Acts 5:12-16
What does it take for the Jewish leaders to believe? All these signs and wonders and healings taking place – that’s a good thing, right? But I’m getting ahead of the readings – that’s for tomorrow!
None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. (v. 13). I was wondering who “the rest” were. My Study Bible suggested that the incident with Ananias and Sapphira caused the weak and faint-hearted to back away from the apostles, fearing that their weak faith might lead to the same outcome for them. I also wondered if “the rest” might be the Jewish authorities, possibly reflecting back to the fact that Barnabas was a Levite (vv. 4:36-37). Later, Acts 6:7 tells us that …a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith, but that may not be the case just yet.
Again we see the apostles gathering in the temple, in Solomon’s Portico (v. 12b), and multitudes gathering around them. Today’s reading speaks of healing miracles (vv. 12, 15, 16) accomplished at the hands of the apostles – no doubt the apostles were also sharing their faith. I’ve always admired the Catholic Church’s approach to evangelism, both locally and globally. Dr. Matlock spoke about this a few weeks ago. Their “evangelism” was to go out with a goal of “doing good” (think, Mother Theresa) – mostly building hospitals and schools – and would construct a chapel for their own use, but also invite the locals to join them. Sounds remarkably like the apostles’ healing ministry in Solomon’s Portico…! GLORY!
Hi Fred, this reading asks us, what attracted people to the early church? Healings, miracles, love for each other, community, good actions, and humble character. What attracts people now? False church: prosperity gospel, personality cult, judging others? True church: community, love, praising God, remembering Jesus, doing good for others?