As we read about the early church, it is astounding at the number of people becoming Believers in Jesus and at the miracles that took place. Acts 3 records Peter performing miracles.  The people were astounded that Peter had healed the man who had been crippled from birth.  When Peter helped the man up, his feet and ankles had never supported the weight of his body.  Instantly his feet and ankles became strong - so strong that the man was able to jump to his feet and immediately begin walking - no wavering, wobbling toddler steps for him. Peter was very quick to acknowledge that it was the Holy Spirit within him that did the miracles.

Did you ever stop to contemplate the phrase "author of life" as a description of Jesus?

Peter and John were arrested for proclaiming a resurrection of the dead.  Remember, the Sadducees did not believe in life after death.  The two apostles were imprisoned but during the night an angel appeared and opened the doors of the jail.  The angel said, "Go stand in the temple courts...and tell the people the full message of this new life"

They didn't waste any time, at daybreak they followed the orders of the angel.

Even though Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men, they could quote Scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Too often in our churches today, some parts of the Bible are ignored. The Scriptures in today’s reading are among them. Many times, we want to focus only on the passages that make us feel good and not on the passages that tell us about hardships, trials, and sufferings. The apostles and followers of Jesus risked everything to testify about Jesus. They were imprisoned and tortured and yet Luke records that they never stopped testifying about Jesus. In today’s culture we, as Christians in the United States may never be imprisoned and tortured. However, there are many around the world who are being persecuted.  We in the United States don’t have to experience the consequences that the followers of Jesus in the early church did when they testified about Jesus or experience the consequences of the persecuted church around the world. Since we are not under that kind of fear, shouldn’t we be all the more willing to testify about Jesus?

Even though Peter and John were under threat of being killed if they continued to testify about Jesus, they prayed with fellow Believers that they would be able to speak boldly.  Notice that they didn't pray to be protected from harm.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee probably wanted to prevent a division in the council and even to prevent a riot with the people who supported the disciples’ teachings. Paul was one of Gamaliel’s students. After the trial the apostles were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. But look what they did.
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

“So the word of God spread…”
Aren't we glad they never stopped teaching and proclaiming? Should we do any differently today?

Seven men were chosen who were full of the Spirit and wisdom to help the apostles so that they could give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word of God. This task was not taken lightly. Those selected had requirements of being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Laying hands on someone was an ancient Jewish practice and was done as a way to set a person apart for special service.