More Testimony of Jesus

In the last blog post, we discussed the results of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Peter’s first (brilliant) sermon. The Disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of testifying about Jesus Christ. What follows in the next section of Acts (and really in the whole book of Acts) is a description of other testimony to Christ.

The Apostles are performing miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ. But another miracle is happening: the believers are sharing their property with one another. Nothing else matters to them now—their eyes have been opened.

But in chapter 3 of Acts, we are told an extended story of healing. It tells us that Peter and John went up to the Temple for prayer. Can you imagine them going up to the Temple? The text tells us that the believers were going up to the Temple continually for prayer. The Temple, of course, was the central place of worship for the Jews, but for the Disciples of Jesus Christ, not much good had happened there. It is there that Jesus had turned over the tables of the money-changers, and had several confrontations with the rulers who had put Jesus to death.

Beyond this, the Temple was what Jesus pointed to and said, “This temple will be destroyed, and in three days I will rebuild it.” All these memories would have flooded their mind—but still they came without fear because of the hope of the Resurrected Christ.

We catch Peter and John in the Temple at the “portico of Solomon.” Back in John chapter 10, John tells us that Jesus came to this very place, and the Jews gathered around Him, asking, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
And Jesus answered, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me.” Christ’s own works testify of Him, but now the Disciples’ works, through the Holy Spirit, testify of Him as well. Now we, as Christ’s disciples, are called on to perform works which will bring glory to Christ.

Read Acts 3 and the description of healing on your own and consider these truths. Especially look at how the name of Christ is used. It is in the name of Christ that the man is healed; it is for the name of Christ that the man is healed.

Why do you want filled with the Holy Spirit? Is it for an experience? Is it to make yourself feel good? Is it because you want to be great?

Check all these at the door. Of course being filled with the Holy Spirit will sometimes bring these things, but seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit only for the reason of testifying about the Lord Jesus Christ.