND – there was HARMONY [ὁμοθυμαδόν] in the church – no one was OUT of tune…
  • THIRD – there was FEAR of the church [you did NOT come unless you were serious]
  • Yet believers were increasingly being added – because the CHURCH was PURE!

• 1^st – Arrested for Jesus… vs. 17-26
  • 1^st – Back to Prison… vs. 17-18
    • Their Rage… vs. 17
      • Then the high priest rose up and all those who were with him. 
      • [which is the sect of the Sadducees] and they were filled with indignation!
      • ALL the MIRACLES [shadow of Peter] were gathering a LOT of attention…
      • People were coming from ALL around Jerusalem – and EVERYONE was getting healed…
      • And the CHURCH was GROWING – countless people were putting their FAITH in Jesus…
      • This was in direct CONTRAST to the COMMAND of the High Priest – Acts 4:18
      • So the SANHEDRIN – led by Annas – and others of their SECT [Sadducees]
      • Were filled [passive] with RAGE [ζῆλος] – from the verb [ζέω] to BOIL over…
      • How DARE these simple UNEDUCATED – UNTRAINED [ἰδιώτης] fishermen DEFY them!
    • Their Sect… vs. 18
      • And laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison!
      • They GRABBED [ἐπιβάλλω] Peter and the OTHER apostles – the implication is VIOLENTLY…
      • And THREW them into PRISON [τήρησις] – for the SECOND time – Acts 4:3
      • Because they were convinced their SECT [αἵρεσις] heresy – was RIGHT…
      • Making them determined to do whatever it took to stop the Apostles!
      • Romans 10:1-3 – “Israel… has a zeal [ζῆλος] for God but not according to knowledge.  For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness [seek] to establish their own.”
      • Those who are RELIGIOUS – indoctrinated in a lifetime of traditions and superstitions…
      • Are often PROUD – and think their RELIGION [αἵρεσις] is enough to get them into heaven…
      • And when we dare to challenge their beliefs – we will come under fire…
      • But RELIGION is our IMPERFECT attempt to reach up to a PERFECT God…
      • RELIGION just gives a lot of RULES – that attempt to make us LOOK better…
      • But the RULES can only control our actions – they CANNOT change our HEART!
  • 2^nd – Open doors… vs. 19-21
    • Set free… vs. 19
      • But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out!
      • BUT [δέ] – God did NOT want His APOSTLES in prison…
      • So and angel [ἄγγελος] of the Lord [κύριος] came and opened the prison door…
      • This is the FIRST of TWO times this would happen to Peter – Acts 12:7
    • Words of life… vs. 20-21
      • And said: Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.
      • When they heard that – they entered the temple early in the morning and taught!
      • The reason why they were set FREE – was to GO [imperative] – Matthew 28:19
      • And SPEAK [present] this MESSAGE [ῥῆμα] of LIFE [ζωή] to the people…
      • The moment the apostles heard the COMMAND – they went into the TEMPLE…
      • And beginning in the early morning – they began to TEACH [imperfect]!
      • We were in bondage to SIN – but God set us FREE from our prison – John 8:36
      • When we were set FREE – we were also given a COMMAND…
      • We are called to go out and give others the words of LIFE…
      • God gave us the KEYS to life everlasting – time to unlock the doors!
      • Matthew 16:19 – “I give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
  • 3^rd – Second Trial… vs. 21-24
    • Sanhedrin… vs. 21
      • But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together.
      • With all the elders of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought!
      • The next day Annas [High Priest] called the COUNSEL [συνέδριον]
      • Along with the ELDERS [γερουσία] – only here in the NT – can be translated as SENATE…
      • This was EVERYONE who had POWER and AUTHORITY in Israel…
      • And they sent for the APOSTLES to be brought before them for JUDGEMENT!
    • Empty prison… vs. 22-23
      • But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison they returned and reported.
      • Saying: Indeed we found the prison shut securely – and the guards standing outside…
      • Before the doors – but when we opened them – we found no one inside!
      • BUT [δέ] – the OFFICERS found the PRISON to be EMPTY…
      • They went back to the SANHEDRIN to give them the MESSAGE – from [ἀπό] angel [ἄγγελος]
      • The prison was CLOSED [perfect] – the guards were standing outside…
      • But when the opened the doors – NO one [οὐδείς] was there!
    • Wonder… vs. 24
      • Now when the high priest – the captain of the temple – and the chief priests heard these things.
      • They wondered what the outcome would be!
      • BUT [δέ] – when the SANHEDRIN [and Annas] heard this they…
      • WONDERED [imperfect] – the word can also be translated as PERPLEXED [confused]
      • And they were HOPING [optative] it did NOT mean they were WRONG!
      • Because the SADDUCEES did not believe in angels – Acts 23:8
      • I can see God in heaven nudging Gabriel: Lets see them explain this one!
      • Just because someone does NOT believe something – does not mean it is NOT true…
      • There are many people today that do NOT believe in God – or life after death…
      • That does not mean they will NOT stand in judgment one day before Him…
      • It does NOT matter what we believe – only what God says is true!
      • Romans 3:4 – “Let God be true but every man a liar.”
  • 4^th – Arrested again… vs. 25-26
    • In the Temple… vs. 25
      • So one came and told them saying:
      • Look – the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!
      • Then someone came the gave them MESSAGE – from [ἀπό] angel [ἄγγελος]
      • The men they had ARRESTED – were in the Temple TEACHING [present]
      • Emphasizing the APOSTLES were obeying the COMMAND from the ANGEL!
    • No violence… vs. 26-26
      • Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence.
      • For they feared the people lest they should be stoned!
      • So they APOSTLES were arrested a THIRD time…
      • But this time they were careful NOT to take them VIOLENTLY [οὐ μετὰ βίας]
      • They were [imperfect] AFRAID [φοβέω] the people might [subjuntive] STONE them…
      • Because the people KNEW the apostles had been ARRESTED – and miraculously set FREE…
      • And if GOD is the one who sets you FREE – what man can put you back in BONDAGE!
      • When we come to Jesus – and are set FREE from SIN…
      • NO one can ever make us to go back to PRISON – follow dead RELIGION…
      • Because we KNOW the difference – we see there is NO answers there!
      • Galatians 5:1 – “Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free – and do not get tied up again in slavery to [religion].” [NLT]

