In Chapter three of the book of Acts we see Peter’s second preaching opportunity, which came about as John and he were involved with the Lord healing the lame man. Jesus had told them they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses (1:8). That had produced opportunities immediately to speak of the person and work of Jesus. The Lord added to the Church based upon the practices of the early Church. It appears there was a pattern in the early church of “signs and wonders” creating an opportunity for the apostles to teach. Oftentimes these teaching times led to many receiving Jesus.
As a student of the Word as well as a teacher of the Word, the teaching of Peter and others in the Bible fascinates me. There is a “depth” to it that as a student I marvel at how these “untrained and uneducated” men were able to accomplish without any of the study aids that I now possess. Yet as a teacher there is a “simplicity” to the content that all can comprehend.
With those dynamics at work through the power of the Holy Spirit it was an incredible instrument in the hearts of men. Why didn’t this combination sweep over all the hearts of mankind? Well we have an enemy! The book of Acts not only records for us the continual work of Jesus in the world through those called by His name. It also records for us the work of satan and his attempt to derail God’s work.