Thoughts on the readings for April 27th (Deuteronomy 13, 14, Ecclesiastes 6, Acts 3, 4)

In Acts 3 we have the healing of the crippled man, who was lame from birth and greater than 40 years of age (4 verse 22). He represented Israel and their inability to walk before God. Peter commanded the lame man to fix his gaze on them, which he did expecting alms. He got greater – he received healing and discipleship; and walking, and leaping, and praising God he entered the temple with Peter and John. Remarkable words of witness follow with the testimony that there is no other name under heaven by which salvation can come; than our Lord Jesus Christ. Buddhism, Hinduism cannot save. Our Lord was the stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God (Psalm 118 verses 22). Peter outlined in verses 19-26 what they must do. The rulers sent officers in chapter 4 to arrest Peter and John. Note that the number of disciples had now reached 5,000. They were cross examined by the Counsel and commanded to refrain In Acts 3 we have the healing of the crippled man, who was lame from birth and more than 40 years old ( 4:22). This healing has many parallels with the testy of the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. The crippled man represents Israel and their inability to walk before their God. Peter commands the lame man to fix his gaze on them, which he does expecting alms. The crippled man receives far greater – he receives healing and discipleship. And walking, and leaping, and praising God he enters the temple with Peter and John. Remarkable words of witness follow with the testimony of Peter that there is no other name given under heaven by which salvation can come than our Lord Jesus Christ. Buddhism, Hinduism and all other isms cannot save. Our Lord was the stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God (Psalm 118 verse 22). Peter outlines in verses 19-26 what they must do. The rulers send officers in chapter 4 to arrest Peter and John. Note that the number of disciples had now reached 5,000. They were examined by the Counsel and commanded to refrain from preaching Christ Jesus. The Apostles’ response is that: “We cannot cease from doing what the Almighty has commanded us”. Peter and John are threatened and released. Upon joining their fellow believers the two Apostles together with their assembled brothers praise the LORD and in prayer speak of what had just happened as being a fulfilment of Psalm 2. Their Sovereign’s response to their prayer is a shaking of the house they were in. God is further demonstrating His power in support of their testimony. This was given as yet another endorsement by their God of His guarantee to support his ecclesia’s faithful testimony. The spirit of unity and community is spoken of in verses 32-37. Oh for such a spirit among believers today!