A Miracle and a Message: Peter Heals and Preaches

Acts 3 is a striking demonstration of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. From the miraculous healing of the lame man to Peter's bold sermon, we witness how the apostles, driven by the Holy Spirit, become instrumental in manifesting God's power. This chapter reminds us that God's promises, foretold by the prophets, are being fulfilled through Jesus Christ. It encourages us to embrace the transformative power of repentance and the redemption offered by Christ, just as the people of Jerusalem were invited to do.

Verses 1-10: A Beggar Healed

Peter and John are on their way to the temple when they encounter a man lame from birth, begging at the gate called Beautiful. When the beggar asks for alms, Peter, with John, looks straight at him and says that while he doesn't have silver or gold, he will give what he does have - in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he commands the man to walk. Immediately, the man's feet and ankles become strong, and he jumps up, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people see him walking and praising God and are filled with wonder and amazement at what has happened.

Verses 11-26: Peter's Sermon

As the healed man clings to Peter and John, all the people are astonished and come running to them in Solomon's Colonnade. Peter addresses the crowd, telling them that the power to heal the man did not come from them but from God and faith in His servant, Jesus. He reminds them of how they disowned Jesus and had Him killed. Yet, God raised Jesus from the dead, a fact they, as witnesses, attest to. He calls them to repent and turn to God so their sins may be wiped out. He talks about how the prophets of old, from Samuel onwards, have foretold these days, and they are the heirs of these prophetic promises. The chapter ends with a reminder that God sent Jesus first to them to bless them by turning them from their wicked ways.

Acts 3 takes us to the heart of Jerusalem where Peter and John, going about their daily routines, encounter a lame beggar. Seizing the opportunity to demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus Christ, Peter heals the man, drawing the attention of a large crowd. Peter then delivers a powerful sermon, reminding the people of their ancestors' prophecies and urging them to repent.

The power of faith in Jesus Christ
Miracles and healing
The preaching of the apostles
The fulfillment of prophecyThe healing of the lame beggar
Peter's sermon in Solomon's Colonnade
Repentance and forgiveness of sinsPeter
John
The lame beggar
The crowd at the templeThe temple in Jerusalem
Solomon's Colonnade

1. How does the healing of the lame man illustrate the power of faith in Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can believers today demonstrate the healing power of Christ in their communities?

3. What significance does Peter's choice of location (the temple) bear for his audience and message?

4. How does Peter use the crowd's familiarity with their traditions and prophecies to deliver his sermon?

5. How does this chapter illustrate the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles for ministry?

6. What can we learn from Peter's boldness in confronting the crowd about their role in Jesus' death?

7. How does Peter's sermon demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ?

8. How does the reaction of the crowd to the healed beggar reflect their understanding of God's power?

9. What does Peter's invitation to repentance imply about the nature of God and His desire for humanity?

10. How does the transformation of the lame beggar mirror the spiritual transformation that takes place through faith in Christ?

11. How can we, like Peter and John, be observant and seize opportunities to demonstrate the love and power of God in everyday situations?

12. How does the miracle performed through Peter affirm the continued presence and power of Jesus after His ascension?

13. In what ways does the crowd's astonishment at the miracle show their lack of understanding of Jesus' true identity and mission?

14. How does Peter’s sermon reflect the approach we should take when calling others to repentance and faith in Jesus?

15. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of how miracles can be used in evangelism?

16. How might you boldly confront sin in your life and in the lives of others with truth and grace, following Peter’s example?

17. How does the people’s response to Peter’s message compare to modern responses to the call to repentance and faith in Christ?

18. How does the message of the prophets concerning the Messiah apply to us today?

19. What does the healed man's immediate response to his healing teach us about gratitude and praise?

20. How can we use our testimonies, like the healed man, to point others to Christ?