Chapter three opens with Peter and John, in accordance with their custom, going to the temple to pray at the ninth hour. Passing through the Court of the Gentiles into the middle court, which was accessible to the woman, they came to the gate of the temple called Beautiful, which was made of Corinthian bronze. Lying, there was a lame man who was laid daily in this place to beg for money. Unfortunately, this man has never walked up to that present time due to lameness from birth.
As Peter and John passed by, the lame man asked them for some money. Peter looked intently at the man and said, “Look on us.” Expecting to receive some money, the lame man obeyed the words of Peter, but Peter said to him, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Then Peter assisted the man in standing by taking his right hand and lifting him up. Instantaneously, strength came into the man’s feet and bones, and walking, leaping, and praising God, he accompanied Peter and John into the temple.
When the crowd saw the man, they recognized him as the lame man who daily sat at the gate Beautiful. Curious about what had happened to him, they gathered at Solomon’s porch, which was located on the east side of the temple. As he did in chapter two, Peter took the opportunity to share that God raised Jesus Christ, the Messiah whom the Jews willingly killed from the dead, and He was responsible for the lame man’s healing. Unlike them, the lame man by faith believed, and thus he was healed.
Conceding the Jews acted out of ignorance, Peter acknowledged the sufferings of Jesus, as prophesied in the Old Testament was in the plan of God. The Jews were to come to the full knowledge of Christ by repenting and receiving Him as their Savior, and with their positive response to the Word, times of refreshing and restitution would come from God.
In this chapter, we see the disciples following the instructions of Jesus to preach and heal the sick. And though many centuries have passed since Acts 3, we are responsible for doing the same as believers. Additionally, from this chapter, I gathered a few nuggets to share with you.
- Be mindful of those around you; someone may need ministry.
- When God does something for you, praise Him
- Acknowledge that the power to heal comes from Jesus, not from you.
- When the opportunity arises, share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Finally, I invite you to come back for my next blog in this series to see the religious leader’s response to this miracle.
In the spring, the Jews were required to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem and assemble for two festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). The first festival was the Passover, and forty-nine days afterward, the Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Weeks, the Greek name for The Feast of Weeks, is the setting of Acts 2 (Deuteronomy 16:9-10). At this time, Jerusalem was filled with people originally from seventeen nations: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia, Judaea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya, Cyrene, strangers of Rome, Cretans, Arabians, Jews, and proselytes. And it is at this appointed time God has chosen to manifest in a new way.
Following the instructions of Jesus, the believers, with one accord, stayed in Jerusalem for ten days in an upper room. The Feast of Weeks was beginning, for the day of Pentecost had arrived, and without warning, the room’s occupants heard the sound of a forceful wind that came from heaven and filled the house. Upon each of them sat what appeared to be cloven tongues like fire, and all were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them the words. Please note the occupants were filled first with the Holy Spirit, and then they had the ability to speak in another language. Also note in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals such as Jephthah, Gideon, Othniel, Samson, and Saul; however, they did not speak in another language (Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6; 1 Samuel 10:10)
This event became public for multitudes of people gathered when they heard the believers speaking the wonderful works of God in their languages. Amazed that the Galileans could speak in another dialect, some accused them of being drunk while others began to question what had occurred.
With the power to be a witness, Peter, becoming the spokesman for the believers, stood and took the opportunity to minister to the crowd. Using words spoken by the prophet Joel, he defined what had occurred. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” Additionally, he shared four proofs of the resurrection of Jesus and a bit of end-time events that would happen during the tribulation and before the return of Jesus to the earth. Peter concluded with the prophetic quote of David concerning the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and he declared, “God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Psalms 16:8-10; 110:1)
Being convicted of their sinful actions, the crowd responded, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter responded giving his first salvation invitation, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
As Peter continued to witness, encourage, and exhort that day, three thousand souls gladly received his word and were baptized. The growing converts joined with the apostles and fellow believers as they fervently adhered to the apostle’s teaching. Furthermore, they consistently prayed, fellowshipped with God and each other in their homes and temple, shared meals and resources, and their numbers grew. The fear of God was on the people, and signs and wonders were performed at the hands of the apostles.
