“Lessons From Acts 3”

Monday, May 16, 2016

Acts 3 records the healing of the lame man by Peter and John at the temple in Jerusalem, followed by Peter’s sermon to those who witnessed the healing.  Several key points stand in this chapter.

• Note the extraordinary nature of the healing performed by the apostles.  Acts 3:2 reveals that the man had been lame from birth and had to be carried to the temple.  Verses 7-8 tell us that he was healed immediately, regained full strength and the ability to walk and leap, and recognized that he was healed by the power of God through the apostles.  Verses 9-10 demonstrate that those in attendance were fully aware that a miracle had taken place.  As Jesus Himself had promised His apostles in Acts 1:8, the apostles received the Holy Spirit with power on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, and confirmed the gospel teaching of Jesus Christ with signs and wonders.   There was no ambiguity or doubt that a miraculous healing had occurred --- God’s power was displayed with clarity and certainty.
• Some things are worth more than silver and gold.  The lame man typically begged at the gate of the temple, and was expecting some type of monetary gift from Peter and John.  But the apostles had something of much greater value --- Peter says in verse 6, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you:  In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene --- walk!”    With the evidence of the miraculous healing, Peter then proclaimed the wonderful gospel of Jesus in verses 13-26.  Peter was to the point and clear regarding the condition of the audience ---they had disowned and crucified the Son of God --- but God still offered salvation to any who would have an obedient faith in His Son who was raised up with glory and power.  Yes, salvation through an obedient faith in Jesus Christ is worth more than silver, gold, or any earthly possession.

Ignorance is no excuse!!! In Acts 3:17, Peter states, “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also.”  Even though the audience had rejected Jesus out of ignorance, they were accountable for their actions.  God would still offer forgiveness, but only after an obedient faith in His Beloved Son.  This verse emphasizes the importance of acting with faith according to God’s plan --- just as Jesus Himself had stated in John 14:15 --- “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  God has provided the plan through His Son --- and we must do our part to “Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)

-Charlie Ellis

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