The Book of Acts, written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel, chronicles the early Christian church's growth and expansion. Acts 3 takes place shortly after Pentecost, focusing on a miraculous healing performed by Peter and John at the temple gate. This chapter demonstrates the apostles' continued ministry in Jerusalem and their bold proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.
The events in Acts 3 occur in the temple area, a significant location for Jewish worship and community life. This setting provides an important backdrop for understanding the cultural and religious context of the early church's ministry.
Outline of Acts 3
I. The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3:1-10)
A. Peter and John go to the temple (v. 1)
B. Encounter with the lame man (vv. 2-3)
C. The miraculous healing (vv. 4-7)
D. The man's response and public reaction (vv. 8-10)
II. Peter's Sermon in Solomon's Portico (Acts 3:11-26)
A. Peter addresses the crowd (vv. 11-12)
B. Explanation of Jesus' identity and mission (vv. 13-18)
C. Call to repentance and faith (vv. 19-21)
D. Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy (vv. 22-26)
Key Themes and Theological Insights
The power of Jesus' name: The healing is performed through faith in Jesus' name, demonstrating His ongoing presence and authority in the apostles' ministry.
Continuity with Old Testament prophecy: Peter emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning the Messiah and the prophet like Moses.
Repentance and restoration: Peter calls for repentance and turning to God, highlighting the transformative nature of the gospel message.
God's covenant faithfulness: The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly to Abraham and the patriarchs.
The role of faith: Both in the healing and in Peter's sermon, faith in Jesus is presented as crucial for experiencing God's power and salvation.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
"Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour." (ESV)
The Greek phrase "ἀνέβαινον εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν" (anebainon eis to hieron) indicates that Peter and John were ascending to the temple, likely referring to the elevated location of the temple mount. The "ninth hour" (ὥραν τῆς προσευχῆς τὴν ἐνάτην) corresponds to 3 PM, one of the designated times for Jewish prayer.
"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." (ESV)
The Greek word "χωλὸς" (chōlos) describes the man's condition as lame or crippled. The imperfect tense "ἐβαστάζετο" (ebastazeto) suggests this was a regular occurrence. The Beautiful Gate (τὴν θύραν τοῦ ἱεροῦ τὴν λεγομένην Ὡραίαν) was likely the eastern gate of the temple, known for its ornate design.
"Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms." (ESV)
The participle "μέλλοντας" (mellontas) indicates that Peter and John were on the verge of entering the temple. The lame man's request for alms (ἐλεημοσύνην) was a common practice for those unable to work due to disabilities.
"And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, 'Look at us.'" (ESV)
The Greek verb "ἀτενίσας" (atenisas) suggests an intense, fixed gaze. Peter's command to "look at us" (Βλέψον εἰς ἡμᾶς) draws the man's attention away from his expectation of alms and prepares him for the unexpected miracle.
"And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them." (ESV)
The man's response is described with the verb "ἐπεῖχεν" (epeichen), indicating he was giving them his full attention, still anticipating a monetary gift.
"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!'" (ESV)
Peter's statement emphasizes the superiority of spiritual power over material wealth. The phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου) indicates the source of the healing power and authority.
"And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong." (ESV)
The Greek word "πιάσας" (piasas) suggests a firm grasp as Peter helps the man up. The instantaneous nature of the healing is emphasized by "παραχρῆμα" (parachrēma), meaning "at once" or "immediately."
8-10. "And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 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." (ESV)
The man's exuberant response is described with vivid language, emphasizing his newfound ability to walk and leap. The public nature of the miracle is highlighted, as well as the people's recognition of the man and their astonished reaction.
"While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's." (NIV)
The Greek word "κρατοῦντος" (kratountos) suggests the man was holding onto Peter and John, perhaps out of gratitude or for support. The crowd's reaction is described as "ἔκθαμβοι" (ekthamboi), indicating extreme amazement.
"When Peter saw this, he said to them: 'Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?'" (NIV)
Peter redirects the crowd's attention from himself and John to God. The Greek word "ἀτενίζετε" (atenizete) for "stare" is the same word used earlier to describe Peter's intense gaze at the lame man.
13-16. "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see." (NIV)
Peter's sermon begins by connecting Jesus to the God of Israel's patriarchs. He uses strong language to confront the crowd with their role in Jesus' crucifixion, contrasting their actions with God's exaltation of Jesus. The healing is attributed to faith in Jesus' name, emphasizing the continuing power and authority of the risen Christ.
17-18. "Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer." (NIV)
Peter acknowledges the people's ignorance while still holding them accountable. He frames Jesus' suffering within God's sovereign plan and the fulfillment of prophecy.
19-21. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets." (NIV)
Peter calls for repentance (μετανοήσατε, metanoēsate) and turning to God (ἐπιστρέψατε, epistrepsate). He connects this response to the promise of forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and the future return of Christ.
22-26. "For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.' Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." (NIV)
Peter concludes by citing Moses and other prophets to demonstrate Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He emphasizes the Israelites' privileged position as heirs of God's covenant promises and presents Jesus as the means of blessing and transformation for all people.
Reflection Questions
How does the healing of the lame man demonstrate the power of Jesus' name?
In what ways does Peter connect Jesus to Old Testament prophecies and promises?
How does Peter balance confronting the crowd with their role in Jesus' death and offering them hope and forgiveness?
What is the significance of performing this miracle at the temple gate?
How does Peter's sermon illustrate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments?
What role does faith play in both the healing and Peter's message to the crowd?
How does Peter's call to repentance relate to the concept of "times of refreshing"?
In what ways does this chapter demonstrate the apostles' boldness in proclaiming Christ?
Applications for Believers Today
Trust in the power of Jesus' name: Just as the apostles performed miracles in Jesus' name, we can rely on His authority and power in our lives and ministries.
Boldly proclaim the gospel: Peter's example encourages us to seize opportunities to share the message of Christ, even in challenging circumstances.
Connect Scripture to daily life: Peter's use of Old Testament prophecies reminds us to root our understanding of current events and experiences in biblical truth.
Emphasize repentance and transformation: Like Peter, we should call people to turn from sin and experience the renewing power of God's grace.
Recognize God's faithfulness: The fulfillment of prophecies in Jesus' life and ministry encourages us to trust in God's ongoing faithfulness to His promises.
Minister with compassion: The apostles' attention to the lame man's needs reminds us to be attentive to the physical and spiritual needs of those around us.
Give glory to God: Peter redirected praise away from himself and toward God, modeling humility in ministry.
Expect God to work: The apostles acted in faith, anticipating God's intervention. We too should minister with expectancy.
Conclusion
Acts 3 provides a powerful example of the early church's ministry, characterized by miraculous healings, bold preaching, and a clear connection between Jesus and Old Testament prophecies. The chapter demonstrates the ongoing work of Christ through His apostles and the transformative power of the gospel message. It challenges believers today to minister with faith, proclaim Christ boldly, and call people to repentance and renewal in light of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful demonstration of Your love and grace in Acts 3. We are grateful for the healing power that flows from the name of Jesus and for the bold witness of the apostles. Help us, Lord, to trust in Your power and to proclaim Your truth with courage and compassion. May we, like Peter and John, be attentive to the needs of those around us and ready to offer the hope of the gospel. Grant us faith to believe in Your ongoing work in our lives and in our world. As we reflect on Your faithfulness to Your covenant promises, strengthen our commitment to follow You wholeheartedly. May our lives be a testimony to Your transforming grace, drawing others to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, our risen Savior. Amen.