4. READ: ACTS 4:32-37 AND ACTS 5:1-11
[Acts 4:32] "All the believers were one in heart and
mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but
they shared everything they had. [33] With great power the apostles
continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and
much grace was upon them all. [34] There were no needy persons
among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses
sold them, brought the money from the sales [35] and put it at the
apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had
need.
[36] "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles
called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), [37] sold a
field he owned and brought the money and put it at the
apostles' feet.
[Acts 5:1] "Now a man named Ananias, together with his
wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. [2] With his
wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for
himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles'
feet.
[3] "Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that
Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy
Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received
for the land? [4] Didn't it belong to you before it was sold?
And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal?
What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men
but to God.'
[5] "When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.
And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. [6] Then the
young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out
and buried him.
[7] "About three hours later his wife came in, not
knowing what had happened. [8] Peter asked her, 'Tell me, is
this the price you and Ananias got for the land?'
"'Yes,' she said, 'that is the
price.'
[9] "Peter said to her, 'How could you agree to
test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried
your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out
also.'
[10] "At that moment she fell down at his feet and
died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her
out and buried her beside her husband. [11] Great fear seized the
whole church and all who heard about these events."
a. Who were "one" in heart and mind?
b. What did they testify to?
c. How many churches were mentioned?
d. Was it identified with a formal "Church Name"?