• 2^nd – Bold for Jesus… vs. 27-33
  • 1^st – The Accusation… vs. 27-28
    • The command… vs. 27-28
      • When they had brought them – they set them before the council.
      • The high priest asked Saying: Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? 
      • Anna challenged Peter and the APOSTLES – why had they disobeyed their COMMAND…
      • They were NEVER to teach again in this NAME [they could not even say Jesus] – Acts 4:18
    • Filled… vs. 28
      • Look you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. And intend to bring this Mans blood on us!
      • AND [καί] – look [imperative] – they had FILLED [perfect] Jerusalem with THEIR doctrine…
      • AND [καί] – want [present] to bring His [Jesus] blood on them…
      • The SANHEDRIN wanted them to be SILENT – because they were offended by the Gospel!
      • Too many pastors today spend too LITTLE time teaching the Word…
      • They tell FUNNY stories that entertain – sprinkled with the OCCASIONAL Bible verse…
      • Because they do NOT want to offend people – but the Bible is OFFENSIVE!
      • Hosea 4:6 – “My people are being destroyed because they do not know me. It is all your fault you pastors for you yourselves refuse to know me.” [paraphrase]
      • People need to know about the dangers of HELL – and the reward of HEAVEN…
      • About the coming judgment of God – and the amazing hope of Jesus…
      • But they do NOT know these things – because churches do NOT teach the Word…
      • Oh that pastors would FILL this city with the MESSAGE of Jesus!
  • 2^nd – Obey God… vs. 29
    • But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: We ought to obey God rather than men!
    • BUT [δέ] – Peter had the SAME answer as before – Acts 4:19
    • They were going to OBEY [πειθαρχέω] God rather than men…
    • They knew Jesus was the only way to heaven – NOTHING was going to silence them!
      
    • If we feel shy about sharing the Word of God – standing up for Jesus…
    • The reason is we are NOT absolutely convinced – the Word is true…
    • If we were convinced people were going to HELL if they did NOT believe in Jesus…
    • NO peer pressure – NO ridicule – NOTHING would be able to keep us from sharing!
    • When we REALLY believe the Word – NOTHING can keep us quiet…

• We know there is only one way to heaven – how can we keep silent!
• Jeremiah 20:9 – “His word is in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it back… indeed I cannot!”

