Last week we ended with what seemed like a tragedy-the first martyr of the young church. But what we see today is that this has not only not stopped the advance of the gospel, it actually propels it.

While the believers had already faced persecution from religious leaders and dealt with some internal struggles, things were about to take a turn for the worse. The opposition they were about to encounter would be much more intense.

This story serves as a timeless template or pattern for how the church should manage the demands of a growing ministry.

The story of Ananias & Sapphira is one of the most alarming stories in the Bible. Their deception is dealt with by God, causing all who hear of it to be afraid as God purifies His church.

Last week we left off at verse 18 as the religious leaders gave a command to stop preaching in Jesus name. Today we see the response from Peter and John as well as the impact that this form of persecution had on the church. Let’s just say, it didn’t go as the religious leaders had hoped.

Peter and John were just following Jesus. They came upon this man who was in need of healing and in that moment were given the gift of faith and healing and Jesus healed the man. Now, they are going to get in trouble for it and be questioned by the authorities. And what we see is exactly what Jesus had told them. The Holy Spirit will speak. I will defend myself.

Today’s message focuses on a miracle healing, but it’s not just a single act, it’s more than that, as Jesus heals and offers the hope of salvation through the Apostle.

How are we to understand that the Prince of Peace, Who’s birth was announced with the prospect of bringing peace on earth, said plainly that He didn’t come to bring peace, while at the same time the Bible promises that through Him we can have a peace that surpasses comprehension?

We have seen how the outpouring of the Spirit was a setup for the good news and the offer of salvation. Peter has stood up, and preached to the crowd. Today we are going to look at the effect of the inspired word. 

The Apostle Paul gives us a pattern to follow as we look for an open door of opportunity for ministry. (The Valdosta team report will be published separately)