A captain of the guards (the Jewish temple guards) and his men were sent to bring back the apostles from the temple area to the high priest and the Council.  They feared for their lives because of the apostles’ popularity among the crowds in Jerusalem.  (Acts 5:26)    The accusation and condemnation of the […]

    The dictionary defines “jealous” or “jealousy” as: 1. Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of loss of position or affection.  2. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious.    What were the events which gave the reasons for jealousy on the parts of the high priest, the Sadducees and other religious leaders?     The […]

  The apostles were given the power of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. (NASB) Acts 2:1-4 “WHEN THE day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they […]

  A husband (Ananias) and his wife (Sapphira) had agreed to lie about land they had sold to appear generous and pious.  They had kept part of the money for themselves but had said they had given the full amount for the work of God. (Acts 5:1-2)   Peter confronted Ananias who did not retract […]

(NASB) Acts 5:1-6 “BUT A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your […]

The prayer of the week is based on Acts 1:8   Lord God of the Bible…Your Son, Jesus, told His followers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit would come upon them.  Jesus also said that those who were filled with the Holy Spirit would be witnesses of Him in Jerusalem, Judea and […]

  What does the Lord God bring to your mind that you will put into action today? (NASB) 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with […]

  Don’t you like being with genuine encouragers?  Me too!  Barnabas, how I would have liked being around him.    The following is a paraphrase of Acts 4:36-37 Name: Joseph Tribe: Levi – the priestly tribe Birthplace: Cyprus Nickname: Barnabas Meaning of nickname: “Son of Encouragement” Faith in action: he sold a tract of land […]

  The differences (and there are many) between socialism/communism and the Christian community are seen in God’s power in the lives of believers and in their motives driving their actions.    “Listen” as you read the following Scripture: (NASB) Acts 4:32-35 “And the congregation of those who believed (in Jesus Christ) were of one heart […]

  Peter prayed and the followers of Christ who were gathered together agreed with him as he prayed.  They prayed in one accord and “in the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”  What were the results?  (NASB) Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they […]