“Acts 5:12-16”

Thursday, December 24, 2015

“At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.”

---End of Scripture verses---

There is some uncertainty as to what all is going on in this short passage. It can be confusing to read that “none of the rest dared associate” with the brethren (verse 13), and yet multitudes were being added to their numbers (verse 14) and people from all over the surrounding areas were bringing sick people to be healed. And which people were actually being healed and just how did these restorations take place? Did mere “contact” with Peter’s shadow actually cause people to be cured of their infirmities (verse 15)? It is inconclusive from the text whether this was just a superstition on their part or if that tactic actually worked. Undoubtedly numerous people actually were made well, but the text doesn’t tell us which ones were and just how this was being done (verse 16).

All uncertainty aside, this is what I know to be true – the church of Christ grew in spite of all its challenges. After its Founder died, arose and actually departed from this earth, He still established His church (chapter 2). After Peter and John were arrested, threatened and ordered to not teach people about Jesus, the church still grew (Acts 4:4). After two of its members (Ananias and Sapphira) were severely disciplined (killed) for sinning, the church continued to expand (verse 4). In spite of, and maybe even because of, the fear that this church discipline produced in the hearts of the Christians and non-Christians alike (verse 11), the church increased. Even though some people from a certain demographic of the population refused to even associate with the brethren (verse 13), this didn’t inhibit the growth of the church that Jesus died for.

Lessons for us: Let’s boldly profess salvation through faith in Christ Jesus to others, even in the face of opposition, knowing that God’s word will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). Let’s remain faithful to Jesus and increase our faith in Him even if people refuse to associate with us because of that faith. And let’s appreciate the fact that church discipline works, even if it is exercised with difficulty and seems overly harsh at that time that it is administered. If we want to contribute the expansion of Christ’s kingdom we must understand that God’s ways are always the best ways (Isaiah 55:8-9)!

For tomorrow please read Acts 5:17-32.

Have a wonderful day!

- Louie Taylor

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