May 31 | Acts 5:10-16
- Elaine Pierce
- May 31
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
Acts 5:12-16
REFLECTION
Solomon's Colonnade
By Elaine Pierce
In Acts 2:47, we read that "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This small community of believers continues to grow, and in today's passage we read that "more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number (Acts 5:14).
Did you notice that the believers gathered at Solomon's Colonnade? Why do you suppose Luke, who is credited with writing the book of Acts, would be so specific about where these healing miracles were taking place? The Colonnade was a grand roofed walkway lined with columns on the eastern side of the Temple Mount.
John 10:22-23 tells us that Jesus had been there: Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.
The Colonnade was known as a gathering place for Christians. The Bible is full of specific details - places, people, events - that remind us that this is not a made-up fairy tale. Yes, the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the men (and maybe women?) who wrote it were God's servants doing God's work. Luke the physician was a meticulous observer who wrote a firsthand account of the early church. It began with a few believers huddled together in the upper room, praying for direction, and in today's passage we see the incredible growth as crowds gathered, saw the signs and wonders that the apostles performed, and believed.
And they lived happily ever after.....well, not exactly. If you read on in this chapter, you will see that the leaders of this new faith were persecuted and imprisoned. Their deliverance from prison is breathtaking, and I encourage you to read the rest of the chapter even if you are familiar with the story. No, God does not promise a life of ease, but he does promise that he will be with us every step of the way.
Believers gather together, and God works. What does God have in store for us at UALC? As we worship on Sundays, as we gather in small groups, as we work to share Jesus with our friends and neighbors, let's thank him for the opportunities He gives us to be salt and light in our community. As others see us in "Solomon's Colonnade," may we clearly, joyfully share the good news and bring others to saving faith. Yes, to God be the glory, great thing has He done!
PRAYER
The early Christians gathered in Solomon's Colonnade, and the church grew as signs and wonders were performed. Lord, I pray that UALC will be a gathering place that brings others to faith in Christ. Help me to bring others to your kingdom, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Thank you Elaine for your inspirational study. I especially want to thank you for encouraging us to read the rest of the chapter even if we know the story. I followed your recommendation - and though I knew the story, for the first time Gamaliel and his actions jumped right off the page and spoke to me. I spent the next hour+ (and will spend more time in the future) learning about him. I'm grateful for these wonderful insights from fellow UALC members- and for the blessing of being retired, so I can freely go where they lead or point me!