The boldness of the Spirit
Acts 5:12-16
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.
The apostles and all the believers were meeting regularly in the colonnade of the Jewish temple. Out in the open they were gathering to worship Jesus, teach about his Kingdom and heal people in his name. All this, despite the fact that the leaders of this temple were intimately involved in seeing their Lord Jesus crucified for heresy.
Not long before this gathering, the apostle had been hiding and denying Jesus. Afraid of the consequences of being Christs follower. What a radical change! How and why did it come about? Earlier in Acts we read about the Holy Spirit coming and filling them with power, boldness and courage. They start speaking in many tongues and preaching with clarity and strength. The Spirit empowers them to heal all who come hoping that their Lord can deliver them. And God does!! Without even being touched people healed who believed were healed.
The Holy Spirit that filled the apostles and Peter is the same Holy Spirit that God gives us when we believe in Jesus. We have access to all the same Spiritual gifts.
God, please empower us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to be bold witnesses who lovingly and graciously share our faith in word and deed. And may we too see many freed and healed in you.
Written by Ps. Zoe Stewart