Kingdom Expansion: Acts 3
Prior to Acts 3 we see Jesus restore Peter and question him 3 times, forgiving him and indicating that He has work for Peter- to ‘love and feed His Sheep.’ Then the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples. We see the Holy Spirit’s transforming work and its effects through Peter and John.
At the Temple, Peter commands a lame beggar to walk. Not only that but he then pulls him up by his hand. Peter is a mirror image of Jesus- Jesus who commanded another man to take up his mat and walk.
Jesus had also commanded Peter, to come out of a boat and took his hand when he was sinking. But now it is Peter extending his hand, calling what isn’t as though it were and a miracle occurs. The man who isn’t able to walk, does! Peter later explains that it is faith that causes miracles. I love this story because it reminds me that God does more than we can ask or imagine- the lame man was hoping for a few coins, instead God transforms his life.
When Peter sees the crowd, he seizes the opportunity to teach a message of repentance just like Jesus and John before him. “Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19). This message of second chances and hope is what propels the expansion of the Kingdom of God. It is the Good News, and just like the first time on the day of Pentecost, when Peter saw an opportunity and took it, ‘…many who heard the message believed: so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand’ (Acts 4:4), Peter does not speak to condemn but to help them recognise their need for a saviour.
Restoration results in gratitude, which attracts God’s attention. We see this when Jesus commends the only leper that returns to thank Him. There is a powerful connection between faith and gratitude. The lame man in this chapter expresses gratitude with leaps with joy and praise. Peter’s gratitude that Jesus had restored him must have empowered his faith, confidence and determination to minister. He immediately gave the glory to God, explaining to the crowd that it was by faith in Jesus’ Name that the man had been healed.
Restoration, forgiveness and the Holy Spirit coming upon Peter, were the key to power to perform miracles and preach boldly. News spread and the Kingdom advanced. The Kingdom expands one individual at a time and through the heart. When God reigns in our hearts, we are won over and accept Jesus as Lord and saviour; then the Kingdom of God that has begun within. He gives us the power, purpose and boldness to share with others. We are able to invest in the lives of others and care enough to pray for them and share the reason for our confidence and joy, even at the risk of ridicule. This is love and obedience.
Pray- Father God, the Kingdom expanded exponentially in Acts. Just as it was in the beginning, let it be also in these last days. May everyone that You call, fully repent, be fully restored and made whole, fit for purpose; bold enough, obedient enough, loving enough and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out the good works that You created them to do. May nothing hinder the Good News from reaching the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ Name grant us opportunity and faith to believe. Amen.
By Jesse Kaur