2/ JESUS, THE EARLY CHURCH
2/3 PETER
PETER CURED A LAME MAN. Peter and
John were entering the Jerusalem temple to pray when a lame man begged them for
a donation. Peter had no money but looking at him told him to get up and walk.
Peter took him by the hand and helped him up and he was able to walk. He
entered the temple with them walking and praising God. The people recognised
the man as the lame person who begged daily at the temple. They were amazed to
see him walking. Through the power of Jesus, Peter cured the lame man.
PETER BEFORE THE JEWISH LEADERS. The
leaders were not pleased with Peter and John as they spoke to the people about
the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. They took the two into custody and
questioned them about the cure of the lame man. Peter told them the cure was
possible only through the power of the resurrected Jesus whom they had put to
death. After hearing Peter speak about Jesus, they ordered Peter and John not
to speak anymore to the people about Jesus. Peter said that they would continue
to preach about Jesus. After giving them a stern warning, the leaders released
them.
PETER BAPTISED A NON-JEW. In the beginning,
only Jews who believed in Jesus were baptised. One day a Roman soldier who
believed in God and was very generous to the Jews saw an angel in a vision who
told him to invite Peter to his home. Peter accepted the invitation and visited
the Roman soldier. He was deeply impressed by the sincerity of the soldier.
When Peter saw the Holy Spirit descend on the soldier and his family, he
baptised them. This was the first time a believing non-Jew was baptised and
welcomed into the church.
