Miracles and Healings
Acts 5:14–16 (NASB95)
14 And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.16 Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.
Acts 5:14-16 describes the growing impact of the apostles' ministry, particularly the miraculous healings performed through Peter. The news of these miracles spread beyond Jerusalem, drawing crowds of sick people from the surrounding towns and villages. They brought their sick, laying them in the streets, hoping that even Peter's shadow might fall on them and bring healing.
For Luke's audience, Peter's shadow recalls the overshadowing of Mary by God's power in Luke 1:35 and the cloud of glory at the Transfiguration in Luke 9:34, both signifying divine presence and power. The healings were not attributed to any inherent power within Peter's shadow but to the power of God working through him.
The people's desire to be touched by Peter's shadow, even indirectly, reflects their faith in God's power working through him, similar to the woman who touched Jesus' garment for healing in Luke 8:44.
Furthermore, people brought those harassed by impure spirits, and they, too, were healed. This echoes the ministry of Jesus in the Gospels and demonstrates the continuity of His work through the apostles and the Church.
While we may not see the same dramatic manifestations of healing in our community today, reports of such healing are common in other areas of the world. The principle of God's power working through His chosen instruments remains relevant. We should be open to the various ways God works in and through us, whether through preaching, teaching, acts of service, or other forms of ministry – yes, including healing. God will empower and use us as we need to be used to expand His Church and accomplish His divine purpose. The key is to remain surrendered to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to empower and use us for His purposes. We must also be careful not to attribute any power to ourselves but to give all glory to God. Like the apostles, we are simply vessels God chooses to work through. By focusing on Christ and allowing His power to flow through us, we can be effective witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel and bring healing and hope to a broken world.
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight