The book of Acts is a continuation of what Jesus began, now working by his Spirit through the apostles. So, you would expect miracles. Jesus had told his disciples that they would do greater things than him (John 14:12), including more widespread miracles with many more people coming to know the Lord. So, no surprise that Luke reports a season flooded with miracles (so many that Peter doesn’t have time to break his stride bringing healing to the crowds, v 15) with ‘more and more’ people becoming believers (v 14), the work spilling out of the Temple to the streets and countryside (vs 15,16).

These episodes immediately follow the tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira. Despite Satan’s attempts to disrupt and divert Jesus’ ongoing ministry, it flourishes, including Satan being cast out through exorcism of evil spirits (v 16). This brings us confidence but notice some still choose not to become followers of Jesus. People in the Temple are wary, perhaps suspicious of this new sect, perhaps fearful of the source of the miracles (v 13). Miracles create a buzz but do not always seal the deal: this was as true for Jesus as for the apostles (see John 6:26–40). 

Pray that our churches might be an enigma that creates curiosity and questions.

The healing of the lame man in the Temple¹ was an exceptional miracle, but it did not stand alone. It was an example of the ‘signs and wonders’ (v 12) that were an ongoing aspect of the apostles’ ministry. Despite this, Luke reports that people were afraid to join the Jesus movement. We have a seeming contradiction: the evidence that the kingdom of God was present led people to admire the believers, but they did not dare to join them! This new community attracted onlookers, while also repelling them.

There are several factors that explain this situation. First, this statement comes immediately after the disturbing story of Ananias and Sapphira, which concludes with the statement that ‘great fear seized … all who heard about these events’ (v 11). This event caused enquirers to think twice about joining a group in which the glory of God was so clearly present. Second, the onlookers knew that the demands of discipleship within this group were high and such a way of life was impossible without the grace and power of the resurrected Christ. Third, the tensions between the people of the Way and the Temple authorities remained great and were about to increase. Potential converts had to be ready to commit themselves to a community facing persecution and suffering. Put these three factors together and we can appreciate why ‘No one else dared join them’ (v 13).

However, Luke adds a ‘nevertheless’: despite the obstacles to faith, ‘more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number’ (v 14). What is stressed here is the reality of conversion, of an encounter with Jesus which resulted in the obstacles to faith and discipleship being outweighed by the experience of grace and new life. 

Do our churches inspire the admiration and fear that lead to conversion and growth?

¹ Acts 3:1–10