Daily Bible Reading Acts 4
Read Acts 4 on your own.
Acts 4 is another glimpse into the life of the early church. They had seen the power of Jesus first hand and wanted the entire world to know that there was hope amidst all they were facing. They relentlessly preached the gospel. They also realized that on their own they struggled and they gathered together to ask God for strength to preach and boldly share God’s good news with the world.
The disciples suffered (even for doing good!):
“The jewish leaders were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.”
“Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
The line below is one of those powerful reminders in scripture that God will often use the weak to lead the strong, the humble to show the way to the proud. And the simple to change the world while the complicated pontificate to no end. When one has been in the presence of Jesus, whether an ordinary commoner or a powerful leader, the world will never be the same!
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
In this chapter we are given a glimpse into a pre-TV and entertainment centered world. It was a time when people relied on each other and sought community and the presence of God for the purposes of God together.
A wonderful pattern for prayer: (Acts 4:23-31)
God-centered
-worshipful
-Thankful
-Humbled
-scriptural
-Asking for God’s power to do what God wanted them to do
… heal and share the gospel
“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”
Result of prayer:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
Unity in everything, including finances! People sold properties to help each other… Crazy stuff
