Two Small Fish
November 7, 2005
Introduction:
This lesson reveals the opportunities presented to witness for the Lord, our commitment to the Lord, and a warning of self-deception.
Core of the
Lesson:
Peter and John ceased the opportunity to present the gospel to the enemies of Christ. This council employed the same men that illegally accused, tried, and sentenced Jesus to death (Matthew 26:1). Peter and nine of the other disciples hid from these men. Yes, Peter followed closely until he denied the Lord three times. The authority of Caiaphas and the others intimidated him. John was the only one who followed Jesus to the cross.
The council’s power had not been revoked since Jesus’ crucifixion. Yet, Peter and John showed no fear before their accusers. The difference being that they were now filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Later, Paul expressed it this way, “for me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NKJV). Knowing that death would bring the reward of Christ’s eternal presence, Peter and John spoke with boldness. They were not invincible. Peter was eventually crucified upside down. John was the only apostle who died of natural causes.
Even though Peter and John proclaimed from the beginning that the miracle was accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the council asked in whose name this miracle was preformed.
Peter made the bold statement: by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole (Acts 4:10 KJV emphasis mine). (Verse eight tells us that he was fill with the Holy Ghost.) Peter continues his discourse by informing the council that Salvation comes through no other name than Jesus Christ. Read verse twelve carefully: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (KJV emphasis mine). The word must is all-inclusive requirement. It leaves no room for other possibilities.
The word salvation means: deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue, general well being. The word is used both in a temporal sense and in a spiritual sense. It denotes a present possession with a fuller realization in the future.
It seems to be a trendy thing these days for people to seek completeness or general sense of well-being through various methods. According to verse 12, apart from Jesus Christ there is no deliverance, soundness, happiness, or prosperity for humanity.
We were created to need a relationship with God. After the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, that relationship was severed. God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ to provide the way to reconcile with Him. Without God, we sense a void in our lives. Without Christ that void can never be filled. Therefore, if we believe that we have found deliverance, soundness, or a general sense of well-being apart from Jesus Christ, we have believed a lie.
The council believed they found a general sense of well-being in the law. They had no time for Jesus when He walked the earth. So, they plotted His death. These men council feared when they wanted to arrest Jesus. And they had not changed. They didn’t care if they did miracles or if they continued to preach, but the council didn’t want them to continue in the name of Jesus. There is mighty power in that name. It convicts those who reject Him.
The council wanted to silence the name of Jesus because they were jealous and guilty – jealous of what they saw in Peter and John and guilty of the most horrendous deed known to humanity. Yet, salvation was for them too. Peter and John preached through the power of the Holy Spirit, which would have given them the love of Christ. Not a condemning attitude, but a loving concern for their hearers. Again, the council refused to accept salvation through the only One who could offer it. If they had accepted it, they would have had to face their guilt. Rebellious pride is the barrier that keeps other wise good people out of heaven. They refuse to admit their sin. And the Bible says, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Romans 3:12 KJV). The only way we can come to Christ is to admit our guilt and need for forgiveness.
Peter and John committed themselves to God when they stated, “Whether it be
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Verses 19-20 KJV. When something extraordinary happens, it’s difficult to remain silent.
Upon their release, Peter and John shared the events with the congregation of believers. Again, Luke reported that they were of one accord as they prayed. It would be good to imitate their prayer. (1) They recognized and praised God for who He is: the creator of all things and the giver of Scripture and prophecy. (2) They acknowledged and praised Jesus Christ for who He is: the Holy child of God, the crucified and risen Savior. (3) They made their petition known: more boldness through the name of Jesus Christ. We may have requested protection, but that wasn’t the case with these believers. They only asked for more boldness to preach the Gospel.
Their prayer resulted in another filling of the Holy Spirit. It was not for a select few because everyone present was filled. And they all spoke with boldness – fearlessness to proclaim the word of God. Although society tempts us to blend in, God wants us to be distinguishable from the rest of the world. (Titus 2:14). Our boldness to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ combined with our love for the lost and dying souls are our distinguishing characteristics.
The early church was marked by unity. Verse 32 says they were of one heart and one soul. The Greek word kardia (kar dee ah) means to palpitate. In other words, they moved together in rhythm with the Holy Spirit. They submitted to the bidding of the Holy Spirit and fruitfulness resulted – physical needs were met, more were brought to salvation, and great grace was experienced. Grace is the unmerited favor of God and the continued work of the Holy Spirit.
Generosity is one of the evidences of the Holy Spirit. As we mature in Christ temporal possessions no longer hold much appeal to us. We focus our concern on the welfare of others rather than on personal gain.
Even generosity can become a vise for Satan to use against us. In chapter 5:1-11, Luke records an incident that makes us pause in wonder. Those who had possessions began selling them. The proceeds were used to benefit those in need. No obligations were placed on believers at that time. They were not required to give anything. So, what was wrong with Ananias and Sapphira selling and keeping some of the profit? Why such a harsh punishment?
They desired the glory the others received. The others received praise for their generosity, but it was not their purpose in giving. In verse nine, Peter points out the sin for us, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Tempting the Holy Spirit is no small offense. Deuteronomy 6:16 cautioned the Israelites about testing or tempting God. Jesus rebuked Satan for tempting God in Luke 4:12.
The Greek word means to test, to try, or to tempt as in strength, disposition, or character. It is demanding that God prove Himself as a condition for our continued loyalty. Ananias and Sapphira took it to the next level and blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. Because they were witnesses and partakers of the Holy Spirit, they should have realized His power and authority. In tempting Him, the mocked Him and desecrated the sacredness of His indwelling Spirit. According to Jesus, there is no forgiveness for this act (Matthew 12:31-32).
Prayer
Requests:
Read Acts 5:12-42. The more miracles performed by the apostles and the more people who believe caused more anger to ignite within the Jewish leaders. Peter finds another golden opportunity to proclaim the good news of our resurrected Lord.
If you feel you are lacking commitment and boldness, do what Paul, John, and the other believers did. Determine in your heart whether it is right to obey God or the manmade doctrine. Ask God to empower you with boldness.
If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org.
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Brenda K. Hendricks