Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God

This portion shows how the early church was characterized by rapid growth, corporate unity, and loving concern for one another. The efforts of the Jews to quash this new movement which boldly claimed that its leader, Jesus of Nazareth, had risen from the dead, were thwarted. They met an impasse as the disciples were emboldened by the Spirit and grace of God to fearlessly preach the resurrection. They courageously rose to the challenge before them. Now there was a multitude who were of ‘one heart and soul’, v. 32. This indicated both growth and unity. The one hundred and twenty disciples in the upper room prior to Pentecost had now mushroomed to at least five thousand souls. No one lacked as each member of the body looked not upon their own interests, but on the interests and needs of others, Phil. 2. 4. As a result, the church flourished, as it always will when abiding by the word and the Spirit of God. ‘Church growth’ experts who want to apply the world’s business strategies for success in the ways of the Lord should take heed: God’s work should be done in God’s way.

But this phenomenal growth and obvious blessing will not be without challenges from within. Fightings without are accompanied by fears within, 2 Cor. 7. 5, the daily cares of the churches that Paul expressed much concern about, 2 Cor. 11. 28. Whether it was savage wolves seeking entrance, or men of perverse minds rising from within, Acts 20. 29, 30; false brethren creeping in, Jude 4; or being brought in, Gal. 2. 4; the purity of the church will always be assailed, one way or another. The challenge this time would come from Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife team who kept back part of the proceeds of the sale of their property, but pretended to give the whole to the apostles. But a half truth is still a half lie, and goes against the One who said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’. ‘God is light, and in him is no darkness at all’, and the need for purity in the early church had to be reinforced to set the standard for future generations. Is there a need to re-examine this principle in the light of present conditions, Rev. 2. 5? Let us not forget that ‘holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, forever’, Ps. 93. 5.