Day 31: Acts 4-6. Signs and Wonders, and Opposition
The apostles are witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus -- in both their deeds of power and in their preaching. But they also spend time defending themselves from religious leaders who do not understand this new thing and who are angry and probably afraid. They are brought up against the council more than once in these beginning chapters of Acts, and they are thrown into prison, only to be let out by the power of the Holy Spirit. "You know those uneducated fishermen you threw in prison? they're preaching in the temple again!" For a little while, at least, the faith community seems to lead an ideal life. They are devoted to Jesus and to one another. They have no secrets (it seems) and they share everything -- not because they have to, but freely. they sell property and lay the proceeds at the apostles' feet, to be used for the good of the whole community. Wow. Until Ananais and Sapphire. It doesn't take long for someone to come along ...