Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament book of Acts—the account of the spiritual body of Christ—as it was written by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in verses twelve through forty-two of the fifth chapter. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one” (Acts 5:12-16). “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with Ingrid nation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:16-32). “When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in ruptation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; and said unto them, ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:33-42). When you come to the fifth chapter you will encounter some incredibly powerful language concerning the days of the apostles—and not only the days of the apostles but also the days of the Holy Spirit. Thus far within this New Testament book we have witnessed and beheld some truly astonishing events which took place within the life of the early church beginning with the day of Pentecost. In the first and opening chapter we witnessed the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ from the mount of Olivet—an event which the two men clothed in white declared unto all those who were present was a type and foreshadow of the return of Christ. As those who were present at the mount called Olivet gazed up into the heavens beholding Christ as He as needed unto the Father before a cloud received Him out of their sight two men clothed in white would appear standing with them asking them why they stood their gazing into the heavens. These two men would emphatically declare that in the same manner in which they witnessed and beheld Jesus ascend unto the Father would be the same manner in which He would return. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when seeking to understand the New Testament book of Acts—and not only the New Testament book of Acts but also the ascension and return of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is something truly captivating and powerful about the words which are found in the first and opening chapter for within it we are brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the mystery that is hidden within the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. The two men who were clothed in white not only declared that Jesus was indeed returning and coming again but also that He would return and come again in the same manner in which they witnessed Him depart from them. Just as Jesus ascended into heaven and was received out their sight by a cloud so also would He come forth from the right hand of the Father when the clouds were removed from before Him and He would suddenly appear. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts beginning with the first and opening verse: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power, but ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight, And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:1-11). As you come to the New Testament book of Acts you will find that it begins with a brief description of the forty days after Jesus was raised from death to life on the first day of the week and the third day after He was crucified. It would be in the opening verses of this chapter we encounter and come face to face with the tremendous truth that not only was Jesus raised from death to life but He would remain upon the earth for a period of forty days before ascending unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. During those forty days Jesus would show Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs as He was seen of many and spoke the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. During these forty days Jesus would instruct and command His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father which they had heard of Him. John truly baptized with water, but they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days thereafter—words which Jesus would declare yet not reveal precisely when they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. What’s more is Jesus would also declare unto those whom He spoke to that they would receive power, after that the Holy Ghost was come upon them and they would be witnesses unto Him both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the book of Acts for the resurrection would indeed make room for the ascension of the right hand of the Father for although Jesus would indeed return unto the Father as was the plan the whole time He would and could not do so without and apart from suffering in the flesh and without being crucified at the hands of sinners. It would be the resurrection of the Lord Jesus that would indeed make room and lead to His ultimate ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about how incredibly important and necessary the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ truly was—not only because revealed and contained within it was the mystery of the return of Jesus in like manner as He departed but it would also be the catalyst for which the Holy Spirit would come and be manifested. It would be Jesus Himself who would declared unto the disciples that it was expedient for Him to depart from the earth for if He did not depart and return unto the Father the person and presence of the Holy Spirit would not come. Jesus clearly and succinctly declared unto the disciples that it was absolutely necessary and critical that he depart from the earth and ascend unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven for through His ascension unto the Father room and space would be made for the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. While Jesus was present in the flesh upon the earth He was limited and restricted to the elements of flesh and blood—and not only flesh and blood but also time and space. If and when Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven He would send the promise of the Father which would come upon and be manifested unto those who believed in Him and received Him as the Messiah and the Christ. That which we find in the opening verses of the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit would indeed be made possible by and through the suffering of Jesus in the flesh, the death of Jesus at the hands of sinners upon the cross, the resurrection of Jesus from the grave on the first day of the week and His ultimate ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and pay attention to for it helps us to understand that although Jesus would ascend up unto heaven and unto the right hand of the Father the Holy Spirit would come down and would be manifested unto the early church and all those who would believe in the person of the Lord Jesus in the days thereafter. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the second chapter of this New Testament book beginning with the first and opening verse: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and the strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine” (Acts 2:1-13). It is incredibly important for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in the second chapter of this New Testament book for while the coming of the Holy Spirit was made possible because of the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ everything we read in the coming chapters would be made possible by and because of the coming of the Holy Spirit. What we find in the second chapter of this New Testament book would indeed be the catalyst and the launching pad for the events which would take place within this same chapter—and not only this same chapter but also in the subsequent chapters that would come thereafter. If you want to truly understand the events surrounding the early church and the book of Acts you must needs understand that while some translations refer to this book as “The Acts of the Apostles” it should really be understood as “The Acts of the Spirit” or “The Acts of the Holy Ghost.” What’s more is I would dare say that this book should be understood—not necessarily or solely as the acts of the apostles but as the activity of the Holy Spirit. There is not a doubt in my mind that what we find and read within this New Testament book was made entirely and altogether possible because of the person, the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit which came and arrived on the day of Pentecost. It would be very easy to think about the words and language which we find in this passage of Scripture and the entire book of Acts and view it through the lens of the apostles, however, I am convinced that viewing this book through such a lens is incredibly shallow, short-sighted and naïve. The book of Acts isn’t merely a book about the acts of the apostles—although they were indeed and were in fact an integral part of the days and events surrounding the early church. The more I read the words which are found in this New Testament book the more I am absolutely convinced that this book is indeed centered upon the tremendous truth surrounding the coming and manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Within this New Testament we encounter the tremendous manifestation and coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible and necessary it truly was. To read and even seek to understand this book as being “The Acts of the Apostles” is incredibly shallow and naïve when you truly take the time to think about it for to read this book through the lens of the apostles themselves is only a part of the picture of what truly took place during those days. The New Testament book of Acts is about so much more than the apostles themselves—despite the fact that the church was built upon the teaching of the apostles. It is indeed true the apostles would be used in an incredibly mighty and powerful way during those days, however, I would dare say that the apostles themselves were but a part in the full picture of the coming and manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament book of Acts is indeed an incredibly powerful book—not merely about the acts of the apostles but about the activity of the Holy Spirit. In fact I would dare say that the acts of the apostles were nothing more than the activity of the Holy Spirit which was present in the earth during those days. From Jerusalem to Judaea to Samaria and even unto Asia I would dare say that the acts which we find and read were indeed the manifestation of the activity of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus declared that He could do nothing of Himself save that which He heard the Father speak and saw the Father do so also the apostles could do nothing of themselves save what the Holy Spirit had anointed them to do. Just as Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel unto the broken-hearted, to give sight to the blind and absolutely everything we read in the four gospels so also were the apostles—and not only the apostles but others such as Stephen—would be anointed by the Holy Spirit “for such a time as this” that they might show forth the works of the Holy Spirit. It would be very easy to read the words which were found in the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts and to see the greatest miracle and work which took place being the speaking of other tongues as the Spirit gave men utterance. In fact there are some denominations which describe speaking with other tongues as “the initial, physical evidence of the Holy Spirit.” There are some who would seek to argue and contend that the single greatest miracle and evidence on the day of Pentecost would indeed be those who were present in the upper room speaking with other tongues. I am absolutely convinced there is something incredibly false and wrong about this when you truly take the time to read the book of Acts. I do not believe for one moment that speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance was the greatest miracle and manifestation on the day of Pentecost nor even within what we read in the second chapter. