This week's reading encompasses about two-thirds of the book of Acts. In the original language, the title is "Acts of [the] Apostles." Interestingly, the book focuses mainly on the acts of just three Apostles: Peter, John, and Paul. In fact, more than half the book is dedicated to Paul's conversion and ministry. Another principal player in the drama of Acts is the Holy Spirit. No other New Testament book highlights the work of the Spirit as much as Acts. This has prompted some Bible commentators to suggest that the book should have been named "Acts of the Holy Spirit."
The other Apostles, however, do make several key appearances. They are present and accounted for in the opening of the book, as Jesus gives his final instructions before ascending to heaven. They are together when they choose Judas' replacement (1:12-26). Together they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (2:1-4). They were an integral part of the conversion of 3,000 people and the beginning of the early church (2:41-47). The Apostles were thrown in jail, freed by an angel of the Lord, and told to stand in the temple courts and preach the good news of Jesus...to the chagrin of the religious leaders who locked them up (5:12-42). They appointed seven key leaders to address a divisive issue, one of whom was Stephen, the church's first martyr (6:1-7:60). And they were present at the famous Jerusalem Council, which decided the fate of every non-Jewish Christ follower from then until now (15:1-35). So in the end, "Acts of the Apostles" is a fitting title.
We've pointed out that Acts is Luke's Volume 2. The Gospel of Luke is Volume 1. This is a book about new beginnings and the struggles associated with them. One important point to notice is that when people do God's will, those who don't won't like it.
Our Bible reading for the week unfolds like this:
* Weekend: Acts 1-2
* Monday: Acts 3-7
* Tuesday: Acts 8-9
* Wednesday: Acts 10-12
* Thursday: Acts 13-14
* Friday: Acts 15-18
As you make your way through this exciting portion of Scripture, prayerfully consider the ways that God is calling you to carry out his will...and ask for God's help to deal gracefully with those who might not like it when you do.
Faithfully,
Chuck
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What is the point of the Ananias and Sapphira story? I get that it is about not lying to God. But the punishment seems rather harsh. Why did it need to be that strong a punishment? What is is about lying to God that demands this reaction? A & S probably lied out of pride and greed. They were too proud to admit that it wasn't the full price in front of everyone, and too greedy to give it all. How would the story end if they had just owned up to what they were doing and given a portion? Peter seems to indicate that they could have gone this way.
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