Leviticus 1-3 and Acts 5

Leviticus jumps right into the process of sacrifice. We read about sacrifices for the expiation of sin, for good will offerings and for purification offerings. Behind each sacrifice is the understanding that what is being offered is of value to the one offering the sacrifice. The animal must be a domesticated animal, not something caught in the wild, therefore the animal holds value to the owner.

There is a certain cost to these sacrifices, it should be "painful" for the reason for the sacrifice is a trespass against God or another member of the community. Every member of the community is able to offer a sacrifice, different levels of animals can be offered up, the rich can provide a ram, while poorer members of the community can offer up a bird. In other words, rich and powerful or poor, makes no difference, all need to make themselves right with God.

Three main forms of sacrifice are for the expiation of sin in which one needs to be cleansed of sin. This is an offering which involves the blood of an animal and different animals are proscribed for different individuals within the community. The second is for well being or good will and this usually involves a grain offering. The purpose of this offering is to provide a pleasant odor to God to gain good will, such as a bountiful harvest. The final form of sacrifice is that of reconciliation and frequently this is partnered with the sacrifice for the expiation of sin. This sacrifice is offered to bring harmony between one and God or between two members of the community. Frequently this sacrifice ends with a meal to seal the covenant.

Acts 5
We sort of jump right into Acts and enter the story as it has already begun. Leading up to this point, Jesus has left the disciples, who return to Jerusalem. On Pentecost the Spirit comes and gives life to the community. The disciples remain in Jerusalem, frequent the Temple and begin to incur the wrath of the temple authorities. The community of believers forms close bonds and we hear how they share everything and want for nothing.

In chapter 5 we begin to understand this new community and its sharing but hear a warning story. Ananias and Sapphira, influenced by Satan, withhold some of their own fortune from the community. They sin, not just in not sharing, but in trying to deceive the community and the punishment is swift. Perhaps their deaths are warnings to the danger of those who will attempt to tear apart the community.

The story of chapter 5 continues and we see another aspect of the early church community is the presence of healing. For those who are willing to give themselves over to the community, there is a wholeness that can be found.

The last half of the chapter provides a prediction from the famed Gameliel, who is a revered rabbi at the time, and even presently. In his own words, he points out how efforts that are just of humanity tend to fade, while efforts of God continue. Words that we ought to remember today.