Jerusalem was in turmoil because the priests did not know what to do with the faith in Christ. The more they persecuted God's work, the more wonders were performed by the Lord's servants. They had learned from Jesus and therefore taught His doctrine to the people. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent (Acts 2:1-4), and nearly three thousand people were converted (Acts 2:41). Now, notice that the verse under study declares that nearly five thousand were saved through Jesus!

The message preached by Peter and John to the people, who were astonished to see the healing of the paralytic, well known in that city, made everyone rejoice greatly. The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees—whose sect did not believe in the existence of the soul or spirit—realized that the apostolic teaching was winning over the people, showing that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. They arrested and threw the apostles into prison out of pure malice. 

In fact, the religious leaders did not know how to deal with Jesus' apostles, for the people soon began to spread what they had witnessed. The crowds saw what was happening and were amazed at the sick being healed, the lost being saved, and all kinds of wonders. This is the Gospel that Jesus said would be preached so that the end would come (Matthew 24:14).

Many people went to verify whether the wonders reported were as they said, and when they confirmed their truth, they began to believe in the message that impacts and transforms lives. This is not human power, for conversion is accomplished only by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). The truth is that without the Lord's direct involvement, we will not see a change of life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Without this, there is no work of God, but only of the flesh. Believe, pray, and live!

It is necessary to preach under the divine anointing so that people understand that this is the work of Heaven; otherwise, we will accomplish nothing good. After all, if someone goes to a service but does not feel God speaking to their heart or perceive the moving of Heaven, even if they are deeply moved, nothing truly significant has happened to them. We will give an account to the Lord for the work He has commanded us to do.          

We cannot waste time with things that come from the human mind, which appeals to us to give people “manufactured” emotions, produced by people without the anointing from Above. Those who do the Lord's work must always consecrate themselves to act as Jesus did. He said: No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.  (John 6:44). Does the Father use vessels in sin? No! Pray and sanctify yourself!

In chapter 3 of Acts, Peter began his message by telling his listeners that they had killed Jesus when, at His trial, they shouted, “Crucify Him.” They killed the Author of life, but on the third day, He rose again. We died and were raised with Christ, to be witnesses that we should not despise God's blessings.

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares