A Church That Prayed Boldly and Gave Generously (Acts 4:23-37)
Have you ever been in a tough situation and didn’t know what to do—so you prayed? That’s exactly what the early believers did after Peter and John were released from jail. Instead of hiding or giving up, they turned to God in prayer and responded with bold faith and generous hearts.
Let’s look at what happened in Acts 4:23–37.
Back to Their People
After Peter and John were warned by the religious leaders to stop talking about Jesus, they were let go. What did they do next? They went straight back to the other believers and told them everything that had happened.
The whole group could have panicked—but instead, they prayed.
And not just any prayer—they prayed with boldness.
A Powerful Prayer
They didn’t ask God to make life easy. They didn’t pray to be safe or comfortable. Instead, here’s what they asked:
- They praised God as the Creator of heaven and earth.
- They reminded themselves of how God’s enemies had tried to stop His plan before—but never could.
- They asked God to give them boldness to keep sharing about Jesus.
- And they asked for miracles, healing, and signs to continue in Jesus’ name.
This prayer wasn’t fearful—it was faith-filled.
And something amazing happened when they prayed:
The place where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They went out and spoke the word of God boldly!
A Community That Shared Everything
After they prayed, their actions matched their words. The Bible says:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32)
They didn’t think of their stuff as just their own. They shared what they had, and no one in the community was left in need.
Some people even sold property or land and gave the money to the apostles, who used it to help others. One example was a man named Barnabas. He sold a field and gave the money to support the church.
This was more than just giving—it was a deep expression of love, unity, and generosity.
What This Means for Us
This passage gives us a powerful picture of what the church is meant to be:
- A people who pray together: When hard times came, the first thing the believers did was pray—and God answered in a big way.
- A people full of boldness: They didn’t let fear stop them. They asked God to help them speak even more boldly.
- A people who take care of one another: No one was left out. They shared freely and gave joyfully, just like a big family.
The early church wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful—because it was filled with the Holy Spirit, prayer, and love.
What if today’s churches looked more like that? What if we prayed bigger prayers, spoke with more courage, and gave with open hearts?
Acts 4:23-37 (WEB)
4:23 Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 25 who by the mouth of your servant David, said,‘Why do the nations rage,and the peoples plot a vain thing?26 The kings of the earth take a stand,and the rulers plot together,against the Lord, and against his Christ.’27 “For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your counsel foreordained to happen. 29 Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. 34 For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.36 Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 37 having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.