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| But the priests, ruler, elders and scribes can’t rejoice with the man, for this miracle threatens the smooth running operation of the temple. In some ways, the apostles threaten not only the theology of the temple by claiming that the healing comes through the name of Jesus. They also threaten the economic system of the temple. Who’s going to bother to come to the temple and pay the temple tax if you can get healing through this band of uneducated but eloquent people? Why go through the temple system for forgiveness of sins when the People of the Way claim that forgiveness comes through the name of Jesus? And they have the miraculous healings to back them up. So the authorities sternly warn them to stop speaking in the name of this Jesus. But the apostles throw down the gauntlet when they say they can’t keep from speaking what they have heard and witnessed. They cannot keep quiet. And with such a big crowd looking on, the authorities can’t punish them like they want to. So they let Peter and John go. Upon release they go straight to their beloved community. And here, in verses 23-31, we see the community at work. They interpret scriptures together as a body, an important practice that guards against heresy. They praise and bring petitions to God. And amazingly enough, given the recent arrest of Peter and John, they don’t ask for more protection from God or a decrease in the persecution. They ask for more boldness! The Holy Spirit comes to them in a special way, with a physical shaking (see chapter 2). God hears and honors the prayers of this group. Miracles continue and they speak the word of God with boldness. What follows next (our story) is similar to Acts 2:42-47. In both places, Luke summarizes what community is like. Our story goes more in depth with the practice of sharing possessions, but both passages show a balance of worship, fellowship and care for the world. Continued... |
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