13 Oct (Acts 5-6)

Acts 5

(v.2) This is important to stress to our kids...it wasn't a sin to save some wealth or possession from the church...we all need to feed our families and pay our bills. What was wrong, was that they made it look like they gave ALL that they had...seeking praise from men.

(v.11) God used this moment, like He did in the days of Moses, to make an important point. The people paid attention, and they didn't cheat the Church or lie to God about their tithes and offerings.

(v.28) The Pharisees reveal their real fears and intentions here...they don't want to lose their own power over the people, and they also know that Jesus' blood is on their hands. They want this to go away, instead of repenting and accepting they sinned. Pride keeps us from God.

(v.34) Gamaliel was a highly revered Rabbi, who in fact, taught and tutored another Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus...the Apostle Paul.

(v.39) Gamaliel was wise...he knew that if this new sect of Judaism, Christianity, was of God, then there would be no use fighting it. But if it were just a false cult, then it would die off. Well, over 2,000 years have gone by, and Christianity is the largest faith in the history of man!

(v.41) They rejoiced at their persecution...that is hard for us to understand. But when we read James 1:2 we see things more clearly!

Acts 6

(v.3) A teacher of God's Word is hindered by doing all the other things of a church or ministry. He needs godly people to do their part, and allow that teacher to pray and preach to the people. Steven was one of those men who was gifted with serving, and he did it well.

(v.13) The Pharisees used the same tactics on Steven they used to arrest Jesus...false witnesses to make a case for death.

(v.15) This is something I and all of us should strive to attain...the look of peace and joy in Christ, that no matter what life throws at us, we have a look of peace like an angel.