Acts & The Life of Paul | Lecture 8 : BC302-Acts-20260831

Yes, welcome back everyone. Let's continue. So, we completed um the part where the apostles Peter and John come back to their own community, pray together, and God uh encourages them. Their prayer is answered because we saw that they spoke with the word with boldness. So, now let us see what happens after this. In the last section of chapter 4, uh we have two you can say like two themes are there which Luke has included. One is about the church community. In Acts 2 also we saw that they were sharing things. Now, let's see what uh what is going on here. Maybe I'll read it quickly for us. That is one theme about the church community. Second is about a man by the name of Barnabas. So, from verse 32, "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. Neither did anyone say that [snorts] any of the things he possessed was his own, but they all they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all." "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked. For all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet, and they distributed to each as anyone had need." So, can you see how um how committed to the community they are. Earlier also we saw that people sold their things to provide for the needs of others. At this point there is truly a great revival in the church community. So, you see that they were also selling lands and houses. Is it an easy thing? No, who will who will sell lands and houses to give to the work of God? But God's work is going on so powerfully in the church of Jerusalem that people don't mind. They are ready to sell big possessions so that needs are provided. And it sounds like there is a common pool or a common treasury given to the apostles. So, here in verse 35, if you can see, it says laid them at the apostles' feet. People sold things. They brought the money, gave it to the apostles and said, "Okay, you take it, you use it however you want." So, they are trusting the apostles. And how much money did the apostles have? We can only assume that it's a lot. It's a lot because lands are being sold. So, when the church is in revival, the responsibility of the apostles is also increasing. And do you think there is a requirement in terms of good character on the part of the apostles? Yes, because God is using them mightily. God is uh uh working miracles through them. And church is also thriving. Numbers are increasing. So, if the character is not strong, what will happen? They may go into pride. Or they may go into greed. So, a lot of issues may crop up. Uh but, thank God, they were strong, and they were able to provide leadership to the growing church. Uh so, these are the things that are going on. And the unity of the church is such that Luke is describing in verse 32, he says, "Those who believed were of one heart, one soul." So, unity in the early church is a very powerful feature. Earlier, we saw one accord. So, these people are all worshipping together. They are serving together. It's It's amazing. And we are not talking three people, four people. In fact, by the time the church has reached this level, we can assume that minimum 12,000 people would be there in the church of Jerusalem. Because 3,000 on first day, then we saw when the lame man got healed, it says 5,000. And daily people are being added. So, around By the time 3 years, 4 years, church is now like 12,000 people. It's It's a mega church. Right? Uh and even though it has about 12,000 people, the Bible says they had one heart, one soul. See how the apostles have equipped them. So, they must have worked very hard to teach the word of God, to bring them to this place of having one heart. Okay. So, we saw one section, it talks about unity. Now, what is the last part here in chapter four? >> [snorts] >> Verse 36 and 37. And Joses who was also named Barnabas by the apostles, which is translated son of encouragement, a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. So, among all the people who contributed, only the name of Barnabas is mentioned here. So, we recognize that he was a rich man. He's not any ordinary person. He has a lot of wealth. He sold his land and he's contributing to that common pool of the church. Uh and another important thing about Barnabas is he is considered as a son of encouragement. Can you think of anybody in your own personal life uh from church or your spiritual journey who always encouraged you? Right? So, we all have one Barnabas in our life. And in the church at that time there was a Barnabas. He's an encourager. He would have been very supportive of the ministry work. Uh but details are not given to us, right? What is his other name? or and >> [clears throat] >> He was also from a place called as Cyprus. So, we will we will talk about all these places. We will look at the maps later on. But for now, just keep that in mind. This man is from Cyprus. Uh and uh uh at this time people are contributing for the church to thrive. Now, we'll go to chapter five. Let's see what is happening there. So, at this time because church is so big, more resources are needed. Many people are giving to the apostles. We have another group or a couple by the name of Ananias and Sapphira, who also decide to give to the church. So, that is what is happening in chapter five. So, shall we read about Ananias and Sapphira? Uh please read from verse one till verse 11. >> But a certain man, uh named Ananias with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, and he kept back part of the uh proceeds, his wife also being uh aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, uh