We continue our in depth study of the book of Acts.We studied Acts 1(opens in new tab) and the final words of Jesus to His followers. Including telling them that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit and they would be His witnesses. And Jesus ascended into heaven right after that.
In Acts 2(opens in new tab) we saw the the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit onto the 120 followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. And also signs and wonders including a mighty sound like a great rushing wind, and tongues of fire appearing over each believer. And of course the speaking of many different languages by the believers. And Peter preached to a large crowd that gathered to see what was happening.
Now we will study Acts 3.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
The Healing Of Lame Man
“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.”
Peter and John were 2 of 12 that were appointed by Jesus to be apostles. The leaders of the newly formed church of the followers of Jesus Christ.
And the leaders in charge of carrying out the mission that Jesus began and then commanded them to continue. To take the Gospel to as many people as possible, all over the world.
Part of being apostles meant that Jesus had ordained them or anointed them with power and authority to perform signs and wonders. Mainly healing and casting out demons, like Jesus had done.
Only the apostles performed signs and wonders in the new church age that began on the day of Pentecost. You do not see other believers performing signs and wonders in the New Testament church.
Miracles and signs were done for one main reason. To confirm that the apostles were empowered and sent by God. Just like they were meant to show that Jesus was the Messiah and was sent by God. And also they were to point people to Jesus Christ.
When Nicodemus met with Jesus he said this:
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” – John 3:1-2
Going To The Temple
Peter and John were going to the temple in Jerusalem. Luke tells us that it was the 9th hour, the hour of prayer. The 9th hour is 3 pm in the Jewish time. A traditional time of prayer in the Jewish temple.
Many people would be going to the temple at that hour, so the beggars would line up near one of the gates at the temple. The Beautiful Gate was the largest and most adorned gate, and more people probably entered there.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
Peter’s Response To The Lame Man
This particular day they encountered a man who had been lame from birth. He would have been familiar to almost everyone that went to the temple, since he had probably been going to beg for alms for a long time.
When the lame man asked Peter and John for alms, or money, here was Peter’s response.
“Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” – Acts 3:7-8
When Peter said “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” he was clearly indicating that he could not heal the man by himself. Or in his own power.
When Peter said “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ” he was saying that he was healing the man by the power and authority that Jesus Christ gave him.
It was all by Jesus, and for the glory of Jesus and God.
And there was an even greater purpose for this amazing event per God’s plan and will.
The Lame Man’s Response
“And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” – Acts 3:8
When Peter, by the Lord Jesus’ power and authority, healed the lame man, he jumped to his feet for the first time ever. And he walked into the temple with John and Peter.
He was walking. And he was leaping. And he was praising God for healing him. He understood that his healing was from God, and he gladly showed his appreciation to God.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
The People At The Temple’s Reaction
“And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. ” – Acts 3:9-10
Luke tells us that everyone that was at the temple saw the healed man walking and praising God. And they all knew that it was the man who was lame from birth, and that he was always at the Beautiful Gate begging.
What was there reaction? They were filled with wonder and amazement. And they were astounded.
And then they all ran to John and Peter and the healed man, who were standing in Solomon’s Portico. Solomon’s Portico, also known as Solomon’s Porch, was a long, covered but open gallery created by two parallel rows of columns supporting a long wooden roof.
Solomon’s Portico ran along the eastern edge of the temple area, overlooking the Kidron Valley and facing the Mount of Olives to the east. It was a large public area that could accommodate a large crowd.
The Signs And Wonders In Acts Had A Greater Purpose
This wasn’t the first time God did something amazing in recent days. On the day of Pentecost there was a very great sound like a rushing wind in Jerusalem when the 120 believers received the Holy Spirit.
And then many devout Jews that were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks heard the believers, most of them uneducated Galileans, speaking in their own language. And the result was that many were amazed and astonished.
And Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly preached about Jesus and proclaimed the Gospel to the large crowd on the day of Pentecost. And 3000 devout Jews repented and publicly proclaimed their new faith and commitment to Jesus.
The miracle of healing the lame man now in Acts 3 by itself brought glory to Jesus and God. But God had a greater purpose than the healing of a lame man in mind.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
Peter Speaks To The Large Crowd
“And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?” – Acts 3:12
Peter, again led by the Holy Spirit, took advantage of the crowd’s curiosity and spoke to them. It was another door of opportunity that God opened.
The first thing Peter did was to tell them that they should not be amazed at John and Peter, or look at them as if they healed the lame man. He acknowledged that the healing was not by their own power or piety.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
Peter Preaches About Jesus
“The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” – Acts 3:13-15
Just as he did on the day of Pentecost, Peter seized the opportunity God gave them through the healing of the lame man to preach Jesus to the large crowd.
Peter began by talking about how their God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of their fathers, had glorified His “servant” Jesus.
