1. What to Do About Good News
Acts 4: 23-37

2. What to Do About Good News Acts 4: 23-37
Story of healing miracle keeps getting better
Advancement of wisdom & understanding of power of Holy Spirit
Out of jail and ‘court’ with “their own people”.
What do they do? Pray together!
Jewish prayer with OT phrases, quote ‘our father David’ Psalm 2:1-2.
Remarkably similar to Hezekiah’s prayer of Isaiah 37: 16-20

3. What to Do About Good News Acts 4: 23-37
Under threat, Hezekiah asked for deliverance, they ask for courage to share.
They know Scripture, it’s in their prayer.
These believers saw Psalm fulfilled in Jesus AND in their experience as his body.
We’d expect them to ask for deliverance from enemies – they ask for more… boldness
They prayed for signs to uphold God’s Word.
Answer from God – shaking house??

4. What to Do About Good News Acts 4: 23-37
Maybe thunder, earthquake, God’s finger?
They KNEW it was God’s presence!
They knew scripture!
E.g. Isaiah 6:3-4 “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.”
They knew that meant the presence of God!
In Exodus 19:18 whole mountain shook with the Presence of the LORD!

5. What to Do About Good News Acts 4: 23-37
With God’s presence clear, they were filled with the Holy Spirit – again and more…
Luke changes to summary style, very similar to Acts 2:42-47
Together show marks of the church:
-unity in mind and heart (32a)
-sharing possessions (32b)
-power and witness of apostles (33a)
- the grace of God on them (33b)

6. What to Do About Good News Acts 4: 23-37
‘Heart and mind’ is OT concept, not Greek.
Basis of sharing, unselfish unqualified love
Main business: Sharing Gospel of Christ.
No needy among them is OT sign of blessing from Deut 15:4, also shows God’s blessing.
How? Vv. 34b-35 - lay gifts at apostles feet.
Submission to Christ, not apostles.
Two examples, one to follow (Barnabas) and one to avoid (Ananias & Sapphira – Later)
Generous sharing Gospel more than money !