In Acts 4, the believers prayed for boldness and for the Lord to accompany the proclamation of the Gospel to all people: “29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [Acts 4.29-30]. And in Acts 5, the Lord answers their prayers.

The kingdom is breaking out in the power of the Holy Spirit through the willingness of the believers for the good of the city and the people. God’s kingdom is not only a spiritual one; He restores physical brokenness, as well as spiritual brokenness, as His willingness to bring healing and forgiveness here demonstrates.

[Acts 5.12-16]

5.12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Despite the pressure from the religious Jewish leaders, what do the apostles continue to do? [v. 12]

+ What is the impact of the believers’ work in the city? [vv. 13-15]

+ The Holy Spirit is working strongly through Peter. How do we see this in the text? [v. 15]

+ How does their work in the city have an impact beyond the city? [v. 16]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Are you in tune with how the Holy Spirit desires to use you to accomplish His Kingdom?

+ What would it take for you to live more like the believers in Acts?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?