why has Satan filled filled your heart with uh to lie uh to the Holy Spirit and keep back uh back part of uh of of the price of the land for yourself? While it it remained uh was was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own uh control? Why have you uh conceived these things in your heart? You have not laid lied to men, but to God." Then Ananias brings uh hearing these uh words, fell down and breathed his last. So, great fear came upon uh upon all those who were those who heard these things, and the young young man uh arose and wrapped him up and carried him out and burned him. Now, it was about 3 hours later when his wife came in not knowing what had happened, and Peter answered her, "Tell Tell me what whether you sold the land for so much?" So, she said, "Yes, for so much." Then, Peter said to her, "Now, how How is it that you have agreed together to test test the spirit of the Lord? Look Look, the feet of those who have burned buried your husband are at the door, and they will uh carry you out." Then, immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last, and and the young man came in came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, burning buried her by by her husband. So, great fear came upon all the churches and upon all those all who heard these things. >> Yes, thank you. So, contribution um to the church is being done by many believers. We saw that Barnabas is mentioned now, Ananias and Sapphira. So, don't get confused when you hear the word Ananias, the name Ananias, because it will be repeated. But, all are not the same Ananias. There's a different Ananias. So, what happened is this couple sold a possession, and they wanted to give to the church. Is it a good thought or a bad thought? It's a very good thought. So, God would have been happy about it. But, the issue is that when Ananias gave the money, >> [snorts] >> he pretended as if he is giving all the money. They sold for a certain amount, but a portion of it they kept it with themselves. So, when this money is being given, Peter is asking um "You kept back a part of the price of the land to yourself, right? It Did you do this?" is what he's asking Ananias. But, Ananias lies. Okay? And what is the consequence of this lie? He drops dead. Can you imagine? Why Why is a man dying for speaking a lie? What is your opinion? Yes, he spoke against the Holy Spirit. Okay. Uh but, don't you think today in our churches there are people they are lying, they could be doing other things also. Why is everyone Okay, so our understanding is when there is a mighty move of God, there is great grace upon God's church, and there is also great judgment. So, that as in right now, there is a mighty work of God being done in the church of Jerusalem. We can see that. Okay, in every way. And in this environment, what we are calling as a revival, when sin happens, whether big or small, the tolerance for sin is very low. So, for the light itself, judgment was very great. And see, Peter would not have found out because Ananias and Sapphira conspired privately. But, how did Peter come to know? Yeah, so it's a word of knowledge, basically. He's operating by the gifts of the Spirit. And he's asking the right question. So, Peter is asking him, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?" He already knows. "Have you not like kept back a portion?" Holy Spirit told him. Ananias is lying. So, he directly questions him. Okay? And notice, he also says, "Lie to the Holy Spirit." And if you carefully notice, end of verse four, he says, "You have not lied to men, but to God." So, what does that tell us about the Holy Spirit? Holy Spirit is God. Trinity. You know, we speak about uh co-equal three persons in the Trinity. So, Holy Spirit is equally God. As much as uh the Father is God. So, he's saying, "You have lied to the Holy Spirit. You have lied to God. Ananias, I know." So, it tells us that the leaders of the church were operating in the gifts of the Spirit as well. Isn't it? So, when this lie happened, when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. Oh, that's very dramatic. If you imagine, a man just dies there. So, when there is great grace and a mighty revival, there is great judgment. So, we are all praying for revival, revival, but when revival uh happens, as revival happens, let's also know that the judgment will be severe and there will be very low tolerance to sin. Now, this man died. So sad for the young men in the church that day. They must have gone to church thinking we'll arrange the chairs, but Peter says, "No, guys. You have to go bury somebody." So, the young men carry Ananias. They go, bury in about 3 hours, his wife comes to church. Now, Peter is interrogating her and says, uh "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." In verse eight. She's also lying. She says, "Yes, for so much." So, you see, when it comes to um um marriage, it's a great institution where there is power of agreement when two believers come together, right? In prayer or in serving the Lord. Here, unfortunately, that agreement is used in the opposite way. So, it They have not agreed for good things. They've agreed for something evil. And that brings judgment on the family, both husband as well as wife. So, Peter is rebuking her in verse nine. "How is it that you have agreed together to test the spirit of the Lord?" Think that day, had she confessed the truth, maybe Ananias would have died, Sapphira would still be alive. Unfortunately, both husband and wife agreed on something that is evil. And so, both died. And then Peter says, uh "The men are returning who have buried your