Help Those in Need

April 26, 2009

Background Scripture: Acts 9:32 – 43
Lesson Passage: Acts 9:32 – 43

Today's lesson represents one of the last passages of scripture that detail the ministry of the Apostle Peter. Knowing that Luke wrote the details of the Book of Acts, as he put it in his gospel account, in order so that Theophilus could be certain of what had happened, then the incidents of this passage of scripture took place between the conversion of Paul and Peter’s preaching to the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house. This passage tells us the reason for Peter’s movement throughout the regions. The New Testament church was still forming and yet in its infancy. As such, isolated groups of saints relied heavily on the itinerant trips made by the apostles of Jesus Christ. Here, it states that Peter was now visiting groups of saints in the various regions. These visits were important for strengthening those new converts spiritually and also providing comfort in the midst of hostile situations. With religion in general and Christianity specifically being treated as fashion statements today, it can be difficult for one to appreciate that there was a time when being labeled a Christian was a dangerous proposition. When one stepped out in faith and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the world was not cheering for them and wishing them well. The Jewish religious community was one group that seemed to truly despise these renegades that came to be known as Christians. Although at this time, it was the Jewish religious community that was the target of Christian evangelists—yet this same community was also the most vicious enemy of Christians. In Jerusalem, Christians still gathered in the Jewish temple. In communities outside Jerusalem, it was not unusual for Christian communities to gather in the Jewish synagogue. But as the locations became more numerous and more spread out where pockets of Christians could be found, it became necessary for the apostles to visit these communities on a somewhat regular basis. Before these communities were formally organized into local churches with officers such as bishops and deacons, the Apostles still had accountability for the spiritual growth and well-being of the saints there. As evangelism continued to push Christianity from Jerusalem throughout the world it became more and more important to have organized local churches to handle the spiritual affairs of those remote groups. But this time was still a distance away from the events of our lesson. Therefore, Peter traveled throughout all the regions or quarters where saints could be found. There he continued the ministry that Jesus taught them when he sent them out by twos; they were to live within that community and use the gifts of God to bless those that received them. It is interesting to note that in this passage of scripture today Peter is providing ministries of service to those that he encountered as opposed to preaching to them. I believe this is instructive because it is a reminder for us today that people have physical needs as well as emotional needs that they look for Christian leaders to meet on their behalf. To the lame man on the bed, a word from God might have been refreshing but I dare say it was better when he received healing from God. For the family and loved ones of the young woman who had died, words of consolation perhaps would have been useful but to witness the power of God in raising her up and restoring her to their company in fellowship was better. Our lesson is very much about helping those in need. The world needs the message of the gospel. People need to hear a word from God. In the midst of teaching and preaching, however, let us not forget or overlook the fact that people still need physical and emotional healing from those that are spiritually mature. Help those in need.

Robert C. Hudson
April 20, 2009