1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God,
10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.
12 But when Peter saw it, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.
16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.”
18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.
19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,
21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.
23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’
24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.
25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’
26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.
The True Meaning of Acts 3
The book of Acts, written by Luke, the beloved physician, provides a captivating account of the early Christian church and the remarkable growth it experienced in the years following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A miraculous healing in this third chapter serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles and the burgeoning community of believers.
The chapter opens with Peter and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, encountering a man who had been lame from birth. This encounter sets the stage for a remarkable display of divine power and the proclamation of the gospel message to the gathered crowd. The healing of the lame man demonstrates God’s continued transformative work and sparks a confrontation with the religious authorities as we delve into this passage, foreshadowing the challenges and persecutions that the early church would face.
Throughout this chapter, we will find echoes of Jesus’ own teachings and the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Testament Scriptures. The apostles’ bold proclamation of the risen Christ and their unwavering commitment to the message of salvation will inspire us to reflect on our own faith and the transformative power of the gospel in our lives.
Acts 3:1-10
Peter and John are involved in a miraculous event at the Temple gate in Acts 3:1-10. The passage begins by highlighting Peter and John going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, around 3pm. This sets the scene for a significant encounter about to take place. They approach the temple and encounter a man who had been lame from birth being carried daily to beg for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.
This man, who had never walked in his life, saw Peter and John and asked them for alms. Instead of giving him money, Peter directed his gaze towards the man, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” This simple act of asking the man to look at them was the beginning of a profound interaction that would change the man’s life forever.
Peter then declares, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I give to you. Rise up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” This statement is powerful on multiple levels. Firstly, it shows the prioritization of spiritual wealth over material wealth. Peter and John understood that the man’s ultimate need was not just temporary relief through money but a permanent transformation through the power of God.
Secondly, Peter’s invocation of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the source of healing is significant. Throughout the Gospels and Acts, the name of Jesus is portrayed as having authority and power. Peter demonstrates his faith and understanding of the authority given to believers in the name of Jesus by invoking Jesus’ name. This act not only resulted in physical healing for the lame man but also served as a powerful testimony to the onlookers present at the temple.
Upon hearing Peter’s words, the man leaped up, stood, and began to walk. His healing was immediate and complete, a testament to the miraculous power of Jesus Christ. This miraculous healing not only physically restored the man but also spiritually transformed him. The man who once begged for alms now walked, leaped, and praised God, entering the temple with Peter and John.
This event serves as a powerful demonstration of the authority and power given to the disciples by Jesus Christ. It highlights the compassion of the disciples in meeting the needs of others and the transformative power of faith in Jesus. The healed man’s response of praise and worship further underscores the importance of gratitude and recognition of God’s work in our lives.
The story of the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate also mirrors the ministry of Jesus, who performed many miracles of healing throughout his time on earth. It shows continuity and validation of Jesus’ ministry through his disciples, who carried on his work after his ascension. This event further solidifies the message that Jesus is the source of true healing and restoration, both physically and spiritually. Faith, compassion, and the power of Jesus’ name can bring about transformation and healing in the most unexpected situations, as seen in this passage. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those in need and to rely on the name of Jesus for the impossible to be made possible in our lives and the lives of others.
Acts 3:11-16
The apostles Peter and John performed a miraculous healing at the Beautiful Gate of the temple in Jerusalem, as seen in Acts 3:11-16. The healing of a man who had been lame from birth astounded the crowd and drew a large gathering around Peter and John. This section of the passage begins with the response of the amazed onlookers, expressing their astonishment and wonder at what they had just witnessed.
Peter, seizing the opportunity to address the crowd, immediately redirects their attention away from himself and John, making it clear that the power that healed the man did not come from them, but from Jesus Christ. This declaration underscores a crucial theme in the Book of Acts – the power of Jesus working through His followers. Peter’s words here emphasize the central role of Jesus as the source of all miraculous power and healing, guiding the hearts and minds of the people to acknowledge Him as the true miracle worker. Peter continues to address the crowd, pointing to Jesus as the source of the healing and confronting the crowd with their role in crucifying the one who now brings healing and hope. This moment is impactful as it shows the stark contrast between the way the people treated Jesus during His time on earth, leading to His crucifixion, and the mercy and healing He still extended to them even after His resurrection. This highlights the overarching message of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God’s grace that flows throughout the Bible.
