Acts 6:1-7 ESV

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

GROWTH AND CHANGE

There was a significant spiritual movement in the lives of the apostles and the rest of the church so that they grew exponentially. A significant change should happen in us should we want to grow. A person who continues to do what he is doing and expects a different result is a fool.

However, their numerical and spiritual growth had inevitably bred new problems. A complaint [grumbling] by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. More people means more needs to attend to.

Thus, they decided to pick out from among them seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, who will attend to this duty. Thus, they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. The apostles laid their hands upon them for this ministry. Although the passage doesn't use the word ‘diakonia’, this is the establishment of the office of "deacon" in the church. Diakonia, the Greek root word from which "ministry" comes, specifically refers to the role of the deacons who collect and disperse resources. Later Paul outlined at 1 Timothy 3:8–13 the qualifications for deacons, most of which deal with integrity. While deacons need to be spiritually mature, as any church leader should be, the apostles saw to it to that they will handle the finances honestly and responsibly.

The apostles were very clear that they won’t attend to every need of the church by themselves. They said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They had to focus on their priority of prayer and preaching.

As a result the church continued to grow. Apparently, when needs are met by suitable and dedicated people doing the ministry according to their giftinghad caused the church to grow. The disciples had delegated the work which made them laser-focused on the word. Prayer and Word ministry are the primary ministries of the pastors in our churches. All the others are subsidiary or secondary. Like the apostles, let’s not be ‘jack of all trades but master of none’. Where God has planted and gifted us, let’s bloom and not like the rolling stone that gather no moss.

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Acts 5:40-42 ESV

40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

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40 Sila'y napaniwala niya. Nang maipatawag nila ang mga apostol, hinagupit sila at inutusang huwag nang magsalita sa pangalan ni Jesus, at sila'y pinalaya. 41 Sa kanilang pag-alis sa Sanhedrin, nagalak sila na ituring na karapat-dapat magtiis ng kahihiyan alang-alang sa Pangalan. 42 Araw-araw, sa templo at sa mga bahay-bahay, hindi sila tumigil sa pagtuturo at pangangaral na si Jesus ang Cristo.

PERSECUTED YET REJOICING

Having been convinced by Gamaliel, they held back their thought of killing the apostles and their companions. They flogged them instead before releasing them. During their interaction, the council ordered Peter and John to stop preaching in Jesus' name. However, all the apostles have disobeyed their order. Hence, the Sanhedrin can now legally justify their strong action.

Their response was quite remarkable. They were flogged yet rejoicing as they left the presence of the council. Why? They were joyful that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Their Christianity wasn’t a way for them to obtain comfort or convenience in life. Conversely, the popular ‘health and wealth’ teachings today had either clouded or distorted the pursuit of glorifying Christ with pursuing personal comfort and convenience.

Perhaps, the apostles were reminded to what Jesus had taught with His sermon at the mount. That is, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mat 5:11–12). Later, Jesus even warned, "Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues" (Mat 10:17).

Later, Peter wrote to encourage us in reflection to this experience. He said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” [1 Pet 4:12-16]

Notedly, they became bold to reach others with Jesus' message of reconciliation to God when they received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit made the difference. They were timid and fearful previously, were they not? Their courage became contagious. For every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.[v.42] Thus, the gospel became unstoppable and viral.

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- Acts 5:34-39 ESV

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice

GAMALIEL, THE CALM PHARISEE

As the council heard Peter’s preaching, everyone was furious, even wanting to kill them, except one, the Pharisee named Gamaliel. He was one of the most respected scribes in Israel of any sect. In fact, one commentary on the Talmud says, "When Rabban Gamaliel the elder died, the glory of the law ceased and purity and abstinence died." An account later when Paul gave his defense and emphasized the depth of his Jewish knowledge, he mentioned he studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

Gamaliel was a bit calmer and more objective about the situation, despite Peter’s unequivocal claims that Jesus is the Leader and Savior, who they crucified.[v.31] In some extra-biblical writings, he was portrayed as one who believed that the apostles were apostates and perish. But, he was not remotely friendly to Christians and showed more kindness to them.

