Acts - Chapter Three预览

Two by Two Prayer 

Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer…. Acts 3:1

Peter and John, as business partners, knew each other long before they started following Jesus (Luke 5:10). James and John (who were brothers), along with Peter, were part of Christ’s inner circle. They were the only ones who were present when Jairus’ daughter was raised (Mark 5:37), when Christ was transfigured (Mark 9:2) and when he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). 

Peter and John were often found together. For example, both prepared the Passover meal (Luke 22:8). They were the only two disciples who were present at Christ’s trial (John 18:16). They were the first to run to the tomb when the women informed them about Christ’s resurrection (John 20:3,4). They were also the first to recognize and respond instinctively, when Christ was by the sea (John 21:7). While conversing with Christ, Peter’s affection for John can be seen in his concerned question, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:21). Even after this incident in Acts 3, the two of them continue to serve together (Acts 4; Acts 8:14-25). 

Christ did not direct his disciples to practice monasticism or ascetism, unlike many other religious bodies of his day. In fact, one of the first things Jesus did, prior to starting his public ministry, was to form a team and then to eventually send the disciples in twos into the homes of people (Luke 10:1). 

May we, also, find good teams and partners with whom we can serve God, together. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor, If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up (Ecc. 4:9,10).

While Jesus valued teamwork and ministering to crowds, his commitment to prayer was an ongoing practice. The disciples were most inspired by Christ’s commitment to prayer. We do not find them requesting Him to train them in teaching, preaching, or healing, but they did clearly ask, “Lord, teach us how to pray” (Luke 11:1). Here, in Acts 3, the two best of friends are continuing to pray together, which was a standard practice at the temple. The Jews normally assembled to pray at 9 am, 12 noon and 3pm. The miracle unfolded even before they arrived at the temple to pray. 

May we not underestimate the power of praying, as friends and coworkers, so that God would intervene and release His power.