Acts 3

Acts 3:1-11

8. “SUCH AS I HAVE GIVE I THEE” Acts 3:1-11 The healing of this lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple is a very instructive event. It is recorded here for our learning and our admonition.
9. Certainly, the events of this day show us the blessedness of public worship. At the appointed hour of prayer Peter and John came to the appointed place of public worship to worship God. Though the lame man came only for carnal reasons, still he came to the place where his needs were most likely to be met - The House of God. There God made himself known, both to his servants and to “a certain man lame from his mother’s womb.” Let every needy soul cherish the house of God, attend the assembly of worship, and give thanks to God for the privilege of doing so (Psalms 122:1; Hebrews 10:25). It is in the assembly of God’s saints that needy sinners have hope of meeting the mighty Savior (Matthew 18:20).
10. This passage also shows us an example of Christian charity and kindness. Though Peter and John had no money in their pockets, they did not ignore this man’s miserable plight and condition. And we ought always do what we can to relieve the sufferings of others (Matthew 6:3; Matthew 10:42; Luke 10:25-37).
11. Primarily, the purpose of this miracle is to demonstrate the power of the risen, exalted Christ to save sinners. This is the interpretation Peter himself gave of the miracle (Acts 4:10-12). The healing of this cripple beggar is a beautiful picture of God’s effectual, saving grace in Christ. In these eleven verses the Spirit of God teaches us five important lessons. First, ALL MEN ARE BY NATURE (Acts 3:2). This man’s impotence was not the result of an accident or a disease. It was a defect of birth. He was born in this helpless condition. This is our condition by nature, not physically, but spiritually. Our hearts are plagued with the incurable disease of sin.

Spiritually, our legs are broken, our hands are withered, our eyes are blind, our ears are deaf. All men by nature are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1-4). So thorough is the natural man’s spiritual impotence that he is altogether without ability to help himself. All the children of Adam are born totally depraved (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19). Because his heart is evil, no man can or will come to Christ and be saved (John 5:40; John 6:44). He has neither the desire nor the ability to do so (Jeremiah 13:23).

God must do a work of grace in the heart before any sinner will ever come to Christ in faith. And if God does a work of grace in his heart, the sinner will come to Christ (John 6:45; Psalms 65:4; Psalms 110:3). Because he was a cripple, he was unable to work for a living. He spent his days begging. That is our condition too! Before God we are poor, helpless beggars. We have no ability to earn anything from God, except death. We have no claim upon his mercy. All we can do is fall before him and beg for grace (Luke 18:13). As Matthew Henry said, “Those that need, and cannot work, must not be ashamed to beg!” This beggar was a chosen object of divine mercy. He was both poor and helpless, but there were many others in that condition around the temple. Luke tells us that this man was “a certain man”. God had chosen him and was determined to be gracious to him (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Providence had made him poor and helpless and put him in the place where grace would be found. Secondly, we are here given A STARK THAT WITHOUT CHRIST IS A MOCKERY TO THE SOULS OF MEN. There stood the temple with its breath taking splendor. Josephus tells us that it was made of solid white, polished marble. This Beautiful Gate was made of fine Corinthian gold. With the mid-day sun shining upon it, it was almost blinding with brilliance. The Jews were very proud of their temple, but it was an empty, desolate place.

God had left it! The glory of God had departed. There was nothing and no one connected with that temple that could be of any real benefit to that poor, helpless beggar. Its’splendor, riches, and beauty only mocked him! What a sad picture of modern religion! There is in religion much to impress the flesh: wealth, influence, talent, entertainment, and rituals and ceremonies to soothe the conscience, a form of godliness, but no power!

No gospel! No grace! No Christ! No life! It is a mockery to God and to the souls of men! Thirdly, WHEN GOD INTENDS TO SAVE A SINNER HE ALWAYS USES CERTAIN MEANS (Acts 3:1-5). Were he pleased to do so, the sovereign, almighty God could perform his works of mercy without the use of means. But that is not his pleasure. God condescends to honor us by allowing us to be instruments in his hands by which he performs his works of mercy toward his chosen. He who raised dead Lazarus could easily have removed the stone from the tomb; but he allowed and commanded men to do what they could do, saying, “Take ye away the stone” (John 11:39). Even so, this poor, lame beggar was healed by the power of God alone. Peter makes that abundantly clear (Acts 3:12-16). But three things had to be done by men before he could be healed.

1. Peter and John came to the temple to preach the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:21; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).
2. This man’s friends brought him to the temple, the place where he was most hopeful of finding mercy (Luke 5:18-20).
3. This man did what God’s servants told him to do (Acts 3:4-6). We know that God’s purpose will never fail. This man had to be healed on this occasion. God had purposed it. Yet, if Peter and John had not obeyed their Lord and gone to preach the gospel, if this man’s friends had not brought him to the temple, or if the man himself had refused to obey the voice of God’s servants, he would never have been healed. Fourthly, the healing of this lame man shows us that THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS AN , ALL- SAVIOR (Acts 3:6-8). This is a picture of true conversion. “You have seen how this man’s body has been healed, even by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and it is in this way that your soul must be saved, for there is no other power that can effect such a change within you, a change from weakness to strength, from death to life” - (Charles Simeon). Christ is able to save! By the mere exercise of his sovereign will sin is subdued, guilt is removed, the dead live, bloodthirsty lions are made to be lambs, and wretched sinners are made new creatures in him. Christ on the tree has put away sin (Hebrews 9:26). Christ on the throne is able to save (Hebrews 7:25). Fifthly, THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS ALWAYS (Acts 3:8-11). It always accomplishes its intended purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11). It offers salvation and eternal life to all who come to Christ (