Once the apostles were rearrested for preaching and performing signs and wonders in Jerusalem. Peter had opportunity to speak and the Holy Spirit gave him all he needed to say to his persecutors, and it was true and blistering. So his persecutors, rather than repenting in the face of truth, retaliated in fury. But God found an attendee amongst the council wise enough and respected enough to successfully advise against murder.
Zeal vs. Zeal
In this life of spiritual resistance, spiritual war, it is beneficial to recognize that Satan energizes people in his causes against the Kingdom of Heaven. So Christians are not the only ones zealous to serve their King. On display here is the courageous zeal of the apostles verses the envious and unrighteous zeal of their persecutors. It is also pointed out by God that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him.
Signs and Wonders
After the Holy Spirit’s stern execution of church discipline through Peter in the slaying of two Satanically influenced attendees comes a movement of the Holy Spirit’s healings. These were extraordinary signs and wonders. There is a pattern in Scripture of God doing the extraordinary at the beginning of great works: the days of Exodus, the giving of Moses’ law, the days of Elijah an Elisha, the Gospel and the beginning of the church. These astonishing signs and wonders were necessary in the beginnings of great works, not after.
Lying to God
Satan had earlier made attacks on the Church from the outside. Now, through two attendees, he attacked the Church from within, using spiritual hypocrisy to do it. Peter saw it, and by the Holy Spirit, with just a word, slew the husband and wife who’s hearts Satan had filled to lie to God. God made His point.
A Cup of Strength
The man Barnabas is one of the Bible’s hidden heroes. His gift for pouring strength into others was remarkable, accompanied by his ability to see how God was working, then strengthening believers to take up a vital role. His success in this was outstanding, to the point that humanly speaking we owe a third of the New Testament to him!
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- …
- 28
- Next Page »