After being arrested and brought to trial for healing and preaching in the name of Jesus, the disciples returned to the gathering of the believers (v. 23). They were acquitted of charges and released without punishment (probably a flogging) because the Jews feared the people who regarded the miracle as a sign from God. Although the apostles were clearly triumphant in their encounter with the authorities, they were not prideful and arrogant, but humbled under the cross. Neither were they fearful because of fierce opposition that raised its vicious head against them. They recognized that there would be resistance to the transitioning of the kingdom of God from national Israel to spiritual Israel. The apostles needed the fellowship of the church and the evidence of God's good pleasure in their efforts. The major points are: I. The Return (vv. 23, 24a) II. The Request (vv. 24b–30) A. The necessity of the prayer B. The theology of the prayer 1. It was rooted in the providence of the God (v. 24) 2. It was rooted in the word of God (vv. 25, 26; Psalm 2:1, 2). 3. It was rooted in the purpose of God (vv. 27, 28) C. The request of the prayer (vv. 29, 30) III. The Result (vv. 31-33) A. God answered their prayer by shaking the place where they prayed, a sign of His presence (v. 31). B. The Spirit produced unity and solidarity in the church (v. 32). They regarded themselves as the righteous remnant of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:5; 10:12; 11:13; 26:16; 30; 2, 6 10; Acts 15:4). C. They were able to live out their changed lives with awesome power (Greek: megas dunamis, here not miraculous power but Spirit enabled ability–v. 33).
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