Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Acts 5:12-16 (NIV)
The Apostles Heal Many
12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
The ministry of astonishing healing was not limited to Jesus. His disciples were giving the Holy Spirit, so that they could continue this healing. In this description of the early months after the resurrection, crowds are bringing the sick and those tormented by demons to the Apostles for healing. Christian hospitals and clinics and counseling agencies all carry on this work. Moreover, when small groups of believers pray for each other and lay hands on each other, we carry on this work. Keep your heart open this week to those with a need of healing. Then, instead of just saying “I will pray for you,” stop what you are doing, take a moment, hold their hand, and pray for them right away, in person!