The expression is not accidental, as it presses the point of how the early church saw itself as a community of mutually supportive friends

The two concepts of food and of table fellowship as signs of accepting Gentiles are related, for associating with Gentiles and eating what they may have prepared as hosts would in normal Jewish thinking entail the probable risk of uncleanness. In addition, the two ideas are closely tied together in the law (Lev. 20:24b26).

In a sense, the reaction here is like that of another city's to the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:1-20). Despite the man's healing, the townspeople ask Jesus to leave because of the disturbing loss of pigs that resulted from the exorcism. In both cases, the point is that larger monetary interests outweigh concerns for the person benefited. It also

A final note concerns how one church came to the aid of another here. Today many churches are interested only in their own ministry or in using their facilities and resources only for their own efforts. It is sad to see large-budget churches that give very little to missions or do very little for other believing communities in need in their own

The key fact is that as Peter presented the word of the gospel and called Gentiles to faith, the Spirit was given to them just as it had been given to Jewish believers at the beginning, an allusion to Acts 2 (11:17). This gift comes from God, who knows the heart. It was an act by which God bore witness to their genuine response and God's acceptance

The hope is that by intensifying the punishment, a deterrent will be established. They are wrong.

The high priest reminds the apostles of the council's instruction that prohibits them from preaching (4:17-18). No mention is made of the escape, which is an embarrassment for the leadership. How did they get out? Were the guards irresponsible? The answers to these questions might be too revealing, and so they are not raised

With the prayer complete, three "signs" of divine response follow: (1) the place where they pray shakes, (2) all are filled with the Spirit, and (3) they speak the word with boldness

The meaning may well be that these believers hesitate to join with them in this temple ministry given the hostile view and actions of the Jewish leadership, as well as the fear the apostles' access to judgment generated. Perhaps the view is, why should we place ourselves at unnecessary risk? It is one thing to be an object of persecution and be