October , 32026 - Acts 5

Here is the story of Ananias and Sapphira, their lieing to God, and the consequences.  But, also, “many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles” (5:12).  Furthermore, “more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed” (5:14-16).  And so, the story of Acts continues.  The theme of Acts continues, i.e., the gospel is preached, more than ever believers came to the Lord, and the church advances throughout the world.  This is precisely what is expected and what is prophesied in the Scriptures.  Even after being imprisoned, “every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus” (5:42).  The work continues, today.

Take the jeers and take the mocking,

Brother, ‘twill not last for aye;

Take the cross and bear it meekly,

Waiting for the coming day.

Take the worst the world can offer,

Persecution, suff’ring, shame;

Jesus bore them all before thee;

Be content to share the same.

‘Tis an honor, high and holy,

To display His banner wide,

And, before a world that hates Him,

To exalt the Crucified.   --Maud Fraser (1896)