5:14
There was an increase in believers. So often the church seeks to be “attractive” by being more like the world, the fact is that this never works, and only leads to greater decline. It is the presence of the Lord that attracts people, and sometimes this presence comes in the form of judgement, as it did with Ananias and Sapphira. The presence will repel some, but attract those who are being saved. Luke emphasises that both men and women were among those being saved.
5:15
There was a genuine awe at the apostles. So much so that they laid people on the streets in the hope that the shadow of Peter might fall on them and so they would be healed. Now we need to take note of this. On the one hand when the Spirit is at work, there may well be some odd things that happen, things that don’t fit our theology. On the other hand we must not think that if only we emulate the strange things that happen, then miracles will happen here as well. We should also note that “the people” will misinterpret some of the things that happen.
5:16
The “revival” was happening in Jerusalem and people from surrounding villages came to Jerusalem to experience what was happening. Those who were sick or afflicted by unclean spirits were all healed. This is reminiscent of similar things said about Jesus. The gospel was having a powerful effect.
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