Acts 3
The Healing of a Cripple This section tells how Peter and John healed a man who had been unable to walk since birth. The miracle happened at the temple in Jerusalem and drew much attention. Through this event, the power of Jesus’s name was shown to the people, and the apostles had a chance to teach about faith and salvation. The story shows how the apostles helped those in need and used miracles to point others to God. v. 1: Peter and John went together to the temple at the time of prayer, which was three o’clock in the afternoon. The temple was the place where many people gathered, so it was a good place to share about Jesus. Peter and John were close friends and often worked together in serving God. v. 2: At the gate called Beautiful, there was a man who had been unable to walk since birth. Every day, his friends brought him there to beg from people going into the temple. Since he couldn’t work, begging was the only way he could get help. The temple was a place where people were generous, so it was a good place for him to ask for help. v. 3: When this man saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked them for money. He did not expect anything more than some small coins. He didn’t know that God had something much greater planned for him that day. v. 4–5: Peter and John looked straight at the man and told him, “Look at us.” The man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. He was probably hoping for a little money, but God wanted to give him healing instead. – v. 6: Peter said, “I do not have silver or gold, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” Peter did not have money to give, but he had faith in Jesus’s power. He commanded the man to stand up and walk by the authority of Jesus’s name (Acts 3:6 a). v. 7: Peter took the man by the right hand and helped him up. Immediately, the man’s feet and ankles became strong. This was a miracle—something only God could do. The man was given strength he had never had before. v. 8: The man jumped to his feet and began to walk. He went with Peter and John into the temple courts, walking, jumping, and praising God. He was full of joy because God had healed him. He could now walk and join others in worship at the temple. v. 9–10: All the people saw the man walking and praising God. They recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate. They were amazed and filled with wonder at what had happened to him. The miracle was a sign that God was at work through the apostles. – v. 11: The man held on to Peter and John as all the people came running to them in Solomon’s porch, which was part of the temple. The crowd was astonished and gathered to see what had happened. This gave Peter and John the opportunity to speak to the people about Jesus. Peter's Address after Healing the Cripple After Peter and John healed a man who was lame from birth, a crowd of people gathered in amazement. Peter used this opportunity to speak to them. He wanted to correct their misunderstanding and direct their attention to Jesus Christ. Peter showed that the power to heal did not come from himself or John, but from Jesus, whom God had glorified. He explained that faith in Jesus' name brought about the miracle, and he called the people to repentance and faith, promising forgiveness and blessing through Jesus, the promised Messiah. v. 12: Peter saw the crowd’s amazement and addressed them, saying, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Why do you look at us as if by our own power or godliness we made this man walk?” Peter wanted everyone to know that the miracle was not because of his own ability or holiness. He refused to take credit for the healing, making it clear that it was not by human power, but by God. v. 13–15: Peter explained that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of their ancestors—had glorified Jesus, whom they had handed over to be killed. Although Pilate wanted to release Jesus, the people had rejected him and asked for a murderer to be released instead. Peter called Jesus the Holy and Righteous One, and said, “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.” Peter was honest about their actions, but also declared that God had reversed their judgment by raising Jesus from the dead. – – v. 16: Peter told the crowd that it was faith in Jesus’ name that had made the lame man strong. He said, “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” The healing was proof that Jesus is alive and that faith in him brings real change. v. 17–18: Peter softened his words by saying that he knew they and their leaders had acted in ignorance. However, God had fulfilled what he foretold through the prophets—that the Messiah would suffer. Even though their actions were wrong, God used them to accomplish his plan. – v. 19–21: Peter urged the people to repent and turn to God so their sins would be wiped away, and so that times of refreshing would come from the Lord. He promised that God would send the Messiah, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything as he promised through his prophets. Peter showed that forgiveness and blessing were available if they turned to God. – – v. 22–24: Peter reminded them of Moses’ prophecy that God would raise up a prophet like him from among the people, and that anyone who did not listen to this prophet would be cut off. He said that all the prophets from Samuel onward had foretold these days. Jesus is the fulfillment of these promises. – – v. 25–26: Peter told the crowd that they were the heirs of the prophets and the covenant God made with their ancestors. He reminded them of the promise to Abraham: “Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.” Peter explained that God sent Jesus first to them to bless them by turning them from their wicked ways. The blessing of forgiveness and new life is available to all who turn to Jesus.
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