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am convinced that not even the addition of three thousand souls on the day of Pentecost in response to the preaching of the apostle Peter was the greatest miracle and manifestation of the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. It would be easy to read the words found in this chapter and to even think that the adding of three thousand souls unto those who were present in the upper room as the beginning of the early church and yet I would dare say there was something else that was of greater worth, of greater importance and greater value than this. It was indeed true that those who were present in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance, and it was true that on the day of Pentecost three thousand souls were added to their number, however, if you finish reading the words which are found in the second chapter you will discover the evidence of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit among them. Consider the following words which are found in the second chapter beginning with the thirty-seventh verse: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saving, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common: and sold their possession and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need> And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:37-47). I am absolutely convinced we must needs pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for the words which are found here call and draw our attention to what I believe is the single greatest work and manifestation of the person and presence of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost . I do not for one minute believe that the single greatest miracle of the day of Pentecost was speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance nor do I believe that the greatest miracle was even the adding of three thousand souls to their number nor even the Lord adding to the church daily such as should be saved. Jesus proved and demonstrated that multiplication was indeed easy for Him for on one occasion He would take five loaves of bread and two fish and bless, break and multiply it and give of Himself that He might feed five thousand who had gathered themselves unto Him. What’s more is Jesus would demonstrate and prove on another occasion that multiplication was easy for Him as He would take seven loaves of bread and a few fish and would bless, break and multiply them that He might feed four thousand. With these two events combined Jesus undoubtedly fed upwards of more than ten thousand souls using means which might seem utterly and completely absurd to those who were present—even those who would read the words within our generation. Oh there is not a doubt in my mind that the adding of men and brethren unto those who were in the upper room and adding unto the church such as should be saved was nothing for the Lord for Jesus Himself declared that He would build the church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding what I am convinced is the greatest miracle of the day of Pentecost. The more you read the words which are found in the second chapter of this New Testament book the more I you will encounter and come face to face with the fact that those who were added to the church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. What’s more is that as you read the words which are found in the final verses of the second chapter you will find that fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles—perhaps so much so that others marveled at what was done by their hands and in their presence. Oh if you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that “all that believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of these words and how absolutely and incredibly significant they truly are. The words which we find here demonstrate and prove what is the greatest miracle on the day of Pentecost. Lest you think for one moment that the greatest miracle of the day of Pentecost was not that of community, unity and fellowship I would invite you to consider all we have seen and witnessed over the past two plus years within this nation. If there is one thing these past two plus years has proven and demonstrated it’s that we are a nation deeply divided—and not only deeply divided but divided across religious lines, divided across political lines, divided across gender lines, divided along racial lines, divided on lines of health such as the vaccine and abortion. What’s more is we have proven to be a nation that is and has been divided along the lines of the LGBTQ movement and same-sex marriage. We would be incredibly naïve and out of touch with reality to think—even for a moment—that we are not and have not been a nation that was and is divided at the very core and essence of our being. I read the words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts and I am brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding the day of Pentecost and how the greatest miracle of this day was causing men to have all things common. Stop and consider how incredibly difficult it is to have a handful or perhaps even a dozen people to have all things in common and to be truly unified together with each other. Consider how incredibly challenging it is to have a smaller church and congregation in complete unity and having all things common among themselves so as to be in complete unity with each other. Luke wrote how all those who were present during those days were together and had all things in common and continued in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Moreover Luke would also go on to write how they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, and did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for those who were present during these days were not only together having all things in common but they continued daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful work which took place on the day of Pentecost for I am convinced the single greatest work which was done on the day of Pentecost was the uniting together the hearts, the souls and the spirits of those who were present during those days. The more I read the words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts the more I am confronted with the tremendous and incredible truth that the single greatest miracle which took place on the day of Pentecost was indeed that of causing more than three thousand souls to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship. Stop and consider how incredibly difficult it is to get an entire church and congregation to continue in the teaching and preaching of the minister during this generation and then consider what it