The promise to all that are far off that Peter spoke about in verse thirty-nine refers to us. God’s desire is that all should be saved and not perish, so He has provided the solution, which is to follow Peter’s instructions in verse thirty-eight. Therefore, I am now inviting you to become part of God’s chosen family. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and are reading this post like Peter, I encourage you to repent, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Also, like the new converts in this chapter, it is essential that you connect with a church where you can be discipled and have fellowship with fellow believers. Finally, God bless and keep you as you progress in your Christian walk.
For the next several months, I will post my weekly blog on the book of Acts. As I post each chapter, I hope there will be principles for application and nuggets of inspiration for every reader. Please share the post with others and return for the next blog each week. For this week, I am giving a short introduction to Acts, and I will be posting chapter one next week.
Acts was believed to be written by the beloved physician Luke, a Gentile, to a prominent Roman named Theophilus. In the book of Acts, Luke, known to be a companion and fellow laborer with Paul, shares the manifestation and movement of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles and fellow believers. He shares approximately thirty years of the history from Jesus’s ascension and the birth of the church at Pentecost through the two-year imprisonment of Paul in Rome.
The two main characters in Acts were Peter, who did home mission to the Jews, and Paul, who did foreign mission to the Gentiles. Luke also shares glimpses into the lives of Ananias, Sapphira, Stephen, Phillip, Cornelius, Barnabus, and others.
As my post will reveal, the commission of Jesus for His followers to minister to people in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the surrounding world was followed. The early church experienced mass growth, church conflicts, persecution, and deaths, but they continued to share the gospel willingly. Finally, these words of Paul recorded in Romans 1:16 describe the actions of believers in Acts, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believed; to the Jews first and also to the Greek.”
According to Acts 13:46 and Romans 1:16, it is believed the Dispensation of Grace, which extended grace to the whole world through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, started with Paul. Consequently, with the rejection of the gospel message by the Jews, Paul’s ministry was primarily to the Gentiles. Even so, during this grace dispensation, there are Jews who accepted Jesus as their Savior, but the majority of them are still awaiting their Messiah.
In Israel, the religious Jews want to erect a temple and offer sacrifices as of old; however, the continuous conflict with the nations and people that hate Israel has hindered them from carrying out their desires. Notably, this war with Hamas has fueled more animosity against Israel, and her enemies are rejoicing over it. And although the events of this last month in Israel have been disturbing, believers who understand end-time events realize these atrocities must happen.
Why do I say this? As the world turns its back on Israel, in the future, they will welcome an ally, and they will willingly sign a treaty with the antichrist. We can expect this to occur after the rapture of believers and the man of sin, the son of perdition, who is the antichrist, is revealed (1 Thessalonians 2:3).
As we watch and experience this dispensation coming to a close, and God’s attention and focus is on His chosen nation, don’t be alarmed over what you see or hear. God, who controls all, has a plan that existed from the beginning. Just remember all things work for the good of those who love God.
In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1Thessalonians 5:18
This week, I celebrated my seventy-sixth Thanksgiving. Most of my Thanksgivings was celebrated with my parents and siblings, but now my parents are no longer living; I celebrate Thanksgiving with my children and grandchildren.
My seventy-six years on earth represent a time in which I had many experiences. God has always been with me, whether the experience was good or bad. Plus, according to Psalm 91:11, God has given His angel charge over me to keep me in the way.
Here are some of the things for which I am thankful:
I am thankful that I was born in a family who had a relationship with God.
I am thankful that my mother taught me to read the Word as a child and instilled in me a fear of God.
I am thankful I accepted Jesus as my Savior at age ten.
I am thankful that I loved participating in religious activities as a youth.
I am thankful I was able to graduate high school and enroll in nursing school.
I am thankful I married a person of like faith.
I am thankful my husband and I raised our two children to believe in God and His Word.
I am thankful that I received grants and favors that paid for most of my undergraduate and graduate education.
I am thankful that all five of the surgeries that I’ve had were successful and without complications.
I am thankful that I have worked in ministry with my husband.
I am thankful that the Spirit of Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Might, Counsel, Fear of the Lord operate in my life.
I am thankful that God hears and answers my prayers.
I am thankful for the daily provisions that God has provided.
I am thankful I know and understand every moment I live; God has been kind and merciful to me.
Finally, I am thankful that I have been able to consistently post blogs since January 2, 2012.
This is what we see with the children of Israel. According to Exodus 12:40, the children of Israel sojourned in Egypt for 430 years. When they first arrived their relative Joseph the son of Jacob was Pharoah’s viceroy/prime minister and he took care of them. However, after Joseph died and the Israelites grew into a great nation the new Egyptian dynasty put them in bondage and enslaved them.
Showing Himself strong and displaying His love and concern for them God used Moses and a series of plagues to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians. Under God’s direction, the Israelites exited Egypt and went into the wilderness. It was there that God began to speak directly to them and Israel pledged their allegiance to Him.
Unfortunately, throughout their wilderness journey when they experienced hunger, thirst, and the absence of Moses’ presence they quickly forgot about the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God. They complained, rebelled, and even wished to be back in Egypt. God allowed them to suffer for their disloyalty and forgetfulness and surely He will do the same to us when we quickly forget.
People around the world are suffering from some of the following issues: poverty, food insecurity, pandemic aftermath, lack of healthcare, mental health issues, disability rights, personal freedoms, unemployment, homelessness, debt crises, lawlessness, bullying, addictions, relationships issues, losses, coping with grief, self-esteem issues and refugee mistreatment. Assuredly, this list could go on and on.
Not knowing where to turn many including believers have become depressed and suicidal. However, believers are not standing alone for we have God on our side; therefore, we have hope.
Since I am aware that using the Hebrew calendar this decade of “pey” believers are to continually speak, decree, and declare the Word over situations. Plus seeing all the turmoil in the world and being cognizant of Satan’s devices I‘ve devoted this blog to scriptures on hope that readers can utilize to bring encouragement into their lives.
As you read the Word, declare and decree it, I pray it will strengthen, renew, and bless you in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.
Psalm 33:22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Psalm 38:15 For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Psalm 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 71:5 For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Psalm 78:7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.
Psalm 119:49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
Psalm 119:81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Psalm 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Psalm 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Psalm 147:11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
Lamentations 3:24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
God wants believers to trust and rely on Him in every area of our lives, He allows us to be in unmatched situations where we would be defeated but for His intervention. Such is the story recorded in I Samuel 17 of David and Goliath who was unmatched for their battle.
David the youngest son of Jesse was a youth when he encountered Goliath who was an infamous giant and champion of the Philistines. As the story goes David was sent by his father to the battlefield where the Philistine’s armies were gathered to fight against King Saul and the Israelite army. Jesse gave David food for his brothers and the Israelite soldiers and told him to bring back information on how his brothers were doing.
When David got to the battlefield he saw and heard Goliath’s suggestion for a one-man battle with these results, “If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.” Seeing his size and hearing his taunting no Israelite soldier accepted the challenge but David was not scared. David told the king, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.”.
Though unmatched in size and experience David accepting the challenge ran toward Goliath. With one of the five stones he had taken out of the brook David slang it, and struck Goliath’s forehead causing him to fall to the ground. Then David ran and took Goliath’s sword, and cut off his head.
While others quaked in fear David confessed the God that helped him in the past would help him in the present. On his own, he knew Goliath could kill him but with God, he knew he would be victorious. David thought and confessed as he ran to his dangerous foe, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.”
Whenever you are in trouble, feeling overwhelmed, and facing possible defeat follow the example of David and confess the battle is the Lords’ and He will deliver you out of your troublesome situation and make you victorious. Additionally, those around you will know it was God who assisted you and caused you to be victorious.
The Teacher's Pick 