The Early Church possessed and treasured all that was needed to build upon Christ and spread the truth about God's provision for salvation and redemption of mankind without fear. Acts 5:32: We are his (Jesus) witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. The followings are discussed: Lame Man Healed; Christ Preached; Power of God Exhibited, and Persecuted but Persevering in Church.
Lame Man Healed: The work of apostles about preaching and witnessing for Christ was backed with power and divine authority. Miraculous signs and wonders followed proclamation of gospel as foretold by Jesus. One of these is healing of a man that was lame for many years. News of his healing was spread and many were surprised, knowing he was healed in the name Jesus (Acts 3:1-11). The man jumped and shouted of joy over the miraculous healing that caused bystanders to tremble and watch with amazement. Peter's action exhibited the gift and work of Holy Spirit in believers. The Holy Spirit empowers followers of Christ to proclaim the gospel, heal and deliver people from bondages of the devil.
Manifestation of the presence and work of God gives believers boldness to spread the good news. Peter used the opportunity of the healing to speak and call people unto Jesus, the Messiah and God's offer for restoration and salvation (Acts 3:12-21). He declared that God had glorified Jesus for making miracles possible in the name of Jesus. He referred to Jesus as the Holy One and the Just who had been sacrificed for sins of the world. Peter also declared that Jesus' crucifixion was according to the plan of God as indicated in the Old Testament. He therefore called on people, including those who crucified Jesus to repent and turn to God so that they could be ushered into the presence of God to receive forgiveness and enjoy times of refreshing.
Power of God Exhibited: The power of God was displayed by the way unfaithful followers were judged. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira thought they could deceive Holy Spirit by telling lies about their secret action. God's judgement for their hypocrisy was so severe but it passed a message and sent great fear to the people (Acts 5:1-6). God hates sin and His judgement on sin is so severe. Therefore people should turn to God from their sinful ways.
God's judgement leads to respect. Evidence of God's judgement on sins will make people fear and find it necessary to turn from sin. Sometimes people can be filled with pride and may not consider the need to confess their sins and seek forgiveness. In such a situation sins will harden hearts and prevent Holy Spirit from entering and transforming lives (Acts 5:17-32; Hebrews 3:12&13). Some people can deceive others but God can't be fooled.
Persecuted but Persevering: The religious leaders and others were angry over activities of the apostles and Christ's followers that they arrested and jailed the apostles. While in the prison God sent an angel to release them, thus making them to continue preaching the message of new life through Jesus (Acts 5:17-32). The priests and Sanhedrin called for a meeting where the apostles were to be taken out of the prison and brought before them, unknowing that God's angel had released them to continue spreading the good news. Then they received the report that the apostles were inside the temple teaching people. The apostles declared to the religious rulers the need to obey God rather than apologize and stop preaching. Christian can engage in civil disobedience to rules that are against obedience to God.
The Sanhedrin had wanted the apostles to be put to death and their followers disbanded. But one of the Pharisees, Gamaliel stood against such rash action and advised religious rulers to allow the movement to continue, stating that it would fail if it was human effort, but if it was from God nothing could stop it (Act 5:33-42). They heeded the counsel, but beat the apostles and warned them to stop preaching in the name Jesus. The apostles found it worthy to obey God, suffer for Christ's sake (Mathew 5:10-12) and persevere in faithful service of the Lord. Lesson texts: Acts 3:1-26; 5:1-11, 17-42.
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