husband. Now, it's you." So, they take her and they go and bury her. And when people of the church heard what happened, what a judgment has come upon Ananias and Sapphira, the Bible says great fear came upon the church. So, you know, the fear of God it's it's a gift in our spiritual journey. If we are walking with the Lord, we must fear the Lord. You know, like Joseph, if you recall, in his life, when he was put under temptation by Potiphar's wife, what does he say? He says that I cannot commit this sin against God. See, Potiphar is not there. None of his relatives are there. His father is not there. Brothers are not there. Nobody will find out. But, what is the understanding with which Joseph is living his life? God is watching me. Right? So, he says I can't commit this sin against God. And the fear of God saved him. The fear of God promoted him, elevated him. Uh and so the fear of God in our lives is a gift which we cannot lose at any point in life, whether we are having small responsibility or big responsibility. When we are people with a fear of God, we're always thinking, "What will I answer God? God is watching me." It will keep us on the right track. So, at this point, when this judgment came, the people of the church understood, "Hey, God is observing everything. He knows the matters of the heart." Okay? We can go back and look at this passage, and we learn many other things. In fact, Peter says, "How have you conceived this in your heart?" So, tell me, where does sin start? In the heart. We We've learned, right? It starts with a thought. If you don't pull down every thought which rises against the knowledge of God, then that thought will take over your life. So, for Ananias and Sapphira, maybe it was an issue of pride, reputation, what people are going to think about us. So, we'll keep the money, but we will just tell everybody we gave full we gave everything. It came in their heart, why can't we do this? Then all the people when we go to church, they'll appreciate us. They'll say, "Wow, you know, see this couple, they have given all the money." So, sin is starting in the heart as a thought. And then unfortunately, judgment came, they even died. So, now the church is understanding we cannot give place for any evil in our hearts because God's presence is so thick, so mighty in our midst. So, this is what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. Sorry. Any questions about this or about the earlier >> Sister Nancy, I had a question. >> Uh please, Renita, go ahead. >> One One is if they wouldn't have lied, I mean, they could have told honestly how much they received how much proceeds they received from the sale, right? And they could have easily told um the apostles that they would want to keep some portion of it. Right? And they could have saved their life. True. Right? I I see this again well, going back into the Old Testament, God's judgment or anger comes right away even when Aaron's son they burned the wrong incense, right? And two of them died immediately. >> Yes. >> Right? I mean, I was just thinking when you were talking, you know, I mean, why >> did that happen there? I mean Aaron was a priest. I mean, you know, why did his sons have to die that like, you know, instantly they died? >> Yes. Uh see, one difference is that now we are talking about the new covenant after the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. We come under grace. >> [snorts] >> So, you don't see immediate judgments. Only in fact, this is one of the immediate judgments in the New Testament, but otherwise you don't see many. Whereas in the Old Testament, it is immediate. Lot of things happen. Secondly, uh this is my understanding. I could be right or wrong, but uh I feel when it has to do with the presence of God or the uh tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, worship unto God. So, uh Aaron's sons were priests who were called into the work of the tabernacle. And there you cannot afford to make a mistake because the calling is such. You are serving in the presence of the Lord, and there is no option for sin. So, that is why the judgment is very severe. Later on also we see, right? Like Korah, um he tries to hold the ark when the ark is uh moving. We would think it's a good thing. He's just protecting the ark from falling, but he dies. Why? Because we cannot take the presence of God, the place of worship lightly. God takes it very seriously, and for the tabernacle, when when we keep reading from the book of Exodus, the rules are quite stringent. It should be like this. It should be like that. So God has a way the way we worship him. He's very particular. So that's my take Anitha. >> Yeah, but today Pastor Nancy when you see that now we coming back to the New Testament. Even in the place of worship in the temple, you know, people come into the temple with the evil things in their heart like you know doing witchcraft or witches and going to oodles and doing all sorts of things. I mean it's the same thing if God could do it in the Old Testament, why not in the New Testament? You know, you need to bring the judgment. Yes, grace is there but why there is no judgment immediate judgment. >> Mhm. So as you've answered the question yourself Anitha, I think grace plays a major role in the New Testament under the new covenant. So that long-suffering approach is is something we all experience with God in the New Testament, right? New covenant. So that is the big answer there. But why can't there be immediate judgment? There will be. So whenever God's presence is heightened or we use the word revival. Whenever we we come close to God and