would have been like to bring more than three thousand souls to the point and place where they would continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the apostles. I firmly believe that the single greatest miracle which took place on the day of Pentecost was indeed more than simply speaking with other tongues and the addition of three thousand souls to the early church but it was the fellowship and community of all those who were part of and made up the early church. Luke writes how they continued in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. Stop and consider what it’s like to get ten people to agree together in prayer much less three thousand souls to be steadfast in prayer. Luke didn’t merely write how these souls continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread but also in prayers. It was Jesus Himself who declared that if two or more are gathered together in His name there would He be in the midst. Jesus also declared that if two or more agreed as touching any one thing they would have that which they did in fact ask for. This is something we must needs consider for picture three thousand souls agreeing and continuing together in prayer during the days of the early church. There is absolutely no denying the fact that the prayer meeting is indeed the least attended meeting throughout the entire week and apart from a mighty work of the Holy Spirit it will continue to be the Cinderella and outcast of most churches. Oh I am absolutely convinced that the single greatest work of the Holy Spirit was the uniting of the hearts of all those who were part of the early church, causing them to continue steadfast in prayer, causing them to be steadfast in doctrine and fellowship and even causing them to be faithful on a daily basis. Consistency and community were two of the greatest works and miracles which were accomplished and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost—over and above speaking with other tongues and even the addition of three thousand souls. If you continue reading the words which are found in this New Testament book you will find in the third chapter what is the first recorded miracle within the book of Acts. Scripture does not reveal and does not confirm whether or not this was the first miracle that would be done during the days of the Holy Spirit, however, we do know without a doubt that this was the first recorded miracle in the New Testament book of Acts. In the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Jesus and His disciples passing by a man who was blind from birth and how the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned—this man or his parents—that he was born blind. Jesus declared unto them that it was neither this man nor his parents who had sinned but that the manifestation of the works and glory of God would be present in his life he was born blind. Jesus would then make clay from the ground, would anoint the eyes of this man and instruct him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The man would do as Jesus had commanded and instructed him and while it was true he went forth blind and unable to see he would return and come again seeing for the first time in his entire life. This is incredibly important for when you come to the third chapter of the book of Acts you will find another many who had an infirmity from the time of birth as we read of a man who was lame from birth. It would be in the third chapter where we find the account of this man who was lame from birth and whom others brought daily to the Temple and laid him at the gate called Beautiful that he might ask and beg for alms. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the first miracle which would be recorded in the New Testament book of Acts. It be in the third chapter of this New Testament book beginning with the first verse we find the following words concerning the healing of this man who had been lame from his mother’s womb: “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s greatly wondering” (Acts 3:1-11). Oh there is something absolutely astonishing and captivating about the words which we find in this passage of Scripture for it would be this particular miracle that would not only be the first recorded miracle in the book of Acts but it would also be the catalyst for the events which we find in the fourth and fifth chapters of this book. It would be in the third chapter we read of the miracle of the healing of the man who was lame from his mother’s womb and how all those who witnessed and beheld him in the temple greatly wondered and marveled how he had been healed. This miracle of the healing of the man who was lame from birth is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the truly wonderful and powerful reality of the activity of the Holy Spirit during the days of the early church. I am absolutely convinced that the activity of the Holy Spirit is indeed fellowship, community, prayer and the breaking of bread of the saints during those days, however, we must needs recognize that the activity of the Holy Spirit is also healing and miracles in the lives of those who desperately need it. You cannot read the four gospel narratives written by the gospel authors and not encounter miracle after miracle, healing after healing, deliverance after deliverance and the like during the days in which Jesus walked among us in the flesh. The gospels are replete with example after example of the Lord Jesus Christ opening the eyes of the blind, causing the mute to speak, opening the ears of the deaf, causing the lame to walk, casting out devils and unclean spirits, and even raising the daad. The four gospels would be replete with example after example of the signs, wonders and miracles which took place during the public ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and how He would engage Himself in the power and authority of the kingdom—authority over sickness, authority over disease, authority over death, authority over unclean spirits, authority over blindness, authority over nature and so much more. