Favor In Acts 1 by David Harwood

Shabbat Shalom,

Since we looked at the uses of charis in Luke’s Gospel, I thought it would be good to consider the times charis is translated as favor in Luke Volume 2, Acts. Let’s read Acts 2:47.

(The believers were) praising God and having favor (charis) with all the people. And every day the Lord was adding to their number those being saved. (Acts 2:47)

What brought about this grace/charis? Was it unmerited? Was the favor they received unwarranted?

The background to this was the spiritual awakening of Israel’s remnant during Shavuot (Pentecost). After God’s Ruach came down upon the disciples, Peter gave an inspired, prophetic message exhorting people to join themselves to Israel’s remnant.

With many other words he warned them and kept urging them, saying, “Save yourselves from this twisted generation!” (Acts 2:40)

Three thousand pilgrims responded, were immersed, and began to be discipled.

What were some characteristics of those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast?

Their participation in the festival was costly, both in time and money. It required trust to leave normal life behind, travel to the Temple and worship. Undoubtedly, they were devout, schooled in the synagogue, conversant with, and participating in, Temple worship. In addition, they were obedient. The Torah instructed them to show up and worship. And now a few thousand of these observant Jews had been filled with the Ruach ha-Kodesh. This is a revival in the midst of God’s covenant people.

What did they do?

Loyal to Yeshua, they sought to hear and obey His Apostles’ instruction. Those who were learning together, led by the Spirit, began to develop committed relationships. Their fellowship (koinonia) was not superficial; it was sincere and affectionate. They broke bread together, a covenantal act.

Their love for one another provided a holy environment which encouraged intercessory worship (Greek: the prayers). Their manner of life provided an open door for what the Ruach produced: the awe of the Lord. This awe helped birth awesome signs and wonders that were regularly performed through the Apostles.

Not only that, but to help poorer pilgrims remain in Jerusalem to be discipled, many began to liquidate some of their assets. After all, the pilgrims had left their livelihoods behind. Many were needy. All who believed responded to this economic emergency and spontaneously shared the resultant resources.

Also, it is written that they met in the Temple daily. The Messiah’s Emissaries would teach them there, and there they participated in the worship of Israel. They identified with their people (Israel) and were examples of godliness. When it was time to eat, they opened up their homes and ate with one another. Joy and praise marked their meals. That’s the context for Acts 2:47’s use of charis/favor.

The same pattern is seen in Luke’s next use of charis.

With great power the emissaries were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and abundant favor (charis) was upon them all. No one among them was needy, for all who were owners of lands or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds and set them at the feet of the emissaries. And the proceeds were distributed according to the need each one had. (Acts 4:33–35)

The word here for great, and abundant, is megale, from which we get the term “mega.” Great power (mega-power), accompanied the apostolic witness and abundant favor (mega-charis), was upon Yeshua’s followers. The pattern of radical generosity continued. People took notice.

Was this mega-charis/favor unmerited? I don’t think so. They were loyal to their people and the faith of Israel. Like flares, they lit the way for those who longed for greater light.

Charis is generally translated grace. Biblically, grace is a synonym for favor. Yeshua’s disciples lived in such a way that the people liked what they saw. They found favor (charis) in the eyes of “all the people” (Acts 2:47).

May the Ruach of Heaven lead us in such a way that we would have favor with all, and the Messiah would be glorified.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat26-July 20251st of Av, 5785 Parashat Matot-Masei Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Av
Nu 35:9-36:13; 28:11-15Jer 2:4-28; 3:4 Isa 66:1-23 Jas 4:1-12

Michael Weiner

Recent

Archive

 2025

Categories

Tags