With Whom Are You Standing?
A. Different attitudes toward God
1) People who follow God with unity of heart (12,14)
The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (12-14)
2) People who cannot accept Jesus (13)
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.
3) People who exalt the apostles out of superstition (15,16)
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. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. (15,16)
4) People who persecute and try to stop those who follow God (17,18)
Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. (17,18)
B. No one can stop the people who stand with God
1) At times, God intervenes directly (19-24)
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. (19-24)
2) Continuing to share the good news (25, 26))
Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. (25,26)
Summary
When people are introduced to Jesus Christ and see the power of God, they respond in various different ways. Some are able to receive the good news and can start walking alongside other believers. This is an important step because God supports those who are seeking him. He intervenes in situations that are beyond our control. Through his power, we can share the good news of lasting peace and love that comes from following a loving God.
For Discussion
1) What does it mean to exalt the apostles out of superstition?
2) Do you believe that mysterious and miraculous events happen today?