Acts (4)

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 4 (Lesson 4) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 4.32-37.
Here we get a glimpse of the Church as it signs the Kingdom into the surrounding culture.

For reflection
1.  What “signs” do you see here to indicate that a new power is at work among these people?

2.  Note that “one heart and one soul” (v. 32). Meditate on Ephesians 4.3 and John 17.21. Why is it so hard to maintain unity in the Spirit? Why is it so important we do so?   

3.  What does it look like in a church when “great grace” is abounding on everyone? Can we expect our churches to be like this apart from the proclamation of the resurrection of Christ? Explain.

4.  The selflessness and generosity of this new community stood out in stark contrast to what was typical in that culture. From these verses, comment on the interaction between Christianity and its culture. How does this passage encourage us to think the Church today might make a more positive and powerful impact on its culture? How would that happen?

5.  We’ve been looking at this first Christian community as a sign of the Kingdom of God. How can you see that it was also an outpost of the Kingdom?

Summary
Here is the reality of the Kingdom: The Good News is boldly proclaimed. A new society has come into being. The poor are cared for and those with means gladly relinquish them – not all at once, but as needs arose. The shepherds of the community exercise oversight in care and instruction, and the power of the Spirit is flowing in every direction for life and fruitfulness. This is what God intends for men, and it is the Church’s privilege to present a model of such a just and loving society for the rest of the world. Do you think your church could benefit from a more careful study of these first Christians? Explain.

Closing Prayer
O Israel, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.
The LORD has been mindful of us;
He will bless us;
He will bless the house of Israel;
He will bless the house of Aaron.
He will bless those who fear the LORD,
Both small and great.
May the LORD give you increase more and more,
You and your children.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s;
But the earth He has given to the children of men.
The dead do not praise the LORD,
Nor any who go down into silence.
But we will bless the LORD
From this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 115.9-18

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. For more insight to His work in our here and now, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus, from our online store by clicking here.

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