Acts 3:8

He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.

Study Bible

He jumped to his feet
The phrase "He jumped to his feet" captures the immediate and miraculous nature of the healing. The Greek word used here is "exallomai," which means to leap up or spring forth. This word choice emphasizes the suddenness and completeness of the healing. In the context of first-century Judea, a man who had been lame from birth suddenly standing up would have been a powerful testament to the divine power at work. This act of jumping up signifies not only physical healing but also a newfound spiritual vitality and readiness to embrace a new life in Christ.

and began to walk
The phrase "and began to walk" indicates the continuation of the miracle. The Greek word "peripateo" is used here, which means to walk around or to live. This word is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe one's conduct or way of life. The man's ability to walk symbolizes his transition from a life of dependency and stagnation to one of freedom and purpose. It reflects the transformative power of faith and the new path that believers are called to walk in Christ.

Then he went with them into the temple courts
"Then he went with them into the temple courts" highlights the man's immediate desire to join the apostles in worship. The temple courts were a central place of worship and community for the Jewish people. By entering the temple, the man not only participates in communal worship but also publicly testifies to the miracle he experienced. This act signifies his inclusion into the community of believers and his acknowledgment of God's work in his life. It also reflects the early Christian practice of worshiping in the temple, showing continuity with Jewish traditions while embracing the new covenant in Christ.

walking and leaping
The words "walking and leaping" further emphasize the completeness of the healing. The Greek word for leaping, "hallomai," conveys a sense of joy and exuberance. This physical expression of joy is a natural response to the miraculous healing he received. It serves as a visible demonstration of the man's faith and gratitude. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the joy and freedom that come from salvation and the believer's new life in Christ.

and praising God
The phrase "and praising God" is the culmination of the man's response to his healing. The Greek word "aineo" means to praise or extol. This act of praising God is not only a personal expression of gratitude but also a public declaration of God's power and goodness. It reflects the biblical principle that miracles and blessings should lead to worship and glorification of God. In the context of Acts, this praise serves as a witness to others, drawing attention to the divine source of the miracle and inviting others to recognize and worship God. This aligns with the conservative Christian perspective that all good things come from God and should lead to His glorification.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter and John
Apostles of Jesus Christ who were instrumental in the early church. They were on their way to the temple when they encountered the lame man.

2. The Lame Man
A man who had been lame from birth, sitting at the temple gate called Beautiful, asking for alms. His healing is the central miracle in this passage.

3. The Temple Courts
The location where the miracle took place. It was a central place of worship and gathering for the Jewish people in Jerusalem.

4. The Miracle
The healing of the lame man, which was performed by the power of Jesus Christ through Peter, demonstrating the continuation of Jesus' ministry through His apostles.

5. The Crowd
Witnesses to the miracle, their amazement and subsequent gathering provided Peter an opportunity to preach the gospel.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The lame man's response to Peter's command to walk demonstrates faith. We are called to respond in faith to God's promises and commands in our lives.

The Power of Jesus' Name
The miracle was performed in the name of Jesus Christ, highlighting the authority and power vested in His name. Believers are encouraged to pray and act in Jesus' name.

Witnessing Opportunities
The miracle led to a gathering of people, providing an opportunity for Peter to share the gospel. We should be attentive to opportunities to witness in our daily lives.

Joyful Praise
The man's response of walking, leaping, and praising God is a model for how we should respond to God's work in our lives—with joy and public praise.

Community and Worship
The healed man immediately joined the apostles in the temple courts, emphasizing the importance of community and worship in the believer's life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the healing of the lame man in Acts 3:8 demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and what does this teach us about the reliability of God's Word?

2. In what ways can we, like Peter and John, be instruments of God's power and grace in the lives of those around us?

3. How does the response of the healed man challenge us to express our gratitude and joy for what God has done in our lives?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of community and worship, and how can we prioritize these in our own lives?

5. How can we be more attentive to the opportunities God gives us to witness to others, as Peter did following the miracle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 35:6
This prophecy speaks of the lame leaping like a deer, which is fulfilled in the healing of the lame man, showing the messianic age's arrival through Jesus' ministry.

Luke 5:24-25
Jesus heals a paralytic, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins and heal, paralleling the apostles' continuation of His work.

John 14:12
Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do the works He has done, and even greater works, which is evident in the apostles' ministry.