The original Greek word translated servant in most Bible versions, is “pais”. It could mean servant. But it also means “son” or “child”. Peter is really saying that God glorified His Son Jesus.
And Peter reminded them that they, the Jews, had delivered God’s Son Jesus over to Pilate to be killed. And that they had denied Jesus, the “Holy and Righteous One”, and asked for Barabbas to be released. And that they killed Jesus, the Author of life.
Jesus is the Greek version for the Hebrew name Yehoshua. Yehoshua means “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves”. Peter was saying that they killed the Savior, Jesus.
Peter continued by saying that God raised Jesus from the dead, after they, the Jews, killed Him. And that they were witnesses that saw Jesus alive afterwards.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
Peter Acknowledges That Jesus Healed The Lame Man
“And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” – Acts 3:16
Peter then tells the crowd that it was the name and power of Jesus, and the lame man’s faith in Jesus, that healed him. Showing that Jesus is the Messiah sent by God.
Peter Tells The Crowd That Jesus Fulfilled The Messianic Prophecies
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.” – Acts 3:17-18
The final part of Peter’s message, before making his appeal to the crowd, was to tell them that when they denied and killed Jesus they acted in ignorance.
One of the last things that Jesus said on the cross was “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” in Luke 23:34
Peter tells them they acted in ignorance as a way to say that there is a way to be forgiven. And he would tell them how shortly.
After that Peter told them that Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies that God sent about how the Messiah, the Christ, would suffer.
Isaiah 53 is a good example of the many Old Testament prophecies that point to Jesus. He is the only one who has fulfilled all of the prophecies God sent.
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:3-5
Psalm 22 is another good example.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?… But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”… For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet — 17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” – Psalm 22:1, 6-8, 16-18
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
Peter Tells Them To Repent
After telling the crowd that they acted in ignorance when they killed Jesus, God’s promised Messiah, Peter began his appeal to them. He started by saying “therefore repent”.
“Repent therefore, and turn back…,” – Acts 3:19
The Greek word for repent used by Peter is metanoeō. Metanoeō means to turn around and go the other direction. There must be a turning in the heart away from sin and living for self. And a turning in the heart and a commitment to Jesus, and to living to follow Him and please Him.
Peter also tells the crowd they need to turn back. Meaning they need to turn away from their unbelief and rejection of Jesus the Messiah. And turn back to Jesus and believe in Him, and commit to follow Him.
You see this in other examples of preaching the Gospel in the New Testament.
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” – Acts 17:30-31
Results And Benefits Of Repentance
Forgiveness Of Sins
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out…” – Acts 3:19
Paul tells the crowd that they need to repent, so their sins may be forgiven and blotted out. He could be talking about all of their sins in general.
But most likely he is addressing their unbelief in Jesus, and their rejection of Him as God’s promised Messiah.
Times Of Refreshing From The Lord
“Repent therefore, and turn back… 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” – Acts 3:19-20
Peter also tells them if they repent, times of refreshing will come to them from the Lord’s presence. They will have a restored relationship with God. And His presence and the Holy Spirit will give them refreshment and peace and joy.
Peter is also talking about the return of Jesus the Christ or Messiah, and the future restoration of God’s kingdom when he says “times of refreshing”.
Peter is talking about how in the future when Jesus returns to reign on earth in His 1000 year kingdom (see Revelation 20). And then in the eternal new heaven and earth, and new Jerusalem (see Revelation 21 and 22). We will see this in more detail in the next verses when Peter talks about “the time for restoring”
There will be joy and peace, and worship and rejoicing in the Lord. And no more wars, or tears, or pain, or sickness, or sin, or suffering…
The Restoration Of God’s Kingdom
“Repent therefore, and turn back… and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” – Acts 3:19-21
Peter talks about how God spoke through the prophets about the return of Jesus and the restoration of His kingdom. There are many Old Testament prophecies about the end times, the “day of the Lord”, and the restoration of God’s kingdom.
“My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes. 25 They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28 Then the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.” – Ezekiel 37:24-28
Revelation 20(opens in new tab) describes in great detail the coming 1000 year kingdom on earth when Jesus will reign on earth.
Revelation 21(opens in new tab) and Revelation 22(opens in new tab) describe in great detail the new heaven and earth, and the new Jerusalem in Christ’s eternal kingdom.
“Thus says the Lord: Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob and have compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt on its mound, and the palace shall stand where it used to be. 19 Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate. I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be small… Behold the storm of the Lord! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. 24 The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intentions of his mind. In the latter days you will understand this.” – Jeremiah 30:18-19, 23-24
“And the Lord will give salvation to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not surpass that of Judah. 8 On that day the Lord will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the Lord, going before them. 9 And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.” – Zachariah 12:7-10
“Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle… 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward… 5 Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. 6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. 7 And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. 8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.” – Zachariah 14:1-9
The Jewish people also understood that the promised Messiah would come back as King and Judge. And that He would bring judgement, destruction, and eternal punishment for unrepentant sinful people. This is the “day of the Lord” the prophets talked about.
