Acts 4:23-37, a community united in prayer and love

Today's Scripture Summary

The apostles and their companions pray in unison. They ask that God's word would be preached and that signs and wonders would be done in spite of the threats of those who oppose Jesus. As they pray, they are all filled with the Holy Spirit and speak God's word with boldness. The group of believers are of one mind and one accord and share what is theirs.

1. The saints pray together (4:23-31)

The spiritual strength to endure persecution comes from prayer. Peter and John go to a coworker and tell him everything that has happened. The companions are probably a small group of people, including the other apostles and some believers. When they hear the threats and warnings from the council, they pray out loud with one accord. They ask for God's help to overcome the persecution they are about to face. The call to "Lord High Priest" (v. 24) is a confession that the God who is in control of heaven and earth is the true ruler, not the Jewish council with worldly power. They pray, trusting that God, their creator and sovereign, will resolve their difficulties. When they finish praying, the place where they are gathered shakes, and the whole group is filled with the Holy Spirit. These are signs that God has heard their prayers.

-

How did God answer the united prayer of the apostles and believers? Why should the preaching of the gospel be supported by prayer?

2. The saints have things in common (4:32-37)

The members of the early church became "of one mind and one accord" (v. 32). "Mind" and "accord" have similar meanings, and the two words are used side by side to emphasize that the saints were united. They were united by being filled with the Holy Spirit, and they practiced love by putting things in common. A concrete evidence of love is economic sharing. When the saints sold their homes or land, they would lay the money at the feet of the apostles, who would distribute it to those in need. This is why there were no poor people in the early church. Barnabas, in particular, is an example of a believer who practiced love and devotion. The gospel has the power to change what the world system cannot.

-

Where and how did the apostles use the money brought in by the saints? How am I practicing loving giving in my community?

Prayer for the day

God, ruler of the whole world, respond to the cries of your servants who suffer for the sake of the gospel. When I encounter problems, may I be able to interpret them through the lens of your Word and faith. Help us to pray fervently, share love, and demonstrate the power of the gospel with one accord, no matter what the challenge.