People whom Peter’s shadow passed over were healed, not by Peter’s shadow, but by God’s power working through Peter. What did these miraculous healings do for the early church?

They attracted new believers.

They confirmed the truth of the apostle’s teaching that Jesus was who he claimed to be, the Son of God.

And they demonstrated that the power of the Messiah, who had been crucified and risen, was now with his followers.

The apostles experienced power to do miracles, great boldness in preaching, and God’s presence in their lives, yet they were not free from hatred and persecution. They were arrested, put in jail, beaten, and slandered by community leaders. Faith in God does not make troubles disappear, it makes troubles disappear less frightening because it puts them in the right perspective. Don’t expect everyone to react favourably when you share something as dynamic as your faith in Jesus. Some will mock you; some will envy the joy you have, some will feel threatened, and some will just not be interested.

Expect some negative reactions and remember that you must be more concerned about serving God than about the reactions of people.

Meditation Prompt:

As you pray tonight, ask God for courage to continue to through all the negative reactions.