Acts 5:1-16 How do you start a new church? My grandfather went door to door in Washington and Oregon inviting people. In Germany the first church we started with young people and using music and pantomime to begin. In England we did tent crusades, street meetings and children’s events in parks.
Empowerment and Authority
The Holy Spirit fills them again with boldness, and they take on a direct assault on the traditions of the elites. They return to the place where they had been arrested into the domain of the elders and leaders who commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, no they increase their following.
The believers acknowledge the leadership and authority that Jesus gave to the apostles by bringing their money and possessions to their feet, not into the coffers of the temple! It is used to care for the poor and the widows and all are involved in building community as a family of faith.
Truth and honesty over deception and lies.
Trusting God is serious business. A similar account at the start of taking the Land with Joshua in Chapter 7. “So the Lord said to Joshua, “Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things. Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things under the ban from your midst. Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the Lord, the God of Israel, has said, “There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.””
Joshua 7:10-13 NASB1995
Now there is a similar event (not the same) but with the same effect to show how serious God is about sin. Notice, Peter does not kill them, but God removes unrighteousness from their midst! Please note that this does not become a regular event in the church, but it is a lesson for all ages to come. Holiness is important and a very valuable lesson for all to learn.
Life in the face of danger
The people are drawn to life that heals and instructs in values that are good. They not only respect God’s authority, it affects their whole understanding of community. It demonstrates their commitment to God and to each other. Notice, they were not building houses of worship, they were investing in each other so that all basic needs were cared for. The administration is not defined for us, but we do know that Jesus had a treasurer and that they empowered others to manage the affairs of such a great multitude. The apostles did not keep it for themselves – as in “silver and Gold have I none”!
How does that apply to us today. Where are we challenged in helping to meet needs? How do we invest in people? How can we build a community based on trust and faith and commitment to Jesus?
Let us pray about that right now.