Acts 3
BSB1 One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk! “ 7 Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. 8 He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence. 17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you. 21 Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you. 23 Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people. ‘ 24 Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days. 25 And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
Study Notes — Acts 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 3
- Themes from Acts 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Peter and John going to the temple to pray, where they encounter a lame man begging for money. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, heals the man in the name of Jesus Christ, leading to amazement and curiosity among the onlookers. Peter seizes this opportunity to preach about Jesus, emphasizing His resurrection and the need for repentance. The temple authorities, feeling threatened, arrest Peter and John, but not before a significant number of people believe in Jesus. The chapter concludes with the believers praying for boldness and God granting them courage to continue preaching. Key events in Acts 3 include the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-10), Peter's sermon (Acts 3:11-26), and the prayer of the believers (Acts 3:24-31).
Context for the Chapter
Acts 3 follows the events of Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, and the church in Jerusalem began to grow. This chapter is a continuation of the early church's experiences, showcasing how the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, perform miracles and preach the gospel. The events of Acts 3 are set in the temple, a significant location for Jewish worship and a focal point for the early Christian church's interaction with the Jewish community. The chapter's themes of faith, healing, and the proclamation of Jesus are integral to the broader narrative of Acts, which explores the expansion of Christianity from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in the power of Jesus' name and to be bold in their proclamation of the gospel. Just as the early church prayed for boldness, we should seek God's empowerment to share our faith with others. The chapter also reminds us of the importance of faith and repentance, calling us to examine our hearts and ensure we are living in accordance with God's will.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 3 tells the story of how Peter and John healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. This miracle led to Peter preaching about Jesus, and many people believed. The chapter teaches us about the power of faith, the importance of sharing the gospel, and the need for boldness in our witness. As seen in Acts 3:16, faith in Jesus' name is what brings healing and salvation.
Voices from the Church
“The healing of the lame man is a type of the greater healing which Jesus gives to the soul. It is in the name of Jesus that we find salvation and the power to live a new life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The apostles did not heal in their own name, but in the name of Jesus Christ, showing that the power of healing belongs to God alone, and that we must look to Him for all our needs.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3:1-10) — Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple gate and heal him in the name of Jesus, leading to amazement among the onlookers.
- Peter's Sermon (Acts 3:11-26) — Peter preaches to the crowd, explaining the significance of Jesus and calling them to repentance. He emphasizes that Jesus is the Messiah and the source of salvation.
- The Arrest of Peter and John (Acts 3:27-4:3) — The temple authorities, feeling threatened by the apostles' message, arrest Peter and John. However, this does not deter the believers, who continue to preach boldly.
- The Prayer of the Believers (Acts 3:24-31, 4:23-31) — The believers pray for boldness and protection, and God answers their prayer, enabling them to speak the word with courage and confidence.
- The Early Church's Courage (Acts 4:32-37) — Despite the rising opposition, the early church remains steadfast, sharing their possessions and continuing to preach the gospel with boldness.
Core Doctrines
- The Power of Faith
- Acts 3 demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in the healing of the lame man and the salvation of those who believe. Faith is not just an intellectual assent but a trust that leads to action and transformation.
- The Importance of Repentance
- Peter's sermon emphasizes the need for repentance, highlighting that salvation comes through a change of heart and mind towards God. This doctrine is central to the Christian message, as it calls individuals to turn from their sins and towards God.
- The Authority of Scripture
- The chapter references Old Testament prophecies and events, showing how Jesus fulfills Scripture. This underscores the authority and reliability of the Bible as the word of God.
- The Work of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is the empowering force behind the apostles' actions and the believers' boldness. The chapter illustrates the Spirit's role in enabling the church to witness and to live out their faith courageously.
Lessons from Acts 3
- The Power of Faith — The healing of the lame man demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus' name, teaching us to trust in God's power and promises.
- The Importance of Bold Proclamation — Peter's sermon shows the importance of boldly proclaiming the gospel, even in the face of opposition or adversity.
- The Role of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the role of prayer in seeking boldness and guidance, encouraging us to make prayer a central part of our lives.
- The Necessity of Repentance — The call to repentance in Peter's sermon reminds us of the need for a change of heart and mind towards God, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects our faith.
- The Unstoppable Nature of the Gospel — Despite opposition, the gospel continues to spread, demonstrating its unstoppable nature and encouraging us to persevere in our witness.
Themes from Acts 3
- Faith and Healing — The chapter explores the relationship between faith and healing, showing how trust in Jesus can lead to physical and spiritual restoration.
- The Gospel Message — Peter's sermon outlines the core of the gospel, emphasizing Jesus' role as Messiah and Savior, and the need for repentance and faith.
- Boldness and Courage — The believers' prayer for boldness and their subsequent courageous witness teach us about the importance of living our faith openly and confidently.
- Opposition and Persecution — The chapter introduces the theme of opposition to the gospel, showing how the early church faced challenges and how we can learn from their responses.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the empowering force behind the apostles' ministry and the believers' boldness, highlighting the Spirit's role in our lives and witness.
Questions for Meditation
- What role does faith play in the healing of the lame man, and what does this teach us about the nature of faith?
- How does Peter's sermon in Acts 3:11-26 relate to the gospel message, and what elements of the gospel does it emphasize?
- What can we learn from the early church's response to opposition, and how can we apply this to our own experiences of persecution or challenge?
- In what ways does the chapter highlight the importance of prayer, and how does this relate to our own prayer lives?
- How does the theme of boldness in Acts 3 encourage us to share our faith with others, and what steps can we take to be more courageous in our witness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3:1-10)
| Acts 3:1 | Peter and John go up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. |
| Acts 3:2 | 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. |
2. Peter's Sermon (Acts 3:11-26)
| Acts 3:11 | While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. |
| Acts 3:12 | 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?" |
3. The Prayer of the Believers (Acts 3:24-31, 4:23-31)
| Acts 3:24 | And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, you are the God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them." |
| Acts 3:25 | You are the God who said by the mouth of our father David your servant, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the lame man's healing in Acts 3?
The healing of the lame man serves as a tangible demonstration of Jesus' power and mercy, illustrating the salvation He offers. As stated in Acts 3:16, faith in Jesus' name is what brings healing and salvation.
How does Peter's sermon in Acts 3 relate to the gospel message?
Peter's sermon outlines the core of the gospel, emphasizing Jesus' role as Messiah and Savior, and the need for repentance and faith. This is seen in Acts 3:11-26, where Peter calls the crowd to repentance and emphasizes Jesus' resurrection.
What can we learn from the early church's response to opposition in Acts 3?
The early church's response to opposition teaches us about the importance of prayer, boldness, and perseverance in the face of challenge. Despite the arrest of Peter and John, the believers continue to preach boldly, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of the gospel.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 3:13 → Isaiah 52:13 | The reference to Jesus as God's servant in Acts 3:13 connects to Isaiah 52:13, which speaks of the servant who will be exalted and lifted up. |
| 2 | Acts 3:14 → Psalm 16:10 | The quote about not letting God's Holy One see corruption in Acts 3:14 references Psalm 16:10, highlighting Jesus' resurrection as a fulfillment of prophecy. |
| 3 | Acts 3:18 → Luke 24:44 | The mention of the prophets in Acts 3:18, who spoke of the Christ's sufferings, connects to Luke 24:44, where Jesus explains how the Scriptures speak of Him. |
| 4 | Acts 3:21 → Isaiah 65:17 | The reference to the restoration of all things in Acts 3:21 looks forward to the fulfillment of God's plan, as spoken of in various Old Testament passages, such as Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22. |
| 5 | Acts 3:22 → Deuteronomy 18:15 | The citation of Moses in Acts 3:22, regarding the prophet like him whom God will raise up, refers back to Deuteronomy 18:15, which speaks of a future prophet like Moses. |
| 6 | Acts 3:23 → Leviticus 23:29 | The warning about being cut off from the people in Acts 3:23 has roots in Leviticus 23:29, which discusses the punishment for not observing the Day of Atonement. |
| 7 | Acts 3:25 → Genesis 12:3 | The mention of all the families of the earth being blessed in Acts 3:25 connects to Genesis 12:3, where God promises to bless all nations through Abraham. |
| 8 | Acts 3:26 → Malachi 4:2 | The reference to Jesus being raised up for the people in Acts 3:26, to bless them by turning them from their wickedness, has parallels in Malachi 4:2, which speaks of the sun of righteousness rising with healing in its wings. |
Sermons on Acts 3
| Sermon | Description | |
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(People God Uses) 03 Beware of Ambition by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hindered in worship by people standing in front of him during a church service. He emphasizes the importance of no |
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(People God Uses) 05 Be Filled With the Holy Spirit by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. The speaker emphasizes the characteristics of the men that God used in |
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(People God Uses) 02 the Need for Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of having the right perspective in our faith. He uses the example of the disciples' inability to cast out an evil spirit from |
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Great Commission by John Stott | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio |
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Freedom From Sin by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of believers who find themselves addicted to sin despite their love for Jesus. He highlights the pervasive influence of sin in toda |
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A Call to Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of faith and the need to challenge, commit, and obligate oneself to God. He references the story of Joshua in the Bible, wher |
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Purity and Fire - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching repentance. He criticizes the popular approach of avoiding the topic of sin and repentance in favor of a painless |
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(Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink | During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi |
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A Mighty Minority by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of preaching the word of God and witnessing powerful transformations. He encourages believers not to be afraid of rejection |
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(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 1- the Success of the First Century Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal witness for Christ. They highlight that while television, radio, and printed materials are valuable tools for spre |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 3
Matthew Henry's commentary on Acts 3 focuses on the miraculous healing of the lame man and the subsequent sermon by Peter. He emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus Christ, noting that the apostles did not heal in their own name but in the name of Jesus. Henry also highlights the importance of repentance, as Peter calls the crowd to turn from their sins and towards God. The commentary explores the Old Testament roots of Peter's sermon, showing how Jesus fulfills prophecy and is the long-awaited Messiah. Henry encourages believers to seek boldness in their witness, just as the early church did, and to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to empower their ministry. Through this chapter, Henry sees the hand of God at work, guiding the events of the early church and demonstrating the unstoppable nature of the gospel. As seen in Acts 3:16, faith in Jesus' name is central to the Christian message, bringing healing and salvation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Prayer
The chapter begins and ends with scenes of prayer, emphasizing its role in the life of the early church. Prayer is seen as a source of strength, guidance, and boldness for the believers.
The Power of Testimony
Peter's sermon is an example of how personal testimony and the proclamation of Jesus can lead to faith and salvation. The healing of the lame man serves as a powerful testimony to God's power and Jesus' name.
Opposition to the Gospel
The arrest of Peter and John marks the beginning of official opposition to the Christian message. Despite this, the believers continue to preach boldly, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of the gospel.