Introduction

Acts 3 records the first miracle of the apostolic church—a lame man healed at the temple gate. Peter and John encounter him, but instead of money, they give him something far greater: healing in Jesus' name. The man's dramatic restoration draws crowds, and Peter seizes the opportunity to preach. This isn't the apostles' power, he explains, but the power of the risen Jesus. The chapter models how the Spirit uses signs to open doors for the gospel.

The Lame Man Healed (3:1-10)

Peter and John go up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (3 PM). A man lame from birth is carried daily to the gate called Beautiful to ask alms from those entering. Seeing Peter and John about to enter, he asks for alms. Peter looks intently at him with John and says, "Look at us." The man looks, expecting to receive something. Peter says, "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!" He takes him by the right hand and raises him. Immediately his feet and ankles are made strong. He leaps up, stands, walks, and enters the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people see him walking and praising God. They recognize him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate begging and are filled with wonder and amazement.

• Hour of Prayer: The apostles maintained Jewish prayer rhythms while living in new Spirit-power.
• Lame From Birth: This was no minor ailment. Over forty years of inability (4:22) made the healing undeniable.
• "Look at Us": Peter engaged him personally before healing him. This wasn't impersonal magic.
• "What I Do Have": The apostles had something better than money—authority in Jesus' name.
• "In the Name of Jesus": The name represents Jesus' authority and power. Healing flows from Him, not the apostles.
• Took His Hand: Peter acted on faith, helping the man up. Faith and action combined.
• Walking and Leaping: The man couldn't contain his joy. His physical restoration produced exuberant praise.
• Wonder and Amazement: The miracle drew crowds and opened hearts. Signs authenticate the message.

Peter's Sermon (3:11-26)

While the healed man clings to Peter and John, all the people run together to Solomon's Portico, utterly astounded. Peter addresses them: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder? Why stare at us as though by our own power or piety we made him walk?" The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of their fathers—has glorified His servant Jesus, whom they delivered over and denied before Pilate. They denied the Holy and Righteous One, asked for a murderer instead, and killed the Author of life. But God raised Him from the dead; the apostles are witnesses. By faith in Jesus' name, this man whom they see and know has been made strong. Faith in Jesus has given him perfect health. Peter acknowledges they acted in ignorance, as did their rulers. But God foretold through all the prophets that His Christ would suffer. "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Heaven must receive Jesus until the time for restoring all things. Moses said the Lord would raise up a prophet like him; whoever doesn't listen will be destroyed. All the prophets from Samuel onward proclaimed these days. "You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers." God raised up His servant Jesus and sent Him first to them, to bless them by turning every one from wickedness.

• Not Our Power: Peter immediately deflects attention from himself. The power is Jesus'.
• God of Your Fathers: Peter connects Jesus to Israel's covenant history. This isn't a new religion.
• Glorified His Servant: Jesus is the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, now exalted by God.
• Author of Life: They killed the one who gives life—supreme irony. Yet God raised Him.
• Faith in His Name: The healing didn't come from apostolic power but from faith in Jesus.
• Acted in Ignorance: This softens the accusation while not removing responsibility. Ignorance explains but doesn't excuse.
• Christ Would Suffer: The prophets foretold a suffering Messiah. Jesus' death was not failure but fulfillment.
• Times of Refreshing: Repentance opens the door to spiritual renewal and anticipates ultimate restoration.
• Prophet Like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15 is fulfilled in Jesus. He must be heard and obeyed.
• Sent First to You: The gospel goes to Jews first, not because of ethnic privilege but covenant priority.

Key Takeaways

• Healing Opens Doors: The miracle created opportunity for the gospel. Signs serve the message.
• Jesus' Name Has Power: The apostles didn't heal by their own strength but by the authority of Jesus.
• Repentance Brings Refreshing: Turning from sin opens the way to spiritual renewal and blessing.

Reflection Questions

• Peter said, "What I do have I give to you." What do you have that you can give to those in need—beyond money?
• Peter deflected credit to Jesus. How quick are you to redirect praise to God when He works through you?
• The lame man entered the temple leaping and praising. How does gratitude for what God has done affect your worship?