Studies 1 to 2
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ADA017
Ananias and Sapphira
The article deals with the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, showing the dramatic consequences of their deception toward the Christian community and the Holy Spirit. Their story contrasts with the sincere generosity of Barnabas, underscoring the ethical demands of the Christian faith and offering a warning against hypocrisy.
Joshua 7.1 (King James Version) :But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.NoteAchan: also called, AcharNoteZabdi: also called, ZimriNoteabout…: Heb. about two thousand men, or, about three thousand menNotein…: or, in MoradKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA018
The remarkable growth of the early Church
The ADA018 article comments on Acts 5.12-16, describing the growth of the early Church in Jerusalem in the spring of 33. The apostles perform miracles publicly in Solomon’s Portico, the Church grows in numbers, men and women alike, and the apostles’ reputation grows among the people, despite a fear aroused by the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. The passage establishes a strong parallel with the ministry of Jesus.
Acts 2.38-41 (King James Version) :Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org