“…Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we have made this man walk? – Acts 3:12 (NKJV)
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was promised to believers in Joel 2:28-32 (“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh….) and was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4 (“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…”).
The Holy Spirit empowered believers to be witnesses, as was seen on the day of Pentecost, where “about three thousand souls were baptised” and added to the kingdom of God (Acts 2:41). The principal purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is receiving power to be a witness for Christ. The disciples obeyed this instruction and continued to preach in the name of Jesus, and many souls were added to the church daily. This spiritual phenomenon angered the religious leaders of the temple, who did not believe, but the disciples were empowered.
The disciples were bold and confident. They were given the authority to cast out devils and were annointed to heal the sick. Signs, miracles, and wonders were done in the presence of the people, and the growth of the church was exponential.
The apostles, Peter and John, on their way to the temple, saw this lame man who was expecting “alms” from them. He was, however, healed, and he immediately began to leap and praise God. The leaders in the temple were overwhelmed and shocked when they heard and saw what was done. Yet, Peter and John (and the other apostles) were comforted and continued to do what they were commissioned to do, share the Good News about their friend and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Read: Mark 16:18; Galatians 3:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 106:32-39; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Isaiah 24; Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26
