In the eyes of the Jewish hierarchy, maximum trouble had been unleashed on them because many of the people were turning to the Galilean carpenter the Roman soldiers had nailed to a cross. The movement of masses of people to the “Son of God” to whom they could go independent of the religious hierarchy would cause a drastic decrease in the power the priests, Sadducees and Pharisees had over them. Also, and even more importantly, the Romans recognized only one god–Caesar. Recognition of any other god could, and usually did, result in a death sentence. The Jewish leaders saw both of these things taking place and they were understandably terrified.

Verses twelve through sixteen: As if the disciples’ message about the Jewish Messiah were not causing enough trouble, they were also performing miracles “among the people,” causing “multitudes both of men and women” to be “added to the Lord.” Word of what was happening in Jerusalem spread quickly, prompting people from the surrounding areas to bring their sick and demon possessed to the city where the disciples could pray for them. Those who came “were healed every one.” In some cases the shadow of Peter passing over them brought healing. Let it be known that the ministry which Jesus ordained has not changed. Today His chosen ministers carry the same anointing as the original disciples/apostles (sent ones). But let a warning go out concerning today’s popular high profile ministries. Be it known that Satan’s people can also preach beautiful messages, heal the sick and exorcise demons. We must understand the meaning of the Lord’s Words: “By their fruits you shall know them.” “Fruits” refers to obedience to God’s Word. Remember the Words found in Deuteronomy 13:1-4 in which He warned that false prophets would perform miracles, etc. One would determine a prophet’s standing with God when the prophet identified the truth he preached and its author. Any Truth other than the Bible and any Author other than the God of the Bible are counterfeit. In this way all ministers display their fruit. Anyone who channels a convert into a Catholic or Protestant church is a counterfeit christian who bears rotten fruit. The problem lies in the fact that most church people know very little about God’s Truth. For this reason they assume that church doctrine is His truth. In this way Satan controls them without their knowing that he is the god they are worshiping. See All That Glitters. Fool’s gold looks and feels like real gold. Zirconium looks and feels like real diamond. A counterfeit treasury bill looks and feels exactly like a real bill. Only those who know the real can detect the false. This is also true in the spiritual realm. Truly, only by their fruits can we know the true identity of those who minister to us. And only by knowing and believing God’s Word can we know who is His true prophet. L.J.