THE REPAIR SHOP
Opening Prayer
Thank you, heavenly Father for your Spirit’s work in me. Continue to restore and transform me.
Read ACTS 5:12–16
The Apostles Heal Many
12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How has God healed you—in your spirit, mind, and body?The book of Acts is a continuation of what Jesus began, now working by his Spirit through the apostles. So, you would expect miracles. Jesus had told his disciples that they would do greater things than he did (John 14:12), including more widespread miracles with many more people coming to know the Lord. So, it’s no surprise that Luke reported a season flooded with miracles (so many that Peter didn’t have time to break his stride bringing healing to the crowds v. 15), with ‘more and more’ people becoming believers (v. 14), the work spilling out of the temple to the streets and countryside (vv. 15, 16).
These episodes immediately followed the tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira. Despite Satan’s attempts to disrupt and divert Jesus’ ongoing ministry, it flourished, including Satan being cast out through exorcism of evil spirits (v. 16). This brings us confidence, but notice some still chose not to become followers of Jesus. People in the temple were wary, perhaps suspicious of this new sect, perhaps fearful of the source of the miracles (v. 13). Miracles create a buzz but do not always seal the deal: this was as true for Jesus as for the apostles (see John 6:26–40).
Apply
How do we see Jesus continuing his work today? What in your life and in that of your church are signs that he is at work?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, use the church—use me—to draw many to you, the only one who can meet their deepest needs.
Book and Author Intros
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