Lately, in my place of worship, we have been in study of all the great wonders and miracles being wrought by the apostles of the early church. Infact, I have been personally intrigued by each of their acts. I have had to ask if our generation is missing something. It seems the understanding and faith of Peter’s church was a different one from ours.
I understand that Jesus Christ prayed heavily for his disciples. The disciples were timid, and didn’t even achieve much while He (Jesus) was with them. But after he left, first, they obeyed the instruction of waiting at the upper room to be endued by the Holyghost. The Holyspirit of truth gave them such boldness that cannot be explained.
Again, Peter stood up to explain the meaning of the infilling of the Holyspirit to those who accused them of being drunk. He immediately used that opportunity to preach. It was recorded that over 5000people got saved. I am more than thrilled at that number. I am equally puzzled by how the spirit coordinated the listening, the audibility of Peter’s voice, and interpreting those words in their heart.
At another time, Peter and John healed a man lame from birth. Just for proper understanding, this man had lived all his life without learning how to walk until that glorious day. Phew! Peter, on another occasion preached and 3000 people got saved. It got to a point that sick people were brought to the streets just for Peter’s shadows to heal them.
The early church waxed stronger by the day. God gave increase in a wonderful way! When the devil was going to stir up division and dishonesty in their midst, God punished the culprits (Ananias and Sapphira) with instant judgement of death. The apostles were dispersed at a point in time to places farther than Jerusalem when strong persecutions hit them.
I think you’ve got a fair idea of what I’m talking about. That church was a great church indeed. The people at Antioch had to say these are Christ-like. I hope we have not come to be honouring buildings as church in this generation. I surely hope that the faith we have is similar to the early church. I hope that the Holy Spirit of truth which gave Peter and others unction, power and boldness is the same we received.
The scripture told us in John 14:12″… He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do”. The apostles believed Jesus and did greater works. I imagine Christianity would never had gone beyond Jerusalem if the apostles didn’t go all out for Jesus. These apostles faced sore persecutions; they were mocked, maimed, and martyred. They withstood the cross in order to wear a crown.
The question for Christians of our days, me and you, is what greater works have we done? The apostles have done their bits, have we? Do we really share similar faith?
EGC 2021.
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