The physician Luke wrote, after the death of Ananias and Sapphira for tempting the Spirit of the Lord, “great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest did no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)”, and in chapter five and verse fifteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “they brought forth the sick into the streets … that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them” where we read:
Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches,
that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
The verse begins, “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, ...” Luke began with the words, “Insomuch that they brought forth” which means “so that, therefore and wherefore the people carried and bore forth” “the sick into the streets” or “the weak, infirm and feeble people into the broad ways and wide plats”, “and laid them” which means “and set, put and placed the sick people” “on beds and couches” or “upon small tables, cots and pallets or camping beds ”. Luke shared how the “signs and wonders” were so “abundant” that people began to put their “sick loved ones” into the “passage ways” so the following might occur.
The verse goes on to say, “... that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.” Luke continued with the words, “that at the least” which means “if only and even” “the shadow of Peter” or “the shade caused by the interception of light, sketch, outline and adumbration belonging to Peter whose name means a little rock or stone” “passing by” which means “appeared or came from one place to another” “might overshadow some of them” or “throw a shadow upon and envelop a number of the sick people”. Luke shared how the people who brought “sick” people into the “streets” were hoping that the “shadow of Peter” might pass over them so they could be healed.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how people began to bring “sick” people into the passageways so “Peter's shadow” might pass over them. The power of the signs and wonders performed by the apostles was manifested in such a way that people believed if they only put those who were ill in pathway where “Peter” was traveling, his “shadow” would “heal” them. God was pouring out His power through the “apostles”, and people were hearing about it. God's desire was to use these “signs” to bring people to believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Those who carefully examine the power poured out through the “apostles” of Jesus should yield their lives to Jesus and be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Let all who read these words put themselves in the “shadow” of Jesus for the “spiritual sickness” that is within them.
Next time Luke shares how, “there came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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