This passage shows the early N.T. church responding to persecution by drawing near to God in prayer and careing for each other. I hope this passage encourages you to pray corporately for boldness in spreading the gospel of Jesus. 

Our aim as a church must be to glorify God by fulfilling the two great commandments, to love Him fervently and to love one another selflessly; and, to fulfill the Great Commission, which is to proclaim the gospel to the lost. When persecution (or suffering) comes, we need to affirm these three priorities:

Outline:

    1. Power of Unity (v. 23-24a)
    2. Power of Prayer (v. 24b-31)     
    3. Power of Sharing (v.32-35)

The resurrection of Jesus was at the center of the apostles witness, which made not a few people angry at their message. However, the apostles did not run away from their persecutors and form monasteries inside of well-fortified walls. They did not fall into self-pity or fear or revenge. Rather, they responded by praying for more boldness in witness, and “with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (4:33) regardless of what others were saying and doing to them. 

Discussion Questions

1. What Scriptures would you use to refute the view that God wants all believers to be healthy and wealthy?
2. Why must we affirm that God is sovereign, even over evil? What are the implications of teaching that evil events are not in God’s sovereign will?
3. Should we give to someone who is being irresponsible with his use of money? What guidelines should we follow?
4. How can we develop a greater sense of community and unity? What are the boundaries of Christian unity?