Acts 4 Extracting - Expecting - Explaining

Jesus acted and his disciples talked about it. It was Jesus who prompted Peter and John to believe for the healing of the lame man. And they were very clear that this was not their work: Why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as thought by our own power or piety (godliness)we have made him walk? In Jesus’ name – by faith in his name – has made this man strong, whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given this man perfect health in the presence of you all.(3.12,16)

Peter and John spent their days teaching all the Jesus had taught them; they and the other apostles were daily teaching in the Temple area. As they went on with this business of saturating the believers and community with the word of God, they also scanned the lives around them to see where Jesus was working. They looked for evidence of the word taking root. They recognised Jesus at work in the disabled beggar and immediately put their faith to work. This was what Jesus had told them to do: If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. John 12.26

These are the three main parts to the church’s work[1]:

1. Our ‘bread and butter’ activity, which is immersing ourselves in God’s Word.

2. Scanning the lives around us for evidence of Jesus working in individuals and groups and working there by faith.

3. Explaining boldly and clearly the meaning of what Jesus is doing.

The miracle of the lame man demonstrates this:

1. Peter and John were teaching God’s word day in and day out around the Temple area (they were teaching the new believers and introducing Christ to those who were still in unbelief).

2. They had their wits about them and were expecting Jesus to confirm what they were teaching by renewing people’s lives (so they were not surprised, but ready, when Jesus impressed on them his intention to heal the lame man).

3. They use the evidence of Jesus’ power in the lame man’s life as evidence for further talk and proclamation about Jesus and his power to produce refreshing new life in those who put their faith in him.

These three aspects of Christians’ work could be summarised as:

1. Extracting teaching

2. Expecting Jesus’ action

3. Explaining who did it

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that went with it. Mark 16.19,20

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[1] These three activities also match with the spiritual gifts:

1. The speaking gifts – especially teaching

2. The serving gifts – such as helping, faith, miracles, administration

3. The speaking gifts – especially prophecy and evangelism