Bible Studies

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The Scriptures
Acts 5:27-32 – Feel the Power

Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 27: “When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them...” – Peter and the apostles had been arrested by the Sadducees because they were preaching of the Risen Christ throughout the city. The night previous an angel of the Lord had opened the prison doors allowing them out to continue spreading the Good News. This was their second time before the council.
  
  
• 28: “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” – The apostles would not cease in spreading the Good News of the Risen Christ because they had been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in answer to their prayer: “grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” (Acts 4:29)
  
  
• 29: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” – Obedience to God had become their top priority.
  
  
• 30: “The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree.” – Placing blame directly on their shoulders, the apostles boldly proclaimed the Good News regardless of the possible consequences.
  
  
• 32: “And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” – They were not standing alone in their witness – God had filled them with the Holy Spirit and stood as a witness with them.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Easter has come and gone – now what? Has your life been changed? As a witness to the Resurrection are you newly committed to becoming the disciple God is calling you to be? As an Easter person, will you now slide into the background, keeping your faith quietly to yourself until next year or boldly go forth proclaiming the Good News to the world? Can you remain silent or are you bursting with the desire to tell others what you have witnessed? What new things will you do with the power of Easter in your heart?
  
  
• Do you obey God? How can you tell? Are you focused entirely on Him, listening intently to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Is He leading you places you would rather not go? Are you worried or anxious? Are you concerned of what others might think? Are there man-made prisons keeping you from obeying God’s call in your life? Or are you allowing Him to open those prison doors in order to free you to the ministry He has in store for you? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to empower you so that you can boldly stand before your accusers and antagonists?
  
  
• Do you feel the power? As we study the book of Acts this Eastertide, are you amazed with the accomplishments of the early apostles? Can you put yourself in their shoes? Can you become as dedicated to building God’s kingdom? Are you willing to stand up against ridicule and scorn? Is an Acts-type-of-life-style possible in our modern world? If not, why? Isn’t the Holy Spirit still active in the lives of those who call on His name? Aren’t the issues of life still as critical? Doesn’t God still want us to grow close in order that we can feel His joy? Then what gets in the way? Are there too many distractions? Is it simply a matter of focus? As we set aside our lives and focus more on God, shouldn’t we expect to feel His power beating in our hearts? Should we be filled with passion for sharing the Good News to others?
  
  
• Are you facing troubles in your ministry? As you dedicate your life to Christ, are you expecting things to become easier? Do you feel that once you share the vision God has placed on your heart that everyone will immediately share in your excitement and join in to assure its success? Are you frustrated by the barriers and obstructions you encounter? Using the early apostles as an example, do you accept that following God is not, necessarily, an easy road to walk? Can you look to the impediments that come before you as proof that you are going where God is leading? Will you rejoice in the challenges? Will you sing songs of thanksgiving for the difficulties you face?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Peter and the apostles faced early challenges to their ministry. Their lives were at risk. They were ridiculed, imprisoned, and beaten. Even though Peter had denied knowing Christ a few weeks earlier, the Holy Spirit now strengthened his resolve as he stood before the same council that had crucified Jesus and boldly announced that he must obey God, regardless of the consequences. Focusing on God’s plan for our lives will take us into some difficult and challenging situations. But we are not alone. The Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers us in order to withstand anything that comes our way. As we turn to obey God we can expect to feel the same power that opened prison doors for Peter. As we focus on His will, we can expect to feel the joy of His love. Soon, we too, can stand before our accusers and say that nothing else matters but God.

FUMC Devotionals

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