Standing With the Apostles

By Royce Frederick

He had never walked. He had been lame over 40 years — since birth. Each day, others carried him to the temple gate called “Beautiful” to beg (Acts 3:2; 4:22).

He did not receive the gift he was seeking from Peter and John that day. Instead, God had a better gift for him. By the power of God, Peter healed him in the name of Jesus. “So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them — walking, leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8). He did not go away and use his new ability for selfish purposes, but went into the temple with the apostles.

The people knew this man well, and they were “filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (3:10). Then, the former lame man stood with the apostles as they preached the gospel of Jesus to the people (3:11-26).The religious leaders were “greatly disturbed” by the preaching, and they sent officers who arrested the speakers, Peter and John.

The next day, when Peter and John were brought out to be questioned, the former lame man stood with the apostles as they made their defense. Peter said, “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole” (Acts 4:10). “And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it” (4:14).

The gospel -- and its preachers -- are often attacked. Where do you stand? With unbelievers and mockers? With doctrines of men? Or do you stand with the apostles by standing with the preachers who faithfully proclaim the same message today?

“...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

“...let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ...that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).