The Book of Acts
Acts
Acts 2:43-47
Verse 43
Acts 2:43
“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were
done through the apostles.”
NKJV
“Fear” – awe, reverence, respect Many in and around Jerusalem
became in awe of what they had witnessed. It had a powerful impact
upon the people.
Acts 4:33 “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them
all.”
NKJV
The
apostles performed many signs and wonders which strengthened the
sense of awe.
Acts 5:12 “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and
wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one
accord in Solomon’s Porch.”
NKJV
These helped confirm or authenticate the truthfulness of the Word.
Hebrews 2:3-4 “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a
salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and
was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness
both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the
Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”
NKJV
Verses 44-45
Acts 2:44-45
“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as
anyone had need.”
NKJV
These verses describe the level of love and concern these new
Christians had for one another, thus devoting to ministering to
those in need. These Jews had become Christians in one day.
Many would not be accepted at home and therefore could not return to
their home. Note
I Corinthians 16:15.
“I urge you, brethren – you know the household of Stephanas, that it
is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves
to the ministry of the saints –
NKJV
Acts 4:32-35
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that
any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they
had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those
who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the
sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to
anyone as he had need.”
NKJV
They shared what they owned. “Whatever is mine is yours.” This
type of generosity should be indicative of every congregation in
every age.
I John 3:17 “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his
brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love
of God abide in him?”
NKJV
This attitude was no doubt a contributing factor in the growth of
the early church.
Verse 46
Acts 2:46
“So
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and
simplicity of heart,”
NKJV
These early disciples wanted to be with each other on a daily
basis. Unfortunately, many today believe one hour per week is
plenty! They began by meeting in the temple grounds, which covered
20 acres and could accommodate 200,000 people.
Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not
cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
NKJV
”With one accord” – united in mind and spirit
Acts 4:32 “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart
and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he
possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.”
NKJV
I Corinthians 1:10 “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that
there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined
together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
NKJV
“Breaking bread” – They ate common meals or social meals together.
They ate these meals with gladness and joy. These meals [food] were
for nourishment, not the Lord’s Supper. There was no envy, jealousy
or strife among these earliest disciples.
Verse 47
Acts 2:47
“praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord
added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
NKJV
These new Christians continued to praise God at home and in the
temple. They also won respect from others by their devotion and
service.
Romans 14:18 “For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable
to God and approved by men.”
NKJV
Whenever one repented and was baptized, they were added to those
saved by the Lord.
Acts 5:14 “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord,
multitudes of both men and women,”
NKJV
The church, the body of Christ, is the saved. There are none saved
outside the church.
Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ
is head of the church; and He is the savior of the body.”
NKJV
Bobby Stafford May 24, 2015 [Evening] Acts: Lesson 11
Acts 2:43-47
