Wednesday 9 July 2025
They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. (v. 15)
Background
We continue from yesterday's reflection (Acts 4:23-37) to read about the early followers of Jesus.
Solomon’s Colonnade or Porch was one of the two great covered colonnades that surrounded the Temple in Jerusalem, and it was located on the eastern side (next to the wall originally built by Solomon). Its location outside the Temple proper meant that it was a space open to women as well as men, and, of course, it was very public. The worship of the early followers of Jesus was thus no longer in private rooms hidden away. Luke, the author of Acts, says that not only were believers prepared to offend the authorities by publicly meeting there, but that the number of followers was increasing.
We are not told in detail what the signs and wonders were that contributed to this, but clearly a healing ministry was central, and it is worth remembering that Luke, who wrote Acts, was a doctor.
Peter’s reputation as a healer was a significant factor in drawing the crowds. In the ancient world all disease was attributed to the agency of unclean spirits and people’s faith in Peter’s power to cast out evil was so great that they believed even his shadow had the power to heal.
Healing miracles may not be as frequent or publicly displayed as in biblical times, but some churches still hold healing services and there are many Christian centres which particularly focus on a healing ministry. Why some are healed and some are not remains a difficult issue for most Christians. Some believe that even when prayer appears to go unanswered, God is working for the ultimate good of those who love him. There’s a saying that faith understands that what can’t be cured, can be endured with God’s support. The challenge lies in entrusting ourselves to God’s larger purposes, good plans and eternal perspective.
To Ponder:
- Do you believe that God empowers some people to be healers?
- Should the Church be more actively promoting a healing ministry?
- What would you say to a person who cannot understand why prayers for healing have not been answered?
Prayer
Loving God, I have read biblical accounts of miraculous healing, and I believe that there is no illness you cannot heal. I also know from my experience that not everyone who prays for healing is healed. I pray that you touch me now with your healing hands, make me well in mind, body, soul and spirit. And, if it is your will that I be denied the healing that I seek, then help me to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life. Amen.
Bible notes author: Gary Best
Gary was headmaster of Kingswood School from 1987 to 2008 and volunteer warden of the New Room in Bristol from 2009 to 2019. He has published over 20 books, including The Christian Alphabet, a study book for home groups.