The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 84

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78 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES deed fallen on the disciples, and tlieir work was accompanied by signs and miracles that daily increased the number of believers. Along the. streets where the disciples were to pass, the people laid their sick ^'on beds and conches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.'' Here also were brought those vexed with unclean spirits. The crowds gathered round them, and those who were healed shouted the praises of God, and glorified the name of the Redeemer. The priests and rulers saw that Christ was extolled above them. As the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection, heard the apostles declaring that Christ had risen from the dead, they were enraged, realizing that if the apostles were allowed to preach a risen Saviour, and to work miracles in His name, the doctrine that there would be no resurrection would be rejected by all, and the sect of the Sadducees would soon become extinct. The Pharisees were angry as they perceived that the tendency of the disciples' teaching was to undermine the Jewish ceremonies, and make the sacrificial offerings of no effect. Plitherto all the efforts made to suppress this new teaching had been in vain; but now both Sadducees and Pharisees determined that the work of the disciples should be stopped, for it was proving them guilty of the death of Jesus. Filled with indignation, the priests laid violent hands on Peter and John, and put them in the common prison. The leaders in the Jewish nation had signally failed of fulfilling God's purpose for His chosen people. Those whom the Lord had made the de-