ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Verta Giddings

Sand Lake, Michigan

Acts chapter 3 – Healing at The  Beautiful Gate

This healing is the first recorded miracle after Pentecost. Remember that Jesus had told the disciples that the ones who believed on Him would do greater works than He had done – John. 14:12. Jesus had promised they would receive power after that the Holy Ghost had come upon them – Acts 1:8.

One day when Peter and John were going up to the temple to pray, they saw this lame man lying at the gate of the temple which is call Beautiful. He was begging for money, since he could not make a living because of his lameness. Peter fastened his eyes on the man and said, “look on us” (V. 4). Of course the man expected to receive money from them. Imagine his surprise when Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none.” His hopes must have dashed to the ground. It was true that they had no money, but they had something far better. They had the wonderful name of Jesus.

Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” There was no way this man could have done this in his own strength. He had never walked. You know that when a baby starts to walk, they aren’t very steady for awhile. Not this man! Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up.     IMMEDIATELY his feet and ankle bones received strength. He leaped up, he stood, he walked, he leaped, and he praised God!

People saw what had happened (Vs. 9-11). They knew it was that same man they saw in that condition every day. Now look! The folks were filled with wonder and amazement.

This gave Peter the opportunity to preach about Jesus. Right away he said it was not because of Peter’s and John’s power or holiness. He said this healing glorified Jesus. He came right out and told these Jewish people that they had killed the Prince of Life, but God had raised Him from the dead and Peter and John were witnesses (Vs. 12-15).

Peter told them that it was through faith in Jesus’ name that the man was healed (V. 16). He did say they had killed Jesus through ignorance (V. 17). He said the Prophets had told that the Messiah (Jesus) would suffer, and so Jesus did (V. 18). The trouble was, the people did not believe that Jesus was alive again. This healing should have convinced them, for after all, a dead Christ could not give power to heal. Then he offered them repentance (V. 19). They must change their minds about Jesus. Then Jesus would change their hearts.

In order to be saved and go to heaven, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, Believe in our hearts, confess with our mouths, that He died for us and rose again. and we will be saved.

Chapter 4 – next issue