A lecture was given in Solomon's porch outside the temple in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. There was no advance publicity of the event, but it was a great success. The Bible tells us that "all the people ran together" on this occasion, and "many of them which heard the word believed." Acts 3:11; 4:4;
The lecturer, the Apostle Peter, was ably supported by his colleague, John, sometimes called the beloved disciple of Christ Jesus. They were both well prepared through personal experience to deliver the Christly message. Peter spoke eloquently of the healing power of divine Spirit and explained that this power was still present to heal. In fact he had just proved this by healing a cripple, and he assured his hearers that it was through faith in God's Son, Christ Jesus, that this had occurred.
All of Peter's discourse could not have been pleasing to the audience. He reproached them for being party to the crucifixion of Jesus not long before. He acknowledged that it was their ignorance that made them commit this sin against God, whose Son Jesus was. But he called upon them to repent, and after they had heard Peter's speech many of them did. The event must have greatly strengthened the cause of Christianity at that time.