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in the fourth chapter of this New Testament book and I am brought face to face with the fact that this single miracle would incite the chief priests, the scribes, the elders of the people, the Sadducees and the like to offense at and with the apostles. As you come to the fourth chapter of this New Testament book you will find that the third chapter would not not contain the miracle of the healing of the man who was lame from his mother’s womb but also the preaching of the apostle Peter together with the other apostles. It wasn’t merely the miracle of the healing of this man who was lame from his mother’s womb that so incited and incensed the chief priests, the scribes, the elders, the Sadducees, the high priest and the religious system and community during those days. That which incensed and outraged them was also the teaching and preaching of the apostles concerning the resurrection from the dead. The apostle Peter would indeed preach Jesus Christ unto them—and not only would he preach Jesus but he would also preach Jesus crucified and raised from death to life. In all reality I would dare say that what incensed and outraged the chief priests, the scribes and the elders the most was not necessarily the miracle itself but the preaching which would accompany the miracle. What’s more is it is quite interesting to think about the fact that in the third chapter the preaching would follow the miracle—something which is truly astonishing when you consider the words which Jesus declared concerning “these signs will follow the preaching of the word.” On this particular occasion it would be the miracle that would precede the preaching just as in the second chapter it would be the manifestation of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost that would precede the preaching of the apostle Peter. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fourth chapter concerning the outrage of the religious system and community during those days: “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was not even tide. Howbeit many of them heard the word believed; and the. Number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that 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. This is the stone which was set at nought of your builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:1-12). “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, 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. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed” (Acts 4:13-22). It is necessary for us to recognize and pay attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and how truly wonderful it is for during the days of the apostles and during the days of the early church the Holy Spirit would heal a man who was lame from his mother’s womb. What’s more is the healing of this man who was lame from his mother’s womb would indeed be one that was greatly used during those days because it would greatly incense and outrage the religious system of that day. I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found within this passage of Scripture and how absolutely incredible it truly is when you take the time to think about how this particular event would upset the religious system. Not only this but it wouldn’t merely be the healing of this man who was lame from his mother’s womb that would upset the religious establishment and system of that day but it would be the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that would anger and outrage them. The religious system wasn’t merely incensed at the fact that a miracle which they could not dispute or refute had taken place among them but that the apostles would preach that through Jesus there is the resurrection from the dead. That which greatly outraged and incensed the religious system during those days was indeed the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the preaching of the resurrection from the dead for this would mark the second time the apostles would indeed teach and preach the resurrection from the dead. It would be on the day of Pentecost—and not only on the day of Pentecost but also on the day the man who was lame from birth was healed the apostle Peter would stand up and preach Jesus—and not merely preach Jesus but preach Jesus being crucified, being raised from death to life again and even coming again. As you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that not only were the religious leaders outraged and incensed at the apostles for preaching but they would also threaten them that they no longer preach this gospel of resurrection from the dead. Undoubtedly the religious system and establishment of those days took great offense to Jesus while He walked among them as the Word made flesh and now that Jesus was gone His disciples were rising up in His stead and in His place teaching and preaching in His name. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it is that during these days the religious system and establishment recognized that although Jesus was indeed gone and no longer in the picture those who walked with and followed Him remained among them. Those who walked with and followed the Lord Jesus would indeed teach and preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus and that Jesus had indeed been raised from death to life on the third day. Oh this is incredibly significant when you take the time to think about it for the religious leaders during those days thought they had crucified and put to death the person of the Lord Jesus and yet what they were finding now was His disciples and apostles teaching and preaching that He had been raised from death to life. What’s more is the healing of this man who was lame from his mother’s womb would be a powerful witness that would attest to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Just as Jesus healed countless men, women and children during the days He walked upon the earth—and even healed on the sabbath—so also would the apostles now offer healing during those days. That which so angered and outraged the scribes, the elders, the chief priests, the Sadducees and the religious system was the preaching of Jesus the Christ and the resurrection from the dead. The religious system could not handle this teaching and preaching of the resurrection from the dead and as a direct result of this they would threaten the apostles and seek to silence them that they no longer preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. What I so love about the words which you find in this New Testament book is that after the religious system and establishment had threatened the apostles before releasing and letting them go they would return unto their company and the brethren speaking unto them of all that had happened unto them. The apostles counted it a privilege and honor to be associated with the suffering(s) of the Lord Jesus and to be counted worthy to suffer together with Him. The apostles were not swayed, alarmed, disturbed, nor deterred by the threats of the religious establishment during those days for they could but teach and preach those things which they saw and heard. The apostle Peter would declare unto them that they could not help but teach and speak those things which they saw and heard just l Ike the prophet Jeremiah would declare that even if he tried remaining silent he couldn’t for the word of the Lord within him was like a fire that was shut up in his bones. The apostles would take that which the religious system and establishment would indeed do to them with their threats and would return unto the brethren and company of the saints and would not only tell them of all that had happened to them but they would also bring it before the living and eternal God in prayer. If you continue reading the words which are found in the fourth chapter of this New Testament you will find that instead of being offended with the threats and words of the religious system and establishment during those days the apostles together with the brethren would lift up their voices before and unto the living God of heaven and earth in prayer. Verses twenty-three through thirty-one describe the events which would take place during those days and how the apostles and the brethren would indeed lift up their voices before and unto the LORD in prayer and how the Lord would respond by shaking the place where they were praying and how they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the twenty-third verse: “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hat made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:23-31). It’s truly and utterly incredible how even in the face of the threatenings of the chief priests and elders the apostles were not moved nor swayed by their threatenings. The apostles returned unto their company and the brethren and told them all those things which had happened unto them—how they were laid up in the hold, how they were released, how they were threatened and how they were commanded to no longer preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus. What took place next was not the company of believers cowering in fear because of the threatenings of the religious establishment and government of the day but looking to the LORD in prayer. All those who were gathered together on this particular occasion would lift up their voices in prayer and would ask for two distinct things—that the hand of the LORD might be stretched forth to heal that signs and wonders might be done in the name of Jesus and that they might have boldness to speak the word which was given unto them. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to consider it for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful reality that although the apostles were indeed threatened by the chief priests, the elders, the scribes and the religious system they cared nothing for their own selves but that the name of Jesus might be preached. That which the apostles were greatly desirous of was that they would have boldness to speak the word concerning Jesus and the resurrection from the dead and that the hand of the LORD would be stretched forth to heal those who were in need. The apostles earnestly desired and entreated the living God that signs and wonders might be done in the name of His Son Jesus that men might indeed believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, might call upon that name and would indeed and would in fact be saved. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the final words of the fourth chapter sets the tone and stage for what we find in the fifth chapter. In the final verses of the fourth chapter we find that the multitude of them which believed were of one heart and of one soul. What’s more is that none of the brethren said any of them that ought of the things which they possessed was their own but they had all things common. Luke writes how with great owner gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all. With this being said we also read how there was none among them that lacked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles’ feet that distribution might be made unto every man according as he had need. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how truly incredible it is when you consider it for within this passage of Scripture we find the beloved physician Luke writing how during those days the brethren had all things in common—and not only did they have all things in common but they also did not count their own possessions as being near and dear and even belonging unto them. The brethren and company of believers during those days believed that what they had did not belong to them but instead belonged to each and every person who believed and was numbered among them. Luke writes how there was none among them that lacked and how distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Oh stop and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is and how during the days of the early church there was none among them that lacked for when men and women truly live in community and unity in the Spirit there is absolutely none that lack. Oh what an absolutely incredible challenge this truly is for as we can and will see in the fifth chapter there is an inherent danger in not only lying to the Holy Ghost but there is also a tremendous danger in holding back that which would and could benefit the needs of the community and company of the saints of the living God. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the final verses of the fourth chapter beginning with the thirty-second verse and the opening verses of the fifth chapter beginning with the first verse: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:32-37). “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thin in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that y have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then she fell down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things” (Acts 5:1-11). There is a great need to recognize and understand the words which are found in these two passages of Scripture for they are intrinsically linked and connected to each other. In fact I would dare say that it is what we find in the fourth chapter that is the precedent and foundation for what we would find in the fifth chapter. It is in the fourth chapter where we find that among the brethren there was none among them that l asked for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles’ feet. What’s more is that when you continue reading the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that of and from that which was laid at the apostles’ feet distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. As if this weren’t enough there was a man by the name of Joses who by the apostles was surname Barnabas who had land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Oh I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it takes a tremendous work of the Holy Spirit within one’s heart and mind to take what they would have otherwise and might have previously thought belonged to them and sell it that they might take the proceeds and give unto the needs of the body of Christ. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely astonishing and challenging this is—to take that which you once perceived as belonging unto you, selling it and taking that which you earned from the sale and giving it unto the needs of the body of Christ. This is precisely what makes the narrative and account of the rich young ruler so incredibly challenging for this man would come running unto the presence of Jesus asking what good thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus would initially speak to him of the commandments and what was written in the law but would then transition to the place where He would declare that if He wanted to have eternal life, come after and follow Him and have treasure in heaven he needed to sell all that he had and give to the poor. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize and pay attention to the narrative and account of the rich young ruler for Jesus invited him to detach and deliver himself from those things which would hold him back and would keep him in bondage to the things of the world. Jesus knew that this man was bound to and by the love of money and was one who was consumed with the possessions he had and perhaps even those possessions he would accumulate within and throughout his life. Jesus recognized that if this man truly desired and would step into eternal life he needed to be delivered from the love of money—and not only delivered from the love of money but also from the possessions he held on to so tightly. Jesus knew and recognized the tremendous need to take that which was sold and make distribution unto the poor and offered this rich young ruler the chance and opportunity to do just that. What we find to be so incredibly unique about this passage, however, is that despite the fact that this rich young ruler might have entered and come into the presence of Jesus full of excitement, zeal, enthusiasm and the like he would leave sorrowful. The gospel authors describe the reason for his leaving with sorrow in his heart for he was a man who had many possessions and great wealth. This man was unable to deliver and detach himself from his possessions, from wealth and from the love of money and as a direct result would be unable to make distribution unto the poor. What we find in the fourth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts is something which warrants strong consideration for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding one of the greatest works of the Spirit within the heart and mind of a disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is not a doubt in my mind that it is a truly mighty work of the Spirit to bring one to the place where they no longer count nor view their own possessions as their own but would view them in light of the community of brethren. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in both the final section of the fourth chapter as well as the opening portion of the fifth chapter and I can’t help but be confronted with this work of the Spirit within my own life. There have been and there are times when I can see glimpses of this work of the Spirit within my life through my willingness to give of that which the living God has blessed me with, however, there are other times when I can indeed be stringent and stingy with what He has blessed and provided me with. In all reality there are in fact times when I am closer to Ananias and Sapphira than I am with Barnabas for although I might be willing to give some I am not willing to give all. If you want to truly understand that which was so dangerous about this couple who lived during the days of the Holy Spirit it’s that they were only willing to give some rather than all and attempted to and thought they could like to the Holy Spirit about it. We play an incredibly dangerous game when we think that we can hold back a portion of what is being asked of us and that we can somehow lie to the Holy Spirit about it. Ananias and his wife were two individuals who had a piece of land, sold it and did in fact bring a portion of the proceeds unto the apostles’ feet, however, they would find themselves in gross violation of the holiness of the living God when they kept a portion back for themselves, made others believe they had brought the full sum of the sale to the apostles and essentially lied about what they were giving. What’s more is that within this passage of Scripture we find this couple not merely lying to men and to the apostles but lying unto the Holy Spirit Himself. Oh if there is one thing we learn and recognize within this passage of Scripture it’s that the Holy Spirit is more than simply an inanimate object or unseen and invisible force but is actually a person who can be lied to. The more I think about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am confronted with the reality that if the Holy Spirit has not wrought this work within one’s heart and soul it is and would be incredibly easy for them to lie to Him about it. Ananias and his wife did in fact sell land and did in fact keep a portion of it back and while there wasn’t anything inherently wrong about keeping back a portion for themselves it was the false evidence of what they did parading and masquerading itself as real that was the true danger and transgression. Ananias and his wife kept back a portion of what they had sold thus demonstrating that they were just as much concerned about their own needs as they were the needs of others. