Acts 5:12-16 ~ multitudes

Today in Jerusalem, this is a model of the 2nd Temple with a close-up of Solomon's Porch.






Acts 5:12-16 ~ American Standard Version

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them; and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of them and women; insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them. And there also came together the multitudes from the cities round about Jerusalem, bring sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Quite a change. From hiding behind locked doors, the disciples are preaching Jesus Christ the Savior in the 36 acres of the Temple Court.

John 20:19-20
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

The Pharisees are having a bad week. That pesky Jesus didn't just disappear, instead multitudes have come... not to the Sea of Galilee, or the wilderness, but to the Temple to hear more about Jesus. Those annoying miracles and signs haven't stopped either. Some of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council for the Temple, want to go over and hear too.

Ian Wilson's book, "The Historical Jesus" tells of a letter from the first century Anno Domino. This famous letter - Rabbi Lyracathra, of Lystra, Israel, writes he cannot keep the Jews from being interested in the multitudes of healings done in Jesus' name, after the man has died. He wonders how Judiasm will continue when these signs cannot be contained. Yes, these are hard times, the miracles just keep coming.

Thanks be to God. Thank You for Your steadfast love and Your miracles You give us in the highest name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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