This week our children are learning about the life of the church after the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42-3:37). After the Holy Spirit was given to the followers of Jesus life changed dramatically. They went from cowering in hiding to living shared life with one another in the public eye. They had all things in common, giving generously to one another and being sure no one had any need among them. This was no doubt a sacrifice for many in the church, but was given with joy and pleasure. They not only shared their material goods with one another, but offered the life giving message of the gospel with those outside their community.
We are told about one instance of Peter and John telling a man begging at the temple about Jesus and the salvation that comes to those who put their trust in him. Below are some themes and questions to help you with your discussions in your own home this week.
- What does the Bible say the people devoted themselves to as they met together? The apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These few things would become the defining marks of what it meant to be a Christian and live with other Chrsitians. Being devoted to these things meant these were the most important parts of their lives.
- What are some things that might have given them favor with others who were not believers? Their generosity is highlighted as something that made them different from anyone else around them. No one, it seems, shared with each other the way these Christians shared.
- What was the lame beggar looking for when he was at the temple? He sat there everyday asking others for money or food. This was the only way he could provide for himself and the temple was the place to ask others for help. It would have been expected of others to stop and help him there.
- What does Peter and John offer the man? They cannot give him money because they don’t have any. Peter tells the man they can offer him something better: a new life. Peter tells the man to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ. This meant that it wasn’t Peter’s power that healed the man, but the power of Jesus healed him. Peter was continuing the work that Jesus had been doing.
- What did Peter do after the man was healed? The newly healed man creates quite a scene that draws a crowd. Peter delivers another sermon to the people who gather, sharing again about Jesus who was sent by God and was crucified to be raised from the dead, and who now gives all who believe eternal life.
The generosity of the people is emphasized in this story. They put the needs, both material needs and spiritual needs, first priority and give all they are able to meet those needs.
Character Trait: Generous
I give what I have to others because I want to and it makes me happy.
Memory Verse: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
