◄ Acts 3 ►
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Summary A Lame Man Walks 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. Teaching Points The Setting and Miracle (Acts 3:1-10) Peter and John, going to the temple for prayer, encounter a man lame from birth. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, commands him, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk! (Acts 3:6). The man is healed instantly, demonstrating the power of Jesus' name. The Reaction of the Crowd (Acts 3:9-11) The healed man enters the temple courts, walking and leaping, praising God. The crowd is filled with wonder and amazement, recognizing him as the beggar they had seen daily. Peter’s Sermon (Acts 3:12-26) Peter seizes the opportunity to address the crowd, attributing the miracle to Jesus, whom they had rejected and crucified. He calls them to repentance, saying, Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away (Acts 3:19). The Fulfillment of Prophecy (Acts 3:18-24) Peter explains that Jesus' suffering was foretold by the prophets, emphasizing that God’s plan was fulfilled through Christ. Practical Applications Boldness in Faith Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold in our faith, trusting in the power of Jesus' name to bring healing and transformation. Opportunities to Witness Look for opportunities in everyday situations to share the gospel, just as Peter did when the crowd gathered. Repentance and Restoration Embrace the call to repentance, understanding that it leads to spiritual restoration and refreshment. Recognizing God’s Work Be attentive to the ways God is working around you, and be ready to give Him glory for the miracles, big or small, in your life. People 1. Peter Peter is one of the apostles and a central figure in the early Christian church. In Acts 3, he performs a miracle by healing a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. He then addresses the crowd, explaining the miracle and preaching about Jesus Christ. The Greek name "Πέτρος" (Petros) means "rock" or "stone," reflecting his foundational role in the church. 2. John John, another apostle, accompanies Peter to the temple. He is present during the healing of the lame man and stands with Peter as he addresses the crowd. John's presence underscores the unity and partnership among the apostles. The Greek name "Ἰωάννης" (Ioannes) is derived from the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." 3. The Lame Man This man, who is not named, is described as being lame from birth and is carried daily to the temple gate to beg for alms. After being healed by Peter, he enters the temple walking, leaping, and praising God, which astonishes the onlookers. His healing serves as a testament to the power of faith in Jesus Christ. 4. The People/Crowd The crowd consists of the people who witness the miracle and gather around Peter and John in Solomon's Colonnade. They are amazed by the healing and listen to Peter's sermon, which calls them to repentance and faith in Jesus. The Greek term "λαός" (laos) is often used to refer to the people or the crowd. 5. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob While not a person in the traditional sense, this reference is significant as Peter invokes the God of the patriarchs to connect the miracle to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. This emphasizes the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Places 1. The Temple The Temple in Jerusalem is the central place of worship for the Jewish people. In Acts 3:1, Peter and John are going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour. The Greek term used here is "ἱερόν" (hieron), referring to the entire temple complex, including the courts and surrounding areas. 2. The Beautiful Gate This is a specific gate of the temple mentioned in Acts 3:2. A man lame from birth is carried to this gate daily to beg for alms from those entering the temple. The Greek term "ὡραῖος" (hōraios) is used, which can mean "beautiful" or "belonging to the right hour or season," indicating the gate's significance and possibly its ornate design. Events 1. Peter and John Go to the Temple Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. This was a customary time for prayer, aligning with Jewish tradition (Acts 3:1). 2. The Lame Beggar at the Temple Gate A man who had been lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he would beg for alms from those entering the temple (Acts 3:2). 3. The Beggar Asks for Alms Seeing Peter and John about to enter the temple, the beggar asked them for money. This was a common practice for those in need, relying on the charity of worshippers (Acts 3:3). 4. Peter's Response to the Beggar Peter, along with John, looked intently at the beggar and said, "Look at us!" This command was to capture the man's full attention (Acts 3:4). 5. The Beggar's Expectation The beggar gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. This expectation was based on the usual practice of receiving alms (Acts 3:5). 6. Peter Heals the Beggar Peter declared, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" The invocation of Jesus' name signifies authority and power (Acts 3:6). 