Introduction

Despite being threatened by the Sanhedrin, Peter and John did not give in. The church united in prayer to God and God responded to their prayers. “And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” (v 31). Today’s passage is a report of the fruits of this bold evangelistic effort (the first report of church growth is found in Acts 2:42-47).

The congregation of those who believed

“And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.” (1) How many believers were there at this stage? (a) Over 500 people had witnessed Jesus’ resurrection (1 Cor. 15:6). (b) About 120 brethren were praying together in the upper room (Acts 1:15). (c) On the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people were added as disciples. Including women and children, the number likely reached around 10,000 at this stage. (d) By Peter’s second message, about 5,000 more were saved (Acts 4:4). Including women and children, the number would have reached approximately 25,000 at this stage. Even after the Diaspora Jews left Jerusalem, there were still around 20,000 believers in and around Jerusalem. (e) At that time, there were about 6,000 formal members of the Pharisees, and far fewer formal members of the Sadducees (according to the records by Josephus). This explains why both groups viewed the church with hostility. (f) It seems that the apostles were fully occupied with serving the Jerusalem church and had little capacity to go out beyond that. (2) “One heart and soul… all things were common property to them.” (a) Among the believers, there was unity brought about by the love of Christ. This unity was expressed through the sharing of possessions. (b) When needs arose, they sold properties and houses and distributed the proceeds to those in need. (c) This was not an attempt to enforce economic equality nor a denial of private property. It was a voluntary act of charity by the disciples of Jesus. “And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.” (1) Actions that align with God’s will are pleasing to Him. The apostles’ powerful testimony (supernatural power) was evidence that it was pleasing to God. (2) No one was excluded from God’s great grace. Let’s reflect on what it means to walk in a manner pleasing to God. Blessed are those who are protected by God’s great grace.