Sunday School Lessons: Acts 4 Pt. 2

Lesson 8
  

23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,

Who are “their own companions?”

When they heard what had happened, what was their response?

This is a meeting of the church.  We can learn a little about them by how they prayed. They began with Jesus (Lord) and acknowledged that He is God, the Creator of all things.

They included Old Testament scriptures in their prayer:

Read Psalm 2 (discuss Messianic Psalms)

25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:


     ‘ Why did the nations rage,
      And the people plot vain things?
       26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
      And the rulers were gathered together
      Against the LORD and against His Christ.’(Annointed One)

Psalm 2 was beginning to be fulfilled with Christ’s crucifixion.

Notice that they were in one accord (vs 24) which means they were in agreement.  They began their prayer with Christ—who He is and what He has done (The person and the work of Christ).(vs 24)  They acknowledged the authority of the Old Testament scriptures.

27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

Again, the understanding is that while it was God’s determined purpose that Christ, the anointed One would go to the cross, the blame is laid on whom?  Matthew Henry says that “. . . sin is not the less evil for God's bringing good out of it.”

Did they pray for the persecution to cease?  Did they ask God to deliver them from their enemies?  No, they asked for boldness to speak His Word. They asked Him to do miracles as a sign through Jesus’ name.

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

God answered their prayers, for He helped them to preach the Word of God with boldness and courage.
  

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. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Here is a description of how the early church lived and worked together.  What are some of the things you notice that is different from the church today?  Why was the early church able to share everything equally?  What quality did they have that allowed them to live in this way?

Vs 36—This is the first mention of Barnabas, who plays a very big role in the book of Acts.  Barnabas is a Levite.  (discuss the meaning of Levite)  He was from Cyprus, not Jerusalem.  He is called the Son of Encouragement.  The first thing we see Barnabas doing is letting go of worldy wealth and possessions.  This prepared him for the work that God had prepared for him.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.