Topical Bible: The Poor: Regard For: Peter and John

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In the early Christian church, the apostles Peter and John exemplified a profound regard for the poor, reflecting the teachings and compassion of Jesus Christ. Their actions and teachings provide insight into the early church's commitment to caring for those in need.

Acts of Compassion and Healing

One of the most notable instances of Peter and John's regard for the poor is recorded in the Book of Acts. As they were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, they encountered a man who was lame from birth and was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he would beg for alms. The man asked Peter and John for money, but instead of giving him silver or gold, Peter offered something far greater. Acts 3:6 records Peter's words: "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" Through this miraculous healing, Peter and John demonstrated that their concern for the poor extended beyond material needs to encompass spiritual and physical restoration.

Commitment to the Apostolic Mission

Peter and John's regard for the poor was also evident in their commitment to the apostolic mission, which included ensuring that the needs of the less fortunate were met. In Acts 4:32-35 , the early church is described as having "all things in common," with believers selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to anyone who had need. This communal approach to resources was a direct reflection of the apostles' teachings and leadership, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and ensuring that no one among them lacked basic necessities.

Advocacy and Defense

Peter and John also stood as advocates for the poor and marginalized, often facing opposition and persecution for their bold proclamation of the gospel and their defense of the downtrodden. In Acts 4, after healing the lame man, they were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. Despite the threats and attempts to silence them, Peter and John boldly declared the power and authority of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that their mission was to serve and uplift those in need, regardless of the consequences.

Teachings and Exhortations

The teachings of Peter and John further underscore their regard for the poor. In his epistles, Peter exhorts believers to practice hospitality and to serve one another with the gifts they have received (1 Peter 4:9-10). This call to service and generosity reflects a deep concern for the well-being of others, particularly those who are vulnerable and in need.

John, in his epistles, emphasizes the importance of love and action in the life of a believer. In 1 John 3:17-18 , he writes, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This exhortation highlights the necessity of tangible expressions of love and care for the poor, aligning with the example set by Jesus and the early apostles.

Through their actions, advocacy, and teachings, Peter and John exemplified a profound regard for the poor, embodying the principles of compassion, generosity, and justice that are central to the Christian faith. Their legacy continues to inspire believers to prioritize the needs of the less fortunate and to live out the gospel through acts of love and service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lame Man Cured by Peter and John.
... occasion, which private interest, had any regard to it ... persons who performed the
miracle were poor unfriended men ... was performed; for the man "held Peter and John ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iv the lame man.htm

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
... to all that they have, and especially in regard to spiritual ... How often it has been
true that a poor church has ... It reads, 'And when Peter and John came out, he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/then shall the lame man.htm

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
... doubt that he had even a tender regard for him ... as a searcher of hearts to bear witness
that, poor and meager ... [Peter and John were near friends (Acts 3:1), and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxl seventh appearance of jesus.htm

Whether God Always Loves More the Better Things?
... Peter is said to have loved more, in regard to a ... Hence, absolutely speaking, Peter
was the better and more beloved ... marcoe] are a greater gift to a poor man than ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god always loves more.htm

St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ...
... But with regard to the countenance [5268] of Peter ... Rightly, then, did Peter and James
and John give ... Their agreement, also, "to remember the poor" [5293] was in ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iii st paul quite in.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... in their clothes, would I had been born Peter; would I ... I began to break my mind to
those poor people in ... thoughts and desires, which I did not regard before; my ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Restoration of Peter.
... In this restoration of Peter our Lord, then, tests not the ... condition; and that the
solace which a poor soul gets ... idea that he is animated by a regard for Christ ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxv restoration of peter.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... The Strife for Precedence at Feasts.--The Poor, not the Rich, to be invited.--Parable
of the Great Supper. ... Conversation with Peter in regard to it. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... church and gives us all the light we have in regard to its ... (5) Having heard Peter's
explanation of ... a visit to Jerusalem to carry gifts to the poor and returned ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... of Abraham had been long accustomed to regard themselves as the ... contributed to the
relief of the poor Hebrews of ... James the brother of John, and Peter, were in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm