Acts 3-7

Yesterday’s blog showed how the church in Jerusalem came into being and closed with a statement that in its earliest days, love and peace prevailed. But that tranquility was soon dispelled by the jealous actions of the religious rulers.

The people of Jerusalem were amazed when Peter and John healed a well-known disabled beggar, and suddenly he could walk. People congregated at the portico called Solomon’s in the Temple, and Peter made clear to them that the miracle was done by faith in Jesus, who had been raised from the dead. He appealed to them to repent and put their faith in Jesus. As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, stood around Peter and John, and asked them by what authority they had done this miracle? They replied that It was Jesus, who is the only Savior. After the rulers talked with each other about the situation, they ordered the apostles to speak no more of Jesus. The two apostles replied that they would obey God rather than them. Their accusers saw that the crowd was with the accused, and threatened them before letting them go free. And the church continued to grow greater in number and stronger in faith.

More and more people were healed and the rulers arrested and jailed the Apostles, but an angel set them free and told them to keep up the good work, which they did before being arrested again. The people who believed stood by the Apostles and the rulers set them free again because they feared the people. The Believers rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that Jesus is the long-awaited Christ.

Human problems develop among people when many of them are working together. The new church was still subject to human problems, like perceived differences in treatment by leaders. The Apostles led the Believers to select seven spirit-filled men to assist in administration. One of these men was named Stephen and he became the first martyr of the church. He was falsely accused and brought before the Sanhedrin. After a stirring “sermon” to them, he was stoned to death, setting off a general persecution of Believers. As a result the Believers, except for the Apostles, dispersed into other places and gospel of Christ was taken to people outside Jerusalem.

Step by step the new church was moving into new territories where people needed to hear the gospel message. More about that tomorrow.

Theme of blogs for May 2-6, 2022:

Growth of the Church

Based on the Bible Book of Acts.
1. Monday, May 2: Growth of the Church – Beginnings (Acts 1-2)
2. Tuesday, May 3: Growth of the Church – Jerusalem (Acts 3-7)
3. Wednesday, May 4: Growth of the Church – Palestine and Syria (Acts 8-13)
4. Thursday, May 5: Growth of the Church – Advancing (Acts 14-28)
5. Friday, May 6: Growth of the Church – Advancing Still (Acts Unfinished)