7. The Beggar is Healed Peter took the man by the right hand and helped him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. The Greek word "parachrēma" (παραχρῆμα) indicates the immediacy of the healing (Acts 3:7). 8. The Beggar Walks and Praises God The man leaped up, stood, and began to walk. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God, demonstrating the completeness of his healing (Acts 3:8). 9. The Crowd's Reaction All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him (Acts 3:9-10). 10. Peter Addresses the Crowd As the healed man clung to Peter and John, all the people ran to them in the portico called Solomon's, utterly astonished. This sets the stage for Peter's subsequent sermon (Acts 3:11). Connections to Additional Scriptures Acts 4:12 Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Prayer Points Pray for Boldness Ask God to give you the courage to speak His truth and share the gospel with those around you. Pray for Opportunities Seek God’s guidance to recognize and seize opportunities to witness to others. Pray for Repentance Request a heart of repentance, open to God’s correction and eager for His forgiveness. Pray for Healing Lift up those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, trusting in the power of Jesus' name. May this study of Acts 3 inspire you to live boldly for Christ, recognizing His power at work in and through you. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Healing of the Lame Beggar (Acts 3:1-10) Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Peter commands the man to walk, and he is miraculously healed. This event draws attention from the people, highlighting the power of faith in Jesus. The Greek word used for "healed" (ἰάομαι, iaomai) emphasizes a complete and miraculous healing. 2. Peter's Address to the Onlookers (Acts 3:11-16) As the healed man clings to Peter and John, a crowd gathers in Solomon's Colonnade. Peter seizes the opportunity to address the people, attributing the miracle to Jesus, whom they had denied and killed. He emphasizes that faith in Jesus' name has brought about the man's healing, using the Greek term "πίστις" (pistis) for faith, indicating trust and belief. 3. Call to Repentance and Promise of Restoration (Acts 3:17-21) Peter acknowledges the ignorance of the people and their leaders in crucifying Jesus, fulfilling what God had foretold through the prophets. He calls them to repent and turn to God so that their sins may be wiped out, and times of refreshing may come. The Greek word for "repent" (μετανοέω, metanoeō) implies a change of mind and direction. 4. Prophetic Fulfillment and the Role of Jesus (Acts 3:22-26) Peter references Moses and other prophets, affirming that Jesus is the promised Prophet like Moses. He warns that those who do not listen to Jesus will be cut off. Peter concludes by stating that God raised up His Servant Jesus to bless them by turning them from their wicked ways, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. The Greek term "προφήτης" (prophētēs) is used for prophet, indicating one who speaks forth God's message. Themes 1. Divine Healing and Miracles Acts 3:6-8 describes the miraculous healing of a lame man by Peter, emphasizing the power of Jesus' name: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" This theme highlights the continuation of Jesus' healing ministry through His apostles, underscoring the Greek term "δύναμις" (dynamis), meaning power or miracle. 2. Faith in Jesus' Name The healing in Acts 3:16 is attributed to faith in Jesus' name: "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong." This theme stresses the importance of faith as a conduit for divine power, with "πίστις" (pistis) being the Greek word for faith, indicating trust and belief. 3. Fulfillment of Prophecy Peter's speech in Acts 3:18-24 connects Jesus' life and mission to Old Testament prophecies: "But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets." This theme underscores the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah. 4. Call to Repentance Acts 3:19 calls for repentance: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." The Greek word "μετανοέω" (metanoeō) means to change one's mind or purpose, emphasizing a transformative turning away from sin towards God. 5. Restoration and Refreshing Acts 3:20-21 speaks of times of refreshing and the restoration of all things: "that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This theme points to eschatological hope and renewal, with "ἀποκατάστασις" (apokatastasis) referring to restoration or reestablishment. 6. Witness to the Resurrection Peter's message in Acts 3:15 highlights the apostles as witnesses to Jesus' resurrection: "You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact." This theme emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection in apostolic preaching and the Greek term "μάρτυς" (martys), meaning witness. 7. Jesus as the Author of Life Acts 3:15 refers to Jesus as the "Author of life," a profound title that underscores His divine nature and role in creation. The Greek word "ἀρχηγός" (archēgos) can mean leader, originator, or author, highlighting Jesus' preeminence and creative authority. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions