“Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy — The Glorious Sweep of God’s Abundant Grace — The Offer of the Kingdom to Israel”

Today we reach our next major development in the ongoing post-resurrection ministry of the apostles to God’s chosen people, Israel.  Since Pentecost, Signs and Wonders have been manifested as the Gospel of the Kingdom was preached.  Thousands have come to repentance and faith in their risen Messiah. Chapter 3 opens with the Lord using Peter to heal a man crippled from birth.  He praises God accompanying many into the Temple itself.  The healing cannot be denied by Israel’s religious rulers and they confront Peter with the simple question “how did you do it?”  His answer concludes with his preaching of the risen and then ascended Christ who is awaiting God the Father’s command to return in judgment of those who had not believed.  About 5000 do repent at this offer of the Kingdom but the leaders of Israel refuse that message and seek to cause additional trouble for the apostles.  Miraculous signs including a manifestation of true unity of spirit and a communal sharing of personal property with each other sets the stage for chapter 5 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira.