The Book of Acts

The Apostles Healed Many

Acts 5:12-16 _NLT

“The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade.” - Acts 5:12

            The main drawing card of the early church was the display of God’s power, which confirmed all the apostles had been preaching. They ignored the stern warning from the religious leaders and continued to meet and preach / teach at the Temple. Many of the unbelieving Jews were afraid to come, because of the Sanhedrin’s warning and what had happened to Ananias and Sapphira. But many folks from villages just outside Jerusalem came, bringing their sick. The power of God was so strong with the apostles that even Peter’s shadow brought healing to those in need. It was not his shadow that healed the people, but God using his shadow to heal.

            The scriptures are clear when they say, “and they were all healed”. I wonder why this no longer takes place in today’s churches. Is healing not for today? I think we can agree that it surely is, for many of us no doubt know someone who have received a healing of one sort or another. But are all people healed today? Doesn’t seem like it. I wonder what the problem is. Or is it simply that God heals when and whom he chooses. It is providential, in that it is accomplished through divine intervention alone. I know people who have been healed of serious conditions and yet I know some who have been prayed over repeatedly and even anointed with oil, and yet they have not been healed. Apparently God wills as God wills.

            Today the church uses their fancy programs, well-known speakers, beautiful facilities, and the size of their ministry to draw people in, but is this truly what God desires? While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this approach, it is contrary to that of the early church. In the days depicted by Luke in Acts, people were drawn to the first church because of the displays of God’s power, along with the believers generosity, honesty, sincerity, and the unity among the brethren. Are we missing the mark in today’s churches? Something to ponder....

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament.