Acts 5, continuing on the theme of the selling of property for the common good, tells of a man called Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, who sold a property. However with his wife's knowledge Ananias kept part of the money and put the rest at the apostles' feet. Peter however perceived what had happened and said to Ananias he had not lied to men but to God! Immediately Ananias dropped dead! 3 hours later Sapphira came in not knowing what had happened and Peter confronted her with her deceit and lies when he perceived that she was traying to sustain the lie, and she also dropped dead bringing great fear upon the whole church. Then the apostles' ministry continued with signs and wonders and many were added to the church. People lined up the sick in the streets so that at least Peter's shadow could touch them and the sick and demon possessed were brought in from neighbouring places and all were healed. This generated jealousy amongst the Jewish religious leaders and they arrested the apostles and jailed them, but during the night the angel of the Lord released them! They then went and taught the Gospel in the temple courts and the Sanhedrin was called to discuss the matter as they were shocked by the apostles' prison escape. Then the Sanhedrin complained that the apostles continued to preach Jesus so they replied, "We must obey God rather than men... Jesus, who you killed, God rose from the dead and exalted him to his right hand... and the leaders were furious and wanted to kill the apostles. However a Pharisee called Gamaliel asked for calm and advocated the apostles' release... and his speech persuaded them to release the apostles with a flogging and they left rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer for the Name.... and they never stopped preaching the Gospel!"
No comments:
Post a Comment