[:en]Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin (vs. 1-22)
The Sadducees were members of a small but powerful Jewish religious sect that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Since Peter and John were teaching something that contradicted their belief and many had believed, they seized Peter and John and put them in jail. The following day, they were brought before the rulers, elders and teachers of the law. The religious leaders questioned them by what power did they do this. Peter answered: “It is by the name of Jesus Christ whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” (v. 11). They commanded them not to speak and talk at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied: “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (vs, 19-20)
The Believers’ Prayer (vs. 23-31)
The believers prayed together for strength and courage to speak God’s word and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit filled them to speak the word of God boldly.
The Believers Share Their Possessions (vs. 32-36)
All the believers were one in heart and mind. They shared their possessions and distributed their sale of properties to the needy. Their spiritual unity and generosity attracted many people to Christ. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostle’s feet. (v. 36-37)
Things to Ponder:
- Do you meet together to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to give you courage in proclaiming the gospel?
- Do you look for opportunities to talk about Christ in your family and neighborhood?
- Be prepared to encounter rejection, discomfort and embarrassment when proclaiming the gospel.
- There were no needy persons among the ancient believers because those who owned lands sold them, brought the money from sales and put it at the apostles’ feet. And it was distributed to anyone who needs. Let us also learn to give and share among the needy brothers and sisters in Christ.
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