14 November

Bible in 365 Days                                 
Acts 4-6
 

Acts 4
Opposition to Apostolic preaching and work seems to have originated mostly from the influence of the Sadducees. The preaching of the apostles contradicted all the cardinal elements in the Sadducean philosophy, which is comprehensively revealed later (Acts 23:8). The first note of their preaching was affirmation of the resurrection of the Lord; moreover, they declared later that they had been delivered from prison by an angel, and that they were working with the Holy Spirit.

However, all attempts at suppression produced the contrary result. The three thousand of Pentecost had already grown to five thousand. We now see the apostles for the first time definitely placed on trial. It was a significant bar, consisting of Annas, Caiaphas, and others of the kindred of the high priest. At first no definite charge was preferred. It was a court of inquiry. Peter affirmed that his authority was from Jesus of Nazareth, through whose power the wonder had been wrought. With great daring he charged these very men with the murder of Jesus.

The tribunal was astonished at these men's boldness, and it is arresting to observe that they concluded that "they had been with Jesus."

Confronted with this opposition, the disciples betook themselves to prayer, and they had a new manifestation of power in a new filling of the Holy Spirit.

Here we have the introduction of Barnabas and his action. In a venture of faith he sold his land, and invested its proceeds in the work of God.

Acts 5
Here we have a terrible story. The account of Ananias and Sapphira stands in vivid contrast to that of Barnabas. The sin was dishonest dealing with the Holy Spirit. The judgment was swift and terrible.

The salutary effect of it was seen in the people's fear of joining this new community. Notwithstanding these things, the work went forward. Multitudes of both men and women were added to the Lord.

The opposing forces are now seen face to face. The enemies of Christ were roused to action. The apostles were arrested and imprisoned, and were supernaturally released. The scene of their appearance before the judges is vivid. On the one side was the most august and representative assembly that could be gathered. On the other, a handful of men who by all human standards were mere nonentities. As the spokesman of the whole Church, Peter addressed the assembly. The Sadducees were filled with anger. Gamaliel was a Pharisee, and really found himself more in agreement with the doctrine of the apostles than with the rationalism of the Sadducees. He advised, therefore, that these men should be left alone. The picture of them going forth rejoicing in suffering is filled with beauty, showing their experience of relationship with Christ.

Acts 6
The story alternates between the opposition of the outside crowd and the condition of the Church in its own borders. A difficulty arose concerning the distribution of relief which had a national tone. As we consider the story it is very arresting to notice that whereas the complaint had come from the Greeks, all those appointed in the new diaconate bore Grecian names.

In this connection it is declared that "the Word of God increased," "and the number of the disciples multiplied." One of those elected, Stephen, was a remarkable man; as the chronicler says, he was "full of grace and power." His witness brought on him bitter attack, which was popular rather than priestly, the first manifestation of this kind of opposition