Summary
Acts 3:1–10 – Peter Heals a Lame Beggar
What happens:
Peter and John go to the temple at the hour of prayer and see a man lame from birth begging at the Beautiful Gate. The man asks them for money, but Peter says, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” He takes the man by the right hand, helps him up, and immediately his feet and ankles become strong. The man enters the temple courts walking, jumping, and praising God.
What it means:
Jesus’ power continues through his apostles by the Spirit. Healing demonstrates God’s compassion and authenticates the gospel message. Faith in Christ brings transformation that enables those once disabled to step into new life.
Acts 3:11–16 – Peter’s Address to the Crowd
What happens:
The healed man clings to Peter and John as astonished onlookers gather. Peter explains that it was not by their own power but by faith in Jesus that the man was healed. He reminds them of Jesus’ life of goodness, his crucifixion by human hands, and God’s raising him from the dead, naming Jesus as the source of the miracle.
What it means:
True healing points beyond the miracle to the resurrected Christ. Peter calls the crowd to recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior, emphasizing that faith in him restores both body and relationship with God.
Acts 3:17–26 – Call to Repentance and Promise
What happens:
Peter tells the people that they acted in ignorance when they handed Jesus over but urges them to repent so their sins may be wiped out. He speaks of Jesus as the promised prophet like Moses, whose return brings blessing to all families of the earth. Peter assures them that God will send Christ back, restoring everything as he foretold through the prophets.
What it means:
Repentance is the necessary response to the revelation of Christ. Turning from ignorance to faith opens the door to forgiveness and inheritance of the promises. The restoration Jesus brings is both present in healing and future in the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
Application
- Remember that every act of compassion and power points to Jesus and invite others to faith in his name
- Embrace healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—through faith in the resurrected Christ
- Repent sincerely to receive forgiveness and step into the blessings promised through Jesus
- Live with expectation of Christ’s return and participate in God’s ongoing restoration of all things
- Share the story of Jesus’ resurrection power, knowing it brings transformation and hope to every generation
