Many people have lost hope in Christianity because the structure and programs of church obscure the heart of why God left believers on earth: to proclaim the simple gospel message so people can be transformed from the inside out. In Acts 3-4, Peter and John gives a practical example of how the church should work in the world so people are attracted to the gospel, even in the midst of persecution by the authorities.
A lame man asked for alms from Peter and John as they were going to the temple. Rather than giving money, Peter prayed in the name of Jesus that he walk. All the people were filled with amazement as they saw him walking and praising God (Acts 3:1-10). Meet peoples’ needs by praying in the name of Jesus to open the door for the gospel.
Peter focused the peoples’ attention on the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who glorified Jesus who Israel disowned and “put to death the Prince of life,” but God raised from the dead before witnesses. The lame man’s faith gave him perfect health. Peter said they acted in ignorance, but called upon them to repent and return so their sins would be wiped away and times of refreshing come from God. Beginning with the Abrahamic covenant, “in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed,” God raised up Jesus to turn them from wickedness if they gave heed to Him (Acts 3:11-26). Preach the death & resurrection of Christ and urge people to turn from sin & believe so their sins can be wiped way and times of refreshing can come into their lives.
The religious rulers put Peter and John in jail because they proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Many believed the message so the number of men became 5,000 (Acts 4:1-4). Expect both persecution and people believing the gospel when you preach it.
The religious rulers asked Peter and John by what power they had done these things. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said they were on trial for healing a sick man and said this man was in good health because of the crucified and resurrected Christ. He quoted Psalm 118:22 concerning the stone rejected by the builders becoming the very cornerstone and saying Jesus was the only name under heaven by which men are saved (Acts 4:5-12). Answer challenges by affirming that Jesus is the only way to be saved from sin.
The confidence of Peter and John, though uneducated, proved they had been with Jesus. Peter and John said they could not stop speaking what they seen and heard after the Council warned them to stop teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13-22). Your time in fellowship with Jesus will give you confidence to persevere in preaching the gospel of Christ.
They reported what the chief priests and elders said and prayed Psalms 2:1-2 concerning how the Gentiles rage, peoples devise vain things and the kings gather against Christ. They acknowledged God’s predestined purpose, asked for confidence in speaking, and requested healing with signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. As they prayed together, the place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and and began to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:23-31). Pray with others during times of opposition by claiming Scripture promises, God’s sovereign purpose, confidence in speaking and miraculous signs of healing.
The congregation were of one heart and soul so all things were common property to them. The apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of Jesus with great power and grace. Owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds to the apostles to meet needs. As a result, no needy people were among them. Barnabas sold a tract of land and laid the money at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:32-37). Authenticate the gospel of Christ by giving money to meet real needs.
How does the example of Peter and John sharing the gospel with this lame man and the opportunities that arose speak to you? Ask God to show you how to respond in your family, neighborhood and at work.
