Deeper Reflection
IN GREEK, ACTS 5:12 BEGINS WITH “THROUGH THE HANDS OF the apostles, many signs and wonders were performed…”. Consider how this parallels and yet differs from verse 30, where the believers pray for the hand of God to be stretched out to perform healing and signs and wonders through the name of God’s holy servant Jesus. The implication should be obvious – Jesus’ ministry is now continued through the church, that is, you and me.Acts 11:21 gives us a little bit more insight. The Gospel has spread to Antioch as the disciples were scattered due to persecution and the church was growing there. The reason given by Luke (who wrote Acts) is simply: “The Lord’s hand was with them.” God’s kingdom work is not finished on the cross. It continues in the life of the Church, which is the body of Christ. We are the hands and feet and mouths that Jesus has entrusted to continue His work until He comes again.Yet we do not do it in our own strength, but by the strength of God’s own hand. The same hands that shaped creation, are stretched out against sin, extended to us in covenant, nailed to the cross for redemption and is now upon believers in Jesus Christ, so that God’s purposes continue to march forward. What a privilege, what a task. Lord, have mercy on us!