42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The reality of a work of God is beautifully proven in a soul that continues. An evident work of God is always tested and, if real, endures.
The occupation of the early assembly is recorded. They continued steadfastly in that divine revelation which the apostles taught. The fellowship of the early church was inseparably connected with the apostles’ doctrine.
The result of walking in that fellowship was that the brethren had the continual joy of answering to the Lord’s desire: “Remember Me.”
The means of continued blessing and joy in the early church was the result of earnest, collective prayer, expressing dependence on the Lord.
43. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
When the Spirit moves, even unbelievers know something infinitely beyond themselves has happened, causing an appropriate fear. Too often, what passes as a work of God today is used by professing Christendom as an unseemly display of supposed spiritual power. The world often reacts to this with ridicule and scorn, rather than in fear and trembling. Though we don’t live in days of apostolic power, may God help our actions to bear a sober and true testimony to Christ, before all who observe us.
44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common.
Together! What blessedness characterized that early church! Alas! today man has so failed that there remains little outward testimony of Christian unity. Still, each believer is to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace.”
Unlike the Jew under law who had boundaries and landmarks to mark his possession, being one in Christ, they had all things common. What a testimony to the Jews who observed the early believers.
45. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Even more than having all things common, the natural result of the early oneness was the care for the needs of each member of the body. This was a practical demonstration that “members should have the same care one for another” (1 Cor. 12:2525That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. (1 Corinthians 12:25)).
Christianity does not give earthly riches. It was the believers’ needs that were supplied, not their wants (Phil. 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)). This same spirit of care for one another ought to characterize believers today, though the expression of it will be different.
46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.
The early believers—all Jews by natural birth—became, in a way, even more faithful and godly Jews. They were found daily at the temple. Though that Jewish character of the early church gradually faded away, for a time such faithfulness was allowed and used of God as a testimony to the nation.
Because of the great number of disciples, the Lord’s supper was carried on in separate homes. But they remembered the Lord in the fellowship of one body. The Spirit’s work in these converts also affected daily life (such as eating meals), causing joy and providing another testimony to the risen Jesus. This same spirit of joy and unity ought to characterize believers in all areas of life today.
47. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Joy in the heart results in praise from the lips. Their joy and expressions of praise provided yet another wonderful testimony to the people. The disciples didn’t have to try to be a testimony their happiness in the Lord made them such. A happy believer, walking in a spirit of praise, always provides an effective testimony for Christ to the world.
The Lord added souls to the assembly ones that were to be saved. A time of solemn judgment was about to fall on the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem. For the saved Jews, the assembly became, in a very real way, a city of refuge from that coming time of sorrow. It ought to still have that character among those gathered today.
1. Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Together! How often is this word used to characterize the actions of the early church in Jerusalem –together in preaching, in worship, in distributing to needs and in dependence on the Lord. What a blessed thing is unity!
How important the hour of prayer is in our lives. Here a wonderful miracle was about to bring blessing to a helpless cripple. But it begins with believers who desire to be together to pray. Unity and dependence—marvelous keys to blessing!
2. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.
A striking picture of Israel under law! This poor man was crippled from birth, unable to do anything to gain God’s favor. He must beg for a little, while the One that was cast out and crucified freely offers, in grace, the riches and blessings of heaven to faith.
The gate, though beautiful to the natural eye, no longer was the entrance into blessing for the individual Jew or the nation. True Christian testimony today must come from the inward man. Outward appearances, no matter how impressive, are not the source of blessing, nor are they the proof of blessing in Christianity. “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:77But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)).
3. Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms.
Peter and John were visible to those in need. Christians need to live before the world, not hide from it. “Let your light so shine.” The world saw them and their actions. The conduct of Peter and John did not repulse or discourage the one who had need. What an important example for believers!
4. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Peter, taking special note of the lame man, commands him to look at them. Can we say to the world, “Look on us”? What a sobering thought! What does the needy world see as it gazes at those who call themselves by that blessed name of Christ?
5. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
If man thinks he can get something for himself, he will listen to any message. Satan, as an “angel of light” makes false offers of great gain, in order to trap and destroy men. We who by faith are partakers of the true riches and have freely received need to learn how to freely give (Matt. 10:88Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8)).
6. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Men, blinded by Satan’s lies, believe that silver and gold are the means to achieving great happiness but in reality the riches of this world often buy only great sorrow (1 Tim. 6:99But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy 6:9)). We must be careful that the blessed name of Christ is never attached to the thought of material gain. Silver and gold would make the name Christian popular in a world that despised and murdered Jesus of Nazareth. True riches are dependent on real, living faith in that blessed name.
7. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Peter didn’t just talk; he acted. We must act in like faith on the Word of God, if the needy are to be blessed. Peter, lifting the cripple up, proved that there was power in the name of Jesus. Let us always do all in His name the source of true blessing.
Ed.