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if part of—if not the main reason they kept a portion back for themselves was because they didn’t truly trust in the provision and blessing of the living God. It is incredibly possible that Ananias and Sapphira—although they were indeed part of the community and fellowship of believers—were detached from it doubting that if they sold what they had and brought the full amount unto the apostles they would somehow lack and be without. In all reality I would dare say that what we see here was not only a distrust in the provision and blessing of the living God but also a distrust in the community and fellowship of the saints of the living God. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding Ananias and Sapphira and how their decision to hold a portion back for themselves demonstrated a strong cynicism and distrust—not only in the person of the living God but also in the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am convinced the underlying reason why this couple would have kept back a portion of the proceeds they received from the sale of their possession was because they truly did not trust in the living God for His provision and even for His blessing within their lives. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am incredibly challenged by the words and language contained within it for it brings us face to face with the inherent danger that surrounds the cynicism and distrust that is found within our own hearts and souls. I am absolutely convinced that the underlying reason why this couple would have kept back part of the proceeds of the sale of the possession and thought they could lie to the Holy Spirit about it. This couple without a doubt had a tremendous distrust and cynicism within their hearts and souls and I would dare say did not believe in the goodness that was and could be found within the hearts and lives of others—especially those who were redeemed by the precious blood of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. This couple thought they could keep a portion of the proceeds back because they were in all reality elevating their own needs above those of the body of Christ and in all reality believed they needed to in essence take care of themselves. This is something we dare not and must not miss when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for it confronts the same reality and its potential for being present within our lives. Ananias and Sapphira could have kept the possession for themselves and they could have even kept back all or a portion of the proceeds which they received, however, the danger was found in their lying to the Holy Spirit and lying to men thinking they could lead them to believe they had given the full amount unto the Lord and even unto the body. Pause for a moment and consider how incredibly dangerous this truly is when we as the saints of God give the impression they are giving their all unto the Lord and yet they are holding a portion of themselves or their possessions, or their time, or their treasure, or their talent back for themselves. In bringing this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the absolutely incredible truth that is found within his passage of Scripture for it forces us to come face to face with the distrust and cynicism that is present within our own hearts and lives. We as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ must needs examine ourselves in the sight and presence of the living God and truly understand whether or not we are those who are not only distrusting of the eternal and living God but are also those who are distrusting of the body of Christ. The single greatest reason Ananias and Sapphira would have kept back a portion of the proceeds they received from the sale was indeed their distrust in the body of Christ—despite the work of the Holy Spirit that would have taken place in the midst of the body of Christ during those days. Undoubtedly this couple kept a portion back for themselves because they believed they needed to take care of themselves and did not trust that they could live in community the way the body of Christ did. In all reality this is something we need to recognize within our own hearts and minds for we must needs acknowledge whether or not we truly do believe that we are able to and can live in community—true community and fellowship—with the body of Christ and the saints of God. To live in true fellowship and community with the body of Christ the way the early church did it requires us to yield ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit within our own lives and trust the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others. What’s more is that truly living in community and fellowship with the body of Christ requires us to be those who are truly willing to trust in the work of the Holy Spirit and truly trust in the goodness that is and can be found in the hearts and lives of others. We as the saints of God must be those who are ready, willing and able to live in community together with the body of Christ and completely and utterly deliver ourselves from any cynicism and distrust which might be present within our hearts and souls. Moreover we as the saints of God must needs be those who give ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives for it is the work of the Spirit that truly enables us to live in community and fellowship with the body of Christ the way we were intended and created to.