Wednesday 06 July 2022
- Bible Book:
- Acts
…so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. (v. 15)
Background
Acts 5 covers many of the obstacles the apostles faced in their ministry and evangelism. They had received the Holy Spirit following Jesus' death and resurrection and are now taking the gospel far and wide.Yesterday, we read how Peter and John prayed for and received boldness. In today's passage we read how people are flocking to them in the hope of being healed. They are carrying their sick into the streets in the hope that Peter's shadow might fall on them and that will be enough to heal them. For the apostles themselves, it must have been hugely reassuring to have discovered that Jesus' healing work was still taking place in and through their own ministry. This had been a matter for their prayers a little earlier (Acts 4:29-31).
Through the ministry of the apostles, lives were transformed and changed and many more people came to believe in Jesus: “Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women.” (v. 14). This account offers modern-day believers the hope and expectation that Jesus continues to heal and create believers through his followers today.
To Ponder:
- How would you like to give thanks to those who helped you on your faith journey?
- What are your expectations of Jesus' healing either for yourself or for those around you?
- In what ways have you been transformed by God’s love?
Prayer
Gracious God, in your love for us you gave us your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you that you call us to be in a loving relationship with you. We thank you for being in our lives, for being our parent as we, your children, strive to live out our discipleship in worship and mission. We ask this in your Holy Trinity name. Amen.