God's presence comes on mightily, there will be immediate judgment. And it's going to happen. >> Amen. Thank you Nancy. Thank you Pastor. >> Yes. Thank you so much. Yes. Any other comments, questions? >> Okay, so nothing? All right, then we can move ahead. Now, the next section talks about the supernatural work of God. So, if somebody can read from verse 12 to verse 16. >> The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people and all the all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's colonnade. No one else dared join them even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem bringing their sick and those who tormented by impure impure spirits and all of them were healed. >> Yes, so we can see here how God's power is being made manifest. Firstly, apostles are moving in mighty signs and wonders. And uh people are in one accord. It says they were gathering in Solomon's colonnade or Solomon's porch, that area near the temple. And uh the people around regarded them highly. So, that means the church was respected. The leadership was respected and the believers were increasing. So, it says both multitudes of men and women joined the church. So, it would have been such a joyful time to witness what is happening in the church of Jerusalem because it is thriving. And the supernatural was so real in the church that people brought their sick to be healed. So, it says sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches. So, think with me. The gathering of believers is there somewhere near Solomon's porch and as you go out on the roads there are sick people who have been brought. Does this remind you of any anyone else? This kind of a scenery where sick people are coming and trying to reach out. >> I think when the Jesus >> Jesus, yeah. >> Yes. >> You're right. >> They lowered a guy on a mat through the roof. >> Yes. So, the sick are being brought because people know that Jesus will heal them. And now the church, the apostles have the same testimony. People know that if we can go to these apostles, we are going to get healed. So, they were even brought on the beds and couches. So, could have been like paralyzed people or some kind of bedridden people and you know, the streets were full. And >> [clears throat] >> obviously, a lot of miracles would have taken place and got the faith of people would have doubled and tripled about the Lord Jesus Christ. And here we have the recording of what we call as unusual miracles. So, Peter's shadow passing might fall on them. So, this tells us that even the shadow of Peter was healing the people. See, in the case of Jesus, Jesus said, "Be healed." Or one time he mixed mud and, you know, spirit and he put it on that blind man's eye. So, Jesus did all those kind of things. But, what is Peter's approach? Shadow. Can you imagine in the daytime? Peter's not doing anything. He's just walking. But, his shadow is healing the people. And I mean, if they had mobile phones those days, it would have gone viral, no? Like, you just record it and then you put it online. Everyone is amazed at the work of God. How can even a shadow heal? What do you think about it if we do it today? Like, if we create some shadows, right? Like, you put some lights, create shadows, do you think those shadows will heal people? Can, but uh see, we need to do what God tells us to do, right? We can't copy the style. Just because Peter's shadow healed, it doesn't mean my shadow will heal. So, I should not work very hard on creating shadows, okay? [gasps] Uh but, the point is God can work unusual miracles. So unusual that it may never have been done before. We never read earlier that shadow can heal. But, it's happening in Peter's life. So, who knows? When you and I pray, uh God may do it in a different way altogether. So, just follow God, uh but the important thing is the supernatural is released in in any manner manner that God chooses. So healings are happening and when people hear this verse 16 says multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem. So those days they would go walking, they would go on donkeys. So you can see a whole like crowd coming in from the neighboring cities. They're all coming to Jerusalem so that they can find healing and not just healing, but verse 16 also says those who are tormented by unclean spirits and they were all healed [snorts] just like the testimony of Jesus. People came to Jesus, they were all healed. Now people are coming to the church, they are all healed. Okay. So uh is this how our churches are today? Are people coming from far away to our churches to be healed? Yeah, hopefully, you know, this is how it's going to be in the days to come. One thing we know before the Lord Jesus returns, the Bible paints a picture of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. So we are going to see those days when not one church, two churches, but all churches will be like this where people will come. They will book tickets and come, they will come on flights and you'll see the streets will be packed because the power of God is being manifest. Nowhere else they can get it, they can only get it in the church. Right? So those days are coming and we need to pray and we need to desire that it will happen in our times the way it happened in the church of Jerusalem. So the church of Jerusalem uh manifesting the power of God. Okay, so let's go ahead. So, now that such things are happening, we'll read from verse 17 to 21. And uh we'll see. >> Then the high priest rose up and all those who were with him, which is the uh sect of the Sadducees, and they were filled with indignation. And laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those uh with him came and called the council together with all elders of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. >> Okay. So, uh we are noticing that on the one hand, church is doing very well, but persecution is still continuing. So, it's not like uh the the surroundings or the environment is very supportive. Okay? Government is watching. And uh they are very upset. So, here we read the word, "Filled with indignation." Indignation is anger. They're getting so angry that these people are attracting the crowds to themselves. So, they laid hands on the apostles, meaning they uh captured, took them into custody. How many apostles? It sounds like all the apostles, 12 of them. They were taken and they were put in the common prison. So, when we read about the apostolic we read about the apostolic last year, no? So, you remember we said the apostles apostles will come under persecution. Yeah. So, you see this what is happening every time there is an attack, it is firstly being launched on the apostles. So, the apostles need courage to face these things. All of them are in prison right now. But God is with them. And God is working supernatural deliverance in their lives. So, in verse 19, we see that at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors. And brought them out. And said, "Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." So, the angel is setting them free, but what is the angel telling them to do? Again, go into battle zone only. Right? He doesn't say you go home, hide behind the doors, you know? No. You go to the temple. You preach again because God has an assignment. But God can protect you. So, this time we are making you we are getting you out and if anything happens to you, we are still on assignment. So, the angels of God are also a part like in the book of Acts we will see again and again angels will come and they will also rescue. So, you and I today are serving the Lord in the ministry. Is it okay for us to pray and ask God, "God, you release your angels. Let the angels also, you You bring the people. Let the angels deliver us when we are in tough circumstances. We can we can. And we can proclaim and declare the word of God and we know that it is the word of God that activates angels. Okay? So, angels are delivering in the book of Acts. So, there is a parallel story. It is said about a man of God. I think it is Sadhu Sundar Singh that he was put into a well and locked. So, that well had a like not prisoners, but people who are condemned. So, basically they throw you into the well to die. So, when he was thrown into the well, there were corpses of other people. And you know, he's in this situation just left to die. But what happened is um the story goes something like in the night he he is feeling like something was lowered like a rope or something lowered for him and he held it and he came out and there was literally nobody. And you know, no one will open the the well door for anyone else. So, most likely it could have been an angel. So, when we serve the Lord, there are times when angels will be sent by God to rescue us. So, point is be bold to serve God because we are not alone. God and his his army of angels are at work. So, we are all working together for the kingdom of God and we will see supernatural deliverance. So, here the apostles are witnessing it. Uh but not to escape but to go back into the assignment and the angel tells them, "Go back to the temple and you preach. You have work to do. People have to come to know about Christ. So, go and proclaim the gospel in the temple area. So, when they heard this, they go to the temple early morning and they are teaching there. So, right now the council or the authorities are very very upset about the whole thing. They're a little bit confused. How did these guys get out? But, they are very upset. So, they will interrogate the apostles at this point. Okay. So, in end of verse 21, we read the high priest and those with him came and called the council together and all the elders of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. So, basically they want to bring the apostles and question them. Let's read what exactly goes on in this interrogation. So, who would like to read the next section from verse 22? You can read till verse 32. >> But, when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported saying, "Indeed, we found the prison shut securely and the guards standing outside before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside." Now, when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priest heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. So, one So, one came and told them saying, "Look, the men whom you the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." Then the captain went went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council and the high priest asked them, saying, "Did we notice Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and in intend to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and other apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than man. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to his right hand to be prince and savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses to these things. And so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." >> Yes. So, it's quite self-explanatory. We notice that the these apostles were not in the prison and the captain brings them from the uh temple area and again they question and they say, "We told you not to preach in this name. Why are you doing it again?" And they say that we ought to obey God rather than men. And now they are preaching about Christ and they are saying that God is the one who has made him prince and savior. And he has also given us the Holy Spirit. Right? And we we are his witnesses to these things. So, they are being witnesses and they are proclaiming about Christ. So, what is the the problem or the fear of the authorities? We read in this passage. See this doctrine about Jesus will give an idea to the people that the authorities are the ones who have crucified Jesus. Whereas the disciples are saying that Jesus is the Christ. Then it it looks bad for the council that you have crucified the Christ. And if the crowd goes against the authorities, then they may lose their power. So that's why they are very very upset. Okay. So uh now this is the second time of interrogation, but at this time all the 12 apostles are there. Now what happens? We look at that. So from verse 33 we read about a person by the name of Gamaliel. So verse 34, it says, "Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while." So we won't won't read it. You can read it later. So what is happening is one man who has great respect in the council is this man called as Gamaliel. He starts to speak. He says, "Keep the apostles aside. Come, let us discuss together." So they go to discuss together. And when they are discussing together, he is reminding them of a man named Theudas. And he says, "This man Theudas, he tried to draw many people to himself. But the work that Theudas was trying to do, like, you know, like a mob, he was trying to raise up people against the the government, but it didn't work out. So, he's telling them in verse 39, "Look, if it is like Theudas, if this man Jesus is like Theudas, and people will follow him, nothing will happen. Why do you worry? Because Theudas tried and nothing happened." But in verse 39, he also says, "But if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it. Lest you even be found to fight against God." So, he's telling the council, "There are two options. One is what is going on right now is a work of man, similar to Theudas. People will try to rise against the government, but nothing will happen. It will just um like disintegrate. But if it is a work of God, then what can we expect? What is Gamaliel saying? You cannot overthrow it. If it is a work of God, you cannot overthrow it. So, at this time, God is rescuing the apostles through somebody who's in the council itself. Can God do that? He can. So, God is speaking through a man in authority. And the that man Gamaliel is giving the idea and he's saying, "Guys, let's be careful. If it's a work of God, we can't overthrow it. So, don't even think about killing these men, because what if it's a work of God?" Now, we are 2,000 years, you know, plus away from the lifetime of Jesus and the first century church, as the work stopped? No. Can you imagine Gamaliel in a prophetic way, though he was not a believer, God spoke through him and said, "If it is God's work, you cannot overthrow it. So, don't even try." And we will read, uh, you know, later on about a man called as Saul who encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and later on in the New Testament we know him by the name of Paul. So, Paul is a disciple of Gamaliel. Gamaliel is such a well-respected man, but he trained Paul as a Jew and a Pharisee. So, Paul is not an ordinary man. He came from the, uh, training of this particular Pharisee called as Gamaliel and God used Gamaliel at this time to speak the wisdom of God. So, thankfully, all the people in the crowd listened to Gamaliel and they let the apostles go. So, from verse 40 to verse 42, I'm just going to quickly read it and then we will stop. It says, "And they agreed with him. And when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded them that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go." So, they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. So, the council told them, "Don't teach and preach." What are our people doing here? They are teaching and preaching. They didn't stop. And when they were beaten by the council, they were not killed, thank God, but they were beaten. What was their attitude? Verse 41 says, they were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. So, when we undergo persecution for doing the right thing, for the name of Jesus, should we rejoice or should we grumble? Rejoice because the apostles also rejoiced. They were like, "Praise God, we were counted worthy of persecution." You know what? That's how they thought, and they were so excited about it. So, many lessons for us to learn from the the the passion, the fire, the attitude of the apostles and the early church believers. Okay? So, I'm going to stop here. Please go back and read, think, and if you have any questions, please come with questions for the next class. All right. So, let us stop here, and I request one of our online students to lead in prayer as we wrap up. >> Father God, we want to thank you and bless your name for the time you've given us to learn from your word. We indeed pray that you'd continue to pour your spirit among us, that we would walk in such boldness and all of God and fear of God as the disciples did. We really long for the supernatural back in our churches, back in our days. We long for revival. We bless you and thank you even for Pastor Nancy for continually using her in these lessons to part of to teach us. Father, this we pray in Jesus name. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Juliana. Thank you, everyone. God bless you this week. Thank you.