Acts 4-6

Acts 4-6

Acts 4: Boldness Amidst Persecution
Following the miraculous healing of the lame man at the temple, Peter and John are arrested by the religious leaders for preaching about Jesus' resurrection. The next day, they are brought before the Sanhedrin, where Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims that the healing was done in the name of Jesus, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead. Despite the leaders' attempts to silence them, Peter and John insist they cannot stop speaking about what they've witnessed. Recognizing the undeniable miracle and wanting to avoid a public uproar, the Sanhedrin reluctantly releases them with a stern warning. Upon their return, the believers pray for even greater boldness and the place where they are gathered shakes as they are all filled with the Holy Spirit. This chapter also introduces a united early Christian community that shared all possessions, with Barnabas highlighted for selling land and giving the proceeds to the apostles.

Acts 5: Ananias, Sapphira, and the Apostles' Testimony
A dark moment emerges in the early Church when Ananias and Sapphira, a couple, deceitfully withhold a portion of money from the sale of their property, while claiming to give all. Peter confronts them separately about their deception, stating they have lied not to men, but to God. Both Ananias and Sapphira fall dead upon hearing this, instilling great fear in the Church. Meanwhile, the apostles continue to perform miracles, leading to their arrest by the high priest and his associates. However, an angel frees them at night, instructing them to keep preaching in the temple. Brought before the Sanhedrin again, the apostles are reminded not to teach in Jesus' name, but Peter retorts that they must obey God rather than men. The Pharisee Gamaliel advises caution in dealing with the apostles, suggesting that if their work is of God, it cannot be stopped. The apostles are then flogged and released, rejoicing in their suffering for Jesus' name.

Acts 6: The Appointment of the Seven and Stephen's Arrest
As the number of believers grows, disputes arise, particularly between the Hebraic and Hellenistic Jews over the distribution of food to widows. To address this, the apostles decide to appoint seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this distribution, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. Among those chosen are Stephen and Philip. Stephen, described as full of God's grace and power, performs miracles and signs, drawing the attention of certain Jewish groups. Unable to counter his wisdom, they stir up false witnesses and have him arrested on charges of blasphemy. As he stands before the Sanhedrin, Stephen's face appears "like the face of an angel."