Peter then extends an invitation to the people to repent and turn to God, emphasizing the need for a change of heart and a turning away from sin. This call to repentance is a common theme throughout the Bible, underscoring the importance of acknowledging one’s faults, seeking forgiveness, and walking in obedience to God’s will. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far we may have strayed, God’s offer of grace and forgiveness is always available to those who earnestly seek it. Acts 3:11-16 encapsulates a powerful moment in the early church where a miraculous healing becomes an opportunity for Peter to preach the gospel, point to Jesus as the ultimate source of power and healing, challenge the crowd to repentance, and offer the gift of forgiveness and salvation. This passage not only highlights the transformative work of Jesus in people’s lives but also underscores the timeless message of redemption, grace, and the call to turn to God in faith and repentance.
Acts 3:17-23
Peter addresses the crowd after healing a man who had been lame from birth in Acts 3:17-23. This incident took place at the temple gate called Beautiful, where the lame man asked Peter and John for alms but received much more through divine healing. The people were amazed at this miraculous healing, and Peter seizes this opportunity to preach to them. Peter acknowledges in verse 17 that the people acted in ignorance when they crucified Jesus. This statement is significant as it reflects the mercy and forgiveness of God. Despite the grave sin of crucifying the Son of God, Peter emphasizes that there is still room for repentance and redemption. This message is timeless as it reminds us that no matter how great our sins may be, God’s grace is always available to those who sincerely repent.
Peter urges the people in verse 19 to repent and turn back to God so that their sins may be wiped away. This call to repentance is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the need for a change of heart and a turning away from sin. Through repentance, individuals can experience the forgiveness of God and receive the gift of salvation. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often emphasized the importance of repentance in order to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 13:3).
Furthermore, Peter reminds the crowd in verses 22-23 of the prophecy of Moses regarding a prophet like him whom the people must listen to. This prophet is none other than Jesus Christ, whom God had raised up as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. Peter establishes the credibility of Jesus as the promised Messiah by referencing Moses, a revered figure in Jewish history. This connection highlights the continuity of God’s plan throughout history, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The overarching message in this passage is one of hope, redemption, and the faithfulness of God. Despite the people’s past failures and rejection of Jesus, there is still an opportunity for them to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus, God has made a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. This narrative underscores the central theme of the Bible, which is God’s relentless pursuit of His people and His desire for them to turn to Him in faith and obedience.
Acts 3:24-26
Peter is speaking to the crowd that has gathered in amazement after witnessing the healing of a man who had been lame from birth in Acts 3:24-26. Let’s break down these verses into important sections for a more in-depth interpretation.
Verse 24:
Commentary: Peter starts by referencing the prophets as foretelling these days from the time of Samuel. He emphasizes the continuity of God’s message throughout history, implying that what they are witnessing is a fulfillment of the prophetic words spoken long ago. This highlights a key aspect of Christian belief – the interconnectedness of the Old Testament prophecies with the events of the New Testament.
Verse 25:
Commentary: Peter mentions Abraham and his descendants, referring to the covenant God made with Abraham, promising that through his offspring all nations on earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who brings salvation not only to the Jews but to all peoples. The mention of Abraham serves to connect the current events to the broader narrative of God’s plan for redemption. Peter calls the people to turn away from their wicked ways and to turn to God, recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the promised Savior in this final verse. Through repentance and faith in Christ, they can experience the blessings of salvation and reconciliation with God. This call to repentance echoes the message preached by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2) and Jesus himself (Mark 1:15), emphasizing the central importance of repentance in the Christian journey. The healing of the lame man in Acts 3 demonstrates the authority and power in the name of Jesus Christ. Through this miracle, Peter seizes the opportunity to preach the gospel and point the people to the redemptive work of Christ. Peter underscores the continuity of God’s plan throughout history and the universal scope of salvation through Jesus by linking the events to prophecy, the covenant with Abraham, and the call to repentance. Modern-day believers are reminded of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the need for repentance and faith in Christ for our salvation.
After Acts 3
We witness the miraculous healing of a man who had been lame from birth in Acts 3. Through the power of Jesus Christ, this man is able to walk and leap, causing astonishment among the people. This incredible display of divine power serves as a testament to the authority and glory of the Lord. The people are filled with wonder and amazement as the news of this miraculous healing spreads. They gather around Peter and John, eager to understand how this incredible feat was accomplished. Peter seizes the opportunity to preach the message of repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ in the midst of this awe-inspiring moment, urging the people to turn from their sins and embrace the forgiveness offered through faith in Him.
The events of Acts 3 serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. This message of hope and redemption will spread throughout the land, touching the hearts of many and bringing about a great revival of faith as we continue into the next chapter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.