#101 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Apostles and The Church — Pt.1

 (delegate, an ambassador of the Gospel) 

 “Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues,

those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled

with jealousy. So they arrested the apostles and put them

in the city jail."

(Acts 5:17-18)

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

It was not easy for the religious leaders to let go of their control even after Christ’s death, they wanted to squash anything and anyone.  By now the news of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit had been spread abroad and the religious leaders were not taking it light. “ But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him  (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody” (Acts 5:17-18)  The church however, had began to grow by leaps and bounds so to speak, it was just the first day of the Holy Spirit being released, “Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you,  in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,  and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself."  With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.  There were added that day about three thousand souls.”(Acts 2:38-41) Just in that one day there were three thousand souls added to the church, I can think of a whole lot of churches that couldn’t do that in one year.    

What made this possible? It was the signs and wonders, which were taking place at the time; in fact this is what signs, wonders and miracles are for, to draw unbelievers to the Lord. “Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky. When this sound as heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.  They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another," Behold, aren't all these who speak Galileans?  How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?  Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,  Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!"  They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?" Others, mocking, said, "They are filled with new wine." (Acts 2:5-13) 

So now this new baby church which had just been born had grown from hundred and twenty in the upper room to three thousand new believers. Not this number was added to the number of believer’s who had already been following Jesus that number was well over thousands.

“They continued steadfastly in 

·         the apostles' teaching and 

·         fellowship, 

·         in the breaking of bread, and 

·         prayer 

Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:42-44) It would seem that the prayer of Jesus that, “they would be one even as He and the Father were one..” was being answered. “They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.  Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.” Although the church was still young it already had very powerful enemies and they would not relent until they had destroyed every one of the followers of Christ. This is one of the strongest motivators of the churches intercession.  

God was still establishing the authority of the apostles with signs, miracles and wonders, just as He had done with Moses and the children of Israel.  He showed might signs by the hand of Moses to prove that he was in fact His servant; so too were the disciples. “Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour 3:00 PM.  A certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple.  Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.  

 

Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, "Look at us."  He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none but what I have, that I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"  He took him by the right hand, and raised him up.  Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.   Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.  All the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.  They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John,” (Acts 3:1-11) 

Because of the popularity of the gospel word spread quickly and the reports came to the religious leaders they began to fear that the people would all turn to this Jesus and forsake the Law.  Join us tomorrow as we continue this lesson on the intercession of the Apostles and the church.

My Prayer: Our Father God, we come before You giving you Glory and Honor and thanksgiving for Your wondrous works and unfailing love towards us Your children. You are our heavenly Father and we give You praise for Jesus Your Son, and for life everlasting through His shed blood. As we began our day with this the Lord’s Prayer we thank You Father for ordering our day according to heavens design and will. Thank You for giving us the words, provision and guidance we will need to complete this day in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

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