A cultural, linguistic and ethnic divide ran right through the young church (Acts 6:1-7).

The first Christians had shared everything and yet there were neglected poor.

The believers from the diaspora and the locals finally came together. The apostles delegated responsibility to those concerned and ensured that the church itself chose suitable people.

Seven Greek-speaking men were chosen who were “full of spirit and truth“.

Only by listening to and complementing each other’s different voices can an orchestra concert become a pleasure.

When the different talents and tasks are accepted side by side, the Holy Spirit can work. Appreciating each other’s is the key factor for dynamic growth.

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Most Bibles use the title: Gamaliel’s wise advice. But was it really wise? Proverbs 9:10 says: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One (God) is understanding.”

Gamaliel is not arguing theologically, but historically. Instead of turning back to God, as Peter suggested to them (Acts 5:31), he preaches a wait-and-see approach. He hopes that everything will come to nothing. He does not want to change himself and his honourable position should remain the same. Everything should remain as it is. Not wanting to decide in favour of God is a fateful decision.

Jesus said to the Emmaus disciples in Luke 24:25: “How sluggish is your heart to believe in all that the prophets have proclaimed.”

Gamaliel could have theologically recognised why Theudas and Judas the Galilean were not sent by God. But we also realise why Jesus kept a low profile vis-à-vis the Romans. His mission took place in an extremely explosive environment.

God promised a prophet like Moses in Deuteronomy 18:18. In Exodus 34:10-12, the face-to-face encounter and the miracles and signs are listed as characteristics of Moses. Jesus maintained an intensive dialogue with the heavenly Father and performed the signs and wonders of Moses.

The church gathered in public and not just secretly in people’s homes. This aroused the jealousy of the Sadducees, who had the temple under their control.

They wanted to forbid the church to speak of Jesus in their territory. But God freed the elders from prison and sent them back to the temple (Acts 5:17-42). During the renewed interrogation, the apostles made it clear that God must be obeyed more than the people who unjustly dominate the temple.

Peter gets to the heart of the difference. He refers to the God of the forefathers, the resurrection of the dead and proclaims a universal priesthood (verses 30-32). Continue reading God calls the elite →

In telling the blessing experienced by the first church, Luke does not fail to mention how the devil attacks the church (Acts 4-7). Luke introduces the story of Hananias and Sapphira with details.

Firstly, he speaks in general terms about the generosity and warmth of the Christians (Acts 4:32-35). He then gives the example of Joseph Barnabas, who sold a piece of land and brought the earnings to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37), before moving to Hananias, who, from the outside, did exactly the same thing (Acts 5:1-11). But with Ananias and Sapphira, word and deed did not match.

Satan tries to destroy unity and tempts Ananias and Sapphira to pretend. They sought a false honour. Their lie was completely unnecessary. No one had expected them to sell their field in order to give away some of the proceeds. But the two lied and pretended that they had donated all the earnings. Through the Holy Spirit, Peter exposed the lie of Hananias as an attack by the devil.

The holiness of God does not tolerate deception. Anyone who lies to God must expect consequences. God sets an example in the early days of the church movement. You can’t deal with him any way you like.

At the same time, God confirmed Himself through signs and wonders. Many sick people were brought in. There was a reverence for God and many came to faith (Acts 5:11, 13-14). Where there is a reverence for God, the goodness of God can also be experienced.

In the presence of God, there is no room for lies and the desire to show off. The kingdom of God is not about shining, but about complementing.

Continue reading Complementing instead craving for honour →