He didn’t necessarily agree with the apostles but he suggested restrain. Killing the apostles outright, no matter how blasphemous their words, would be a risky political move for them, who were primarily interested in maintaining influence over the people. The people could react violently turn against them should it happens.

Gamaliel went on to give an argument that highlighted on God's sovereignty and unquestionable decree. He pointed out that these Jesus-followers were not the first men to gather a following. History proved that if men presume to speak for God of their own volition, God will take care of them. Firstly, he mentioned Theudas who led 400 others, but failed. The fact that history has no memory of this Theudas is somewhat the whole point Gamaliel is making. Secondly, he mentioned Judas the Galilean who "rose up in the day of the census"—which was the time Jesus was born (Luke 2:1–2; Acts 5:37). He also perished. Like Theudas and Judas the Galilean, if God isn't behind a movement, He will dissolve it eventually.

If God is with them, there's nothing the council can do to stop them. Thus, he pointed out, "You might even be found opposing God!" (v. 39). He was absolutely right. The gates of hell couldn’t prevail the advancement of the gospel.

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Acts 5:26-33 ESV

26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN

Again, the Sanhedrin were surprised that they were not inside the prison, had summoned the disciples for more threatening and intimidations. But, they were aware that the people could stone them if things would go wrong. The unnamed high priest had reprimanded them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”

There were two things he acknowledged. First, they had ‘filled Jerusalem with their teaching”. Apparently, their message had gone far and wide so that everyone in the city had heard about the crucified Jesus of Nazareth had risen from the dead. In other words, His name became viral so that everyone was talking about Him. Secondly, he with all the rest understood that the disciples’ message had indicted them as responsible for Jesus’ death. He said, “you intend to bring this man's blood upon us” Most probably, they were afraid the public would realize that they killed Jesus under false pretenses and could lose their power and influence. Or it may be a greater fear. In Roman law, if one wrongfully charge someone of a crime, he was legally liable to receive the punishment of that crime. Pilate knew they had no real reason to have Jesus be crucified. Should the truth comes out, the members of the Sanhedrin could be crucified.

Instead of back-pedalling their message, Peter boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” In no circumstance that not to preach Jesus was acceptable. Obedience to God had the primary importance rather than their comfort. How about us today? What is most important to us? Peter, instead, preached Christ unto them unapologetically, saying, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” The words Peter is using go far beyond the Sanhedrin's initial concern about resurrection and popularity. The title "Leader" comes from the original Greek root word translated as "prince," or "captain," or even "pioneer" or "founder." Some translations use "author" to translate this word in Hebrews 12:2.

Sadly, instead of being ‘cut to the heart’, these leaders had their hearts stirred to more anger. They thought of murdering them. Indeed, truth hurts and heals the humble heart. But, it hardens the proud and haughty. May, we won’t have such hearts should the Lord speaks to us today.

Acts 5:19-26 ESV

19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

GO AND SPEAK THE WORDS OF LIFE

Peter and the other disciples were incarcerated. The Bible doesn't promise that God will keep Jesus’ disciples safe always. But here, God provided them a miraculous escape. During the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out passing through guards unnoticed and found the doors securely locked later. Earlier Peter and John experienced it [Acts 4:1-3,21], so did Paul and Silas at Philippi.[Acts 12:1-11] Not to mention, the risen Lord who passed through a covered tomb heavily guarded by Roman soldiers and appearing to the disciples through locked doors.

This particular escape had served God’s plan. For God said unto them, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life” Jesus promised them to become witnesses once the Holy Spirit should descend upon them.[Acts 1:8] Moreover, God gave them the opportunity to preach the Word of life. In other words, He who has commissioned us also would clear the way for us. God could create opportunities for His witness.

“And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” Their obedience was spontaneous, was it not? Why? This was an answer to their courageous prayers, that is, “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [Acts 4:29,30] Do we pray for boldness to witness for Christ despite hardships? Or, a hardship-free life?

Jesus has prepared the apostles for this civil disobedience. He taught them not to fear those who threatened to kill their bodies but to respect the God who can send their souls to hell (Luke 12:4–5). They were not able to do this before the indwelling of the Spirit, were they? They scattered at Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:50), Peter denied knowing Him (Mark 14:66–72), and even after Jesus rose from the dead they hid from the Jewish leaders in a locked room (John 20:19). However, when they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they were emboldened to defy human rulers in the service of God.

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Acts 5:17-18 ESV

17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.

OUT OF JEALOUSY

Now, all twelve apostles are healing and preaching in Jesus' name and it's driving the Sadducees mad with jealousy (v.17] It was not just because the people are flocking around them only but because the people had believed their message and are following Jesus (Acts 5:14).

Having no other option that they could think to do, they arrested them all and put them in prison. This time, they would beat them (Acts 5:40). Later on, they will go after all the Jesus-followers, leaders and converts (Acts 8:1–3). Out of jealousy, they would these extreme measures to remove everyone before their path. As Solomon says, “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” [Prov 27:4]

The council initially held Peter and John because they taught the resurrection from the dead, which the Sanhedrin, composed mostly of Sadducees, don't believe in. But, the preaching of the resurrection isn't a crime for the Pharisees who believed in it and so did the crowd. Thus, the council could reprimand them but couldn't punish them. But, the apostles defied them, as Peter warned they would (Acts 4:19–20). This had added fuel to the rage of the religious leaders.

In the original, the word "jealous" implies a fierce, passionate emotion. It can mean a potent desire or love for something, or to want what someone else has. In a positive way God is described as "jealous God" and He is indeed jealous for us. It is because we rightfully belong to Him (Ex 20:5). Paul also says this to the church members in Corinth when they followed false teachers (2 Cor 11:2). Having been deceived, the priests may have felt that their jealousy was righteous. That, they certainly felt these Jesus-followers were robbing the people away from their leadership and theology, as did Jesus (Mat 27:18). Sadly, they failed to ask objectively, “Are the apostles leading people toward or away from God? Are the apostles or the priests leading the people closer to God? Does the priests' jealousy align with God's righteous jealousy? Is it possible these men are telling the truth?”

Today, let’s be watchful not to be clouded by the attitude of jealousy. It always ruins relationships. As James articulated, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”[Jas 3:16]

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Acts 5:12-16 ESV

12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

MULTITUDES WERE ADDED TO THE LORD

A great number of people were ‘added to the Lord’, which in no doubt, became authentic members to the first local church in Jerusalem. Sadly today, an addition to the church roster may not necessarily mean an addition to the Lord. The number of nominal Christians is on the rise, isn’t it?

Their mass conversion was phenomenal. God had granted the apostles to preach the gospel accompanied by signs and wonders. Definitely, this was the fulfilment to what Jesus had said to the apostles, that is, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”[John 14:12] Not that they would have more power than Christ but that the scale of God’s work through the gospel had gone further and wider.

Certainly, the spectacular display of God’s power to heal should have startled the normal mind of the witnesses during those times. Amazingly, every sick brought before the apostles, even desiring perchance that Peters’ shadow may fall upon them, got healed. The text doesn't say if everyone who touches Peter's shadow understands the work of Jesus, but they certainly believed that the power of God is on Peter.

Why these miracles are important? It's unclear why the Holy Spirit allows the church to grow through the healing of the sick and demon possessed. At this time, they drew people to a saving faith in Jesus. Later on, they served as a reminder of how deserving we are of retribution for our sins and how we should not "drift away" from the message of Jesus' gift of salvation. Before long, persecution would drive the Jesus’ followers out of Jerusalem (Acts 8:1–3)

As Heb 2:1-4 has explained, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

As a caution, our faith should never be dependent on signs. (John 2:23–25; 4:48). A classic example is Thomas, who doubted. He finally saw the resurrected Savior and affirmed his faith in Him. Then Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Certainly, God can still do miracles today but the testimonies of the scriptures are enough for us to put our trust in Christ.

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Acts 5:7-11 ESV

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

A CONNIVANCE

Evidently, Sapphira had connived with the lie of her husband Ananias. She affirmed to Peter’s query about the amount of money they got from the sale of the land that her husband had declared. They agreed together to lie to the Holy Spirit.

Their conversation happened three hours after Ananias died, whose pallbearers had just arrived at the scene. Peter told her she would be carried by these pallbearers to be buried beside her husband’s grave. She fell dead immediately and was buried as Peter had said. Consequently, a great fear came upon everyone who knew it.

Definitely, God had sent a strong signal that He must be taken seriously. If God was after of the money, Ananias and Sapphira shouldn’t have died. At least they had given money while many had not. But, their heart was the problem – full of lies and hypocrisy.

If Sapphira was God fearing and had not connive with her husband, the narrative could have been different. But, she was not. Impliedly, she might had either influenced or encouraged her husband to lie. She was supposed to be a help meet who could have warned lovingly her husband about his wrong. Certainly, she was very different to Sarah, who did submit to Abraham when he lied to Pharaoh and Abimilech. As Peter writes, “For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.”[1 Pet 3:5,6a]

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Acts 5:1-6 ESV

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

LYING TO THE SPIRIT

Did Ananias emulate Barnabas’ generous act? Most probably. Unlike Barnabas, however, he did it with a pretentious attitude. He expressed to give the total proceeds of the sale of his land [v.3] for the need of the saints but he kept back some of it.

The phrase "kept back" means to embezzle in the original Greek. The same term is read in Titus 2:10, where the ESV renders it as "pilfering." He and his wife had dishonestly represented their gift. The issue wasn’t that Ananias and Sapphira had not given the church all the proceeds, was it? It was their lie to the Holy Spirit (see v.3). Apparently, they vowed to donate all the money but it was all a bluff. There was no obligation for them to vow (Acts 5:4), but since they made it, they needed to either keep it or at least be humble and honest to repent if they had not performed it.

Jesus had quoted the Mosaic law, that is, "You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn" (Matt 5:33). He goes on to say,” But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”[Matt 5:34-37]

Ananias with his wife put on a show of piety. They seemed to want the prestige of charity without the actual cost. God doesn't mandate Christians to give away all our possessions, does He? A case in mind was Jesus’ challenge to the rich young man to sell everything he has and give to the poor. However, he was exacting to him as a test because despite to his love for other people, the man valued his money more than God (Mark 10:17–22).

What does this mean for us today? When we give to God's work, we need to give as we decide in our hearts (2 Cor 9:7), not to impress others, but in love and worship to God (Mark 12:41–44). Otherwise, all would amount to nothing. As Paul had warned, “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”[1 Cor 13:3]

Acts 4:32-37 ESV

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

ONE HEART AND SOUL

Thousands of people were of "one heart and soul”, that was, together in purpose, thought, and action. The Holy Spirit was in them and was guiding them as one. As a result, they combined their possessions. This proved to be wise since not so very long from here, these believers will have to flee out of Jerusalem because of persecution (see Acts 8:1).

The twelve apostles became responsible in the disbursing of the wealth to those in need. This could have brought memories for them when at one time, they distributed bread and fishes to 5,000 men beside women and children. [see John 6] Amazingly, they, who had followed Jesus for three years in poverty, became responsible for the wealth of thousands of new Jesus-followers. Indeed, they had exemplified Jesus' example of servant-leadership (Matthew 20:25–28).

The reason for their unity is Jesus , who they believed. We don't know everything what the apostles had taught on a regular basis (Acts 2:42), but Peter's two recorded sermons shared the same theme, Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah. The Jewish nation killed Him, but God raised Him from the dead. Anyone who repented of their sins had received forgiveness from God (Acts 2:14–36; 3:11–26).

Unity is possible when the Holy Spirit leads a group of believers.[see Eph 4;1-6] The church is one body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12–31) because they are united by one faith in one God and Father. Consequently, the members could display humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. They not only lived in harmony, but they actively sought for it.

Interestingly, one of the more than five thousand believers in Jerusalem, Joseph, surnamed Barnabas, had stood out for his goodness. "Bar" is a Hebrew prefix meaning "son of." The concept of sonship, in Semitic cultures, is often used to reflect a person's character. Definitely, he has had a big heart to offer his possession for the need of the brethren. As an encourager, he would be used greatly to encourage the apostle Paul to grow in the Lord.

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