A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 12
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 4.23-37, Homily 11
Chapter 4 v. 23-24 – And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 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,
Their report was not for vanity, but so the grace of God was revealed as the “True Philosophy”
Response to great blessings is fervent prayer in unity to God
When the crowd hears about the persecution of Peter & John, they become even more courageous, which is the power of bearing witness to our struggles FOR Christ and His Gospel
Prayer appeals to the Power of God. “The thing needed was that the mouths of their adversaries be stopped.” SJC
Chapter 4 v. 25-26 – who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.’
Faithful seek comfort and take refuge in the Psalms! (Psalm 2.1-2)
That their persecution would be in vain.
Chapter 4 v. 27-30 – 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 “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, “by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
DOCTRINE! Prayer teaches “about” God AND speaks “to” God. SJC “Let us also learn thus to pray.”
The Love of Christ in the saints stops them from praying for bad things to their enemies
Even in prayer, the Apostles confess the Passion
Chapter 4 v. 31-32 – 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. 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.
Earthquake indication that God had heard their prayer and that He was present (Psalm 67.9/68.8 & 18.8/18.7)
The presence of the H.S. fills them with fervor and boldness
Chapter 4 v. 33-35 – And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 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, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
The H.S. brings unity of heart and soul (more than just mere agreement)
“Moreover, he is just about to enter upon the narrative of Saphira and Ananias, and with a view to show the detestable conduct of the pair, he first discourses of the noble behavior of the rest.” SJC
Love is the source of their unity. “Love begat poverty, and then the poverty drew tight the cords of love.” SJC
People sold their possessions and the Apostles administered the funds. Nobody could claim “they” helped and not someone else. Communal living as totally voluntary!
Joses becomes Barnabas to show virtue and new life in Christ.
Teaching on Wealth and Poverty – (see Homily 11, pp 74-75)
- If our lives were in common, we would be much happier
- Being charitable does not lead to need
- The excess of wealth greatly outnumbers the poor
- It is more expensive to be selfish than to share
- Monasteries are living proof, but that isn’t without work
- Genuine Christian charity would convert the world
- We should at least start! God will bless it.
Life Application – What are you waiting for?!
- Conquer the tongue!
- Learn to speak in love
- Use the tongue for Good
- Pass along the Holy Habits of the Church
- Convert the world!