• 3^rd – Witnesses… vs. 30-32
  • Murdered… vs. 30
    • The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree!
    • The MESSAGE that Peter and the APOSTLES had filled Jerusalem with was the TRUTH…
    • Annas and the SANHEDRIN had MURDERED Jesus – with [διά] their hand [χείρ]
    • They did so by hanging Him on a tree – speaking of the CRUCIFIXION…
    • NOTE – this is the FRIST time Jesus [Ἰησοῦς] is mentioned in this chapter…
    • You know that the mention of His name – struck the SANHEDRIN like a hammer!
  • Exalted… vs. 31
    • Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior.
    • To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins!
    • They had murdered Jesus on the cross – but the APOSTLES had seen God resurrect Him…
    • He EXALTED [lifted] Him to His right hand – as the LEADER [noun] SAVIOR [noun] of Israel…
    • That by being REPENTANT [noun] – they would be FORGIVEN [noun] of their SINS!
  • Holy Spirit… vs. 32
    • And we are His witnesses to these things.
    • And so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him!
    • AND [καί] – the APOSTLES are [present] His WITNESSES [μάρτυς] of this WORD [ῥῆμα]
    • ALSO [καί] – the Holy [ἅγιος] Spirit that God gave to those who OBEY [πειθαρχέω] Him!
    • How do we KNOW that God RAISED Jesus from the DEAD…
    • How can we be SURE that if we REPENT – we are FORGIVEN…
    • There are TWO witnesses [μάρτυς] – the FIRST is our TESTIMONY…
    • The fact that our LIVES were TRANSFORMED by putting out FAITH in Jesus…
    • SECOND – is the power [δύναμις] of the Holy Spirit that God has given to us…
    • So long as – we do NOT embrace empty RELIGION – but choose to OBEY [πειθαρχέω] Him first!
• 4^th – Furious… vs. 33
  • When they heard this – they were furious and plotted to kill them!
  • The SANHEDRIN was FURIOUS [διαπρίω] – their hearts were torn apart…
  • Used only here and in the stoning of Steven – Acts 7:54
  • Because the APOSTLES had confronted their SIN [rejecting and killing Jesus]
  • And they did NOT like the CONVICTION – they were determined to SILENCE it…
  • So they intended to KILL all of the Apostles right there on the spot!
  • People do NOT like to be REMINDED of the consequences of their SIN…
  • They prefer to go about their lives oblivious to their inevitable fate…
  • But we NEED to confront people about their eternal destiny [hell]
  • We should IRRITATE unbelievers – we are here to REMIND them – they NEED Jesus!

• 3^rd – Work of Jesus… vs. 34-42
  • 1^st – Gamaliel… vs. 34
    • Pharisee…
      • Then one in the council stood up – a Pharisee!
      • The leader of the SANHEDRIN was Annas [the High Priest] – Acts 4:6
      • He was of part of a member of the SECT [αἵρεσις] of the SADDUCEES…
      • But there were others SECTS in the counsel – including the PHARISEES…
      • The PHARISEES were a much more conservative SECT in Israel…
      • They believed in ANGELS as well as the RESURRECTION – Acts 23:8
      • These theological differences often led to disputes among the two groups!
    • Teacher…
      • [His name was] Gamaliel. A teacher of the law held in respect by all the people!
      • The most prominent of the PHARISEES was GAMALIEL – [גָּמַל] reward of [אֵל] God…
      • Only mentioned TWICE in the Bible – he was also the mentor of PAUL – Acts 22:3
      • Known as a TEACHER [διδάσκαλος] of the LAW [νόμος]
      • He was held in HONOR [τίμιος] among all [πᾶς] the people of Israel…
      • It is worth noting he was RESPECTED by the people – BECAUSE he taught the WORD!
  • 2^nd – Wise counsel… vs. 34-37
    • Be careful… vs. 34-35
      • [He] commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. He said to them: 
      • Men of Israel take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men!
      • He URGED the SANHEDRIN to set the APOSTLES aside of a moment…
      • They MUST [imperative] be careful what they did to these men…
      • He then went on to give TWO examples of what had happened BEFORE!
    • Theudas… vs. 36
      • For some time ago Theudas rose up claiming to be somebody. 
      • A number of men – about four hundred – joined him. 
      • He was slain and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing!
      • BEFORE these APOSTLES of Jesus – there was a man called THEUDAS [only here NT]
      • He claimed [λέγω] to be the ONE [τις] – over 400 GLUED [προσκολλάω] themselves to him…
      • He was KILLED [passive] – those who followed him were SCATTERED – came to NOTHING!
      • Josephus [historian] spoke of a magician called THEUDAS – who led an insurgency…
      • But the dates do NOT seem to line up – as the one mentioned by Josephus was in 44 A.D.
      • Making the one here completely UNKNOWN outside of this passage!
    • Judas… vs. 37
      • After this man – Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census.
      • Drew away many people after him. He also perished and all who obeyed him were dispersed!
      • After THEUDAS came a man called JOSEPH of Galilee…
      • It was during the time of the TAXING [ἀπογραφή] – birth of Jesus – Luke 2:2
      • People have NEVER liked TAXES [NPA] – and many OBEYED [imperfect] him…
      • He ALSO died – and ALL [πᾶς] who followed him were SCATTERED…
      • SCATTERED [διασκορπίζω] – from the root scorpion [σκορπίος]!
      • The connection was OBVIOUS – just like THEUDAS and JUDAS [unknown men]
      • There were MANY people who had GLUED themselves to and OBEYED Jesus…
      • But He was KILLED – one could assume – those who followed Him would also be SCATTERED!
  • 3^rd – Leave them alone… vs. 38-39
    • Work of man… vs. 38
      • Now I say to you keep away from these men and let them alone.
      • For if this plan or this work is of men it will come to nothing!
        
      • The counsel of GAMLIEL to the SANHEDRIN was simple…
      • They must [imperative] stand away from these men – leave them alone [imperative]
      • Because IF [ἐάν] this was [subjuntive] the plan and work of MEN…
      • Then it would [passive] be DESTROYED [καταλύω] – they did NOT need to intervene!
    • Work of God… vs. 39
      • But if it is of God you cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against God!
      • BUT [δέ] – IF [εἰ] it is [indicative] the plan of work of God…
      • They did NOT have the POWER [δύναμαι] to DESTROY it [καταλύω]  
      • Because they would be FIGHTING against God [θεομάχος] – only here NT…
      • The wording [indicative] seems to suggest GAMALIEL thought it was from GOD!
      • Someone once asked my pastor if they could start a church across the street…
      • His comment amazed me – he said he would HELP…
      • Because if God was in it – he wanted to be a part of it…
      • And if God was NOT in it – then he knew it would NOT last!
      • Maybe we have an idea – but we are NOT sure if it is from God or just from us…
      • The best way to find is step out in FAITH and try…
      • Then just WAIT and WATCH – if it is from God – it will last!
  • 4^th – Rejoicing… vs. 40-42
    • Beaten… vs. 40
      • And they agreed with him – and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them.
      • They commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus – and let them go!
      • The words of GAMALIEL convinced [passive] the SANHEDRIN…
      • So they BEAT [scourge] the APOSTLES – just as the Lord said they would – Mark 13:9
      • And commanded them NOT to speak [present] in Jesus name – then them go FREE!
    • Worthy… vs. 41
      • So they departed from the presence of the council.
      • Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name!
      • But the BEATING and THREAT of the SANHEDRIN did NOT have the desired effect…
      • The APOSTLES left REJOICING [χαίρω] – they were WORTHY to be DISHONORED [ἀτιμάζω]
      • Because they were unwilling to COMPROMISE the name of Jesus!
    • Preaching… vs. 42
      • And daily in the temple – and in every house.
      • They did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ!
      • EVERY [πᾶς] day they were in the Temple – and in houses…
      • REFUSING to ever stop TEACHING [διδάσκω] the PREACHING [εὐαγγελίζω] Jesus Christ!
      • It is fun to watch new year fireworks – lots of flashes and bangs…
      • But if you stick around after the show – something far better appears…
      • STARS – they may not be as flashy – but they do NOT go away…
      • The ideas of men are FIREWORKS – loud flash – and then they are gone…
      • But the things of the Lord are STARS – they continue to shine and never fade away!