Many in the crowd understood that Jesus was the Messiah that God sent, and that He would be coming back to judge and punish all sinful and rebellious people. And when they understood that they participated in His death, and judgment and eternal punishment and destruction was coming, they were fearful and repented.
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
The Results Of Refusing To Believe And Repent
Peter went on to talk about Moses and how he prophesied about God sending “another prophet” from their brothers. And that they needed to listen to him.
“Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.” – Acts 3:22-23
Peter was quoting Deuteronomy 18. He was saying that Moses said that God is sending the Messiah.
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.” – Deuteronomy 18:15-19
What would the result be for someone that did not listen to God and His “prophet”, Jesus the Messiah, and that would refuse to repent?
“You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.”
Revelation 20(opens in new tab) describes in detail the ultimate destiny for those that refuse to repent and believe in Jesus as the Messiah, Lord, and Savior.
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20:11-15
All The Prophets Spoke About Jesus The Messiah
Peter then spoke about how all of the prophets from Samuel on also announced the coming of the Lord’s Messiah. And how He would bring judgement and destruction to unrepentant rebellious sinners. And that He would be King and reign in the kingdom.
“And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’” – Acts 3:24-25
Acts 3 – Healing Of Lame Man, Peter Preaches About Jesus
God’s Covenant Promise To Abraham
Peter also talked about God’s covenant promise to Abraham. And how all of the families of the earth would be blessed through his descendant. God was talking about how Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of Abraham, would bless the world with salvation.
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” – Genesis 12:2-3
God Sent And Raised Up His Servant
“…God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” – Acts 3:25
Peter again talks about how God sent and “raised up” His “servant”.
The Greek word translated “servant” in most Bible versions, is “pais”. It could mean servant. But it also means “son” or “child”.
Peter is really saying that God sent and “raised up” His Son on the cross. And then He glorified His Son Jesus to be the Judge and King of the coming kingdom.
“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” – John 3:13-15
Peter mentioned that God sent Jesus the Messiah to “you” first. He is talking about how God sent Jesus and forgiveness and salvation to the Jews first.
Soon the apostles and the new church would learn that God would be sending them to take the message of the Gospel to the Gentiles, or non Jews, also.
Peter finishes up by saying that God sent His Son Jesus, the Messiah, to bless them. To bless them with salvation and forgiveness of sins. And with refreshing. And with a part in Jesus’ eternal kingdom.
Continue Growing Closer to God
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The goal isn’t simply to learn more about God.
The goal is to know God personally, love Him deeply, hear His voice, walk with Him daily, and experience a growing intimacy with Him.
Kevin Bart has been a follower of Jesus for over 40 years. Kevin has taught Bible study classes, small groups, and discipleship classes for many years. He developed Pursuing Intimacy With God(opens in new tab) Bible studies website and book after many years of seeking God and studying His word. Kevin and his wife Nancy have 3 sons and 2 precious grandchildren.
Kevin is a former business owner, and current international missions ministry leader with more than four decades of combined business and ministry experience. After building and running a successful business for 23 years, with God’s guidance and blessings, he sold his company to dedicate himself to full-time global missions.
For over 20 years, Kevin and his wife Nancy have led a self funded international missions ministry. Utilizing learned business and financial management skills, as well as knowledge and experience in travel points and miles, to date they have had more than 5o mission trips to 36 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
After many years of studying the Bible and the Book of Revelation, and writing many Bible studies and articles, Kevin finally finished Unraveling The Mysteries of the Book Of Revelation(opens in new tab). Hopefully it will be a blessing to many people.
Kevin Bart has been a follower of Jesus for over 40 years. Kevin has taught Bible study classes, small groups, and discipleship classes for many years. He developed Pursuing Intimacy With God Bible studies website and book after many years of seeking God and studying His word. Kevin and his wife Nancy have 3 sons and 2 precious grandchildren.
Kevin is a former business owner, and current international missions ministry leader with more than four decades of combined business and ministry experience. After building and running a successful business for 23 years, with God’s guidance and blessings, he sold his company to dedicate himself to full-time global missions.
For over 20 years, Kevin and his wife Nancy have led a self funded international missions ministry. Utilizing learned business and financial management skills, as well as knowledge and experience in travel points and miles, to date they have had more than 5o mission trips to 36 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
After many years of studying the Bible and the Book of Revelation, and writing many Bible studies and articles, Kevin finally finished Unraveling The Mysteries of the Book Of Revelation. Hopefully it will be a blessing to many people.
