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. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Acts 5:12-13
Signs and wonders were a regular part of the early church. These miraculous events were not done to bring attention to the disciples; they took place to establish the message the apostles were preaching. These signs were public and well known. In Acts 4, God healed a lame man through the ministry of Peter and John. This man was over 40 years old and lame from birth—this miracle could not be disputed. This is just one example of the regular signs and wonders that took place. The people of Jerusalem were well aware of these signs and the message these men preached. The apostles and fellow Christians gathered at Solomon’s Portico. Their actions, message, and location were well known. The other thing that was well known was the opposition they faced from the religious leaders of the day. That is what makes the second verse so interesting.
Even though the apostles had accomplished so much, Luke tells us that none of the rest of the people dared to join them even though they held them in high esteem. This means that the people who were not yet followers of Christ were not willing to associate with these men or their message. So while the followers of Jesus were respected, they were not popular. People knew that there would be repercussions if they associated with these men; therefore, those who were not committed to Christ would not take that risk.
Christianity was not meant to be popular. While the followers of Christ enjoyed a time of being well received after the day of Pentecost, things were beginning to change. People were beginning to realize that there was a cost to following Christ.
As I read this passage, I was reminded that some who claim to follow Christ are not willing to pay this price. There are famous people and athletes who profess Christ, yet they also try and appease their fans. I was reminded of this as Steph Curry gave an interview and talked about the fact that he thought the right to abortion was important. This was disappointing, as he claims to follow Christ; however, instead of standing for the truth found in God’s Word, he took the more popular stance. While this may keep a majority of his fans happy, it severely compromises his testimony. While it is easy to look at others and their shortcomings, I am also reminded of times in my life where I have stayed quiet when I should have spoken up. You don’t have to be popular to shrink back from being bold for Christ. If we consistently stand for Jesus, we will lose popularity, but that is ok. We are not setting out to have a popular movement. The apostles and the early church stayed true to what God called them to do. They did not shrink back, and God honored them. That is what makes the next verse in this passage so encouraging. It reads:
And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. Acts 514
Even though many were scared to associate with them, God continued to add people to the church. While the church was not meant to be popular, it is meant to multiply. God multiplies His church as we stay faithful to Him. May God help us remain faithful to him and stand strong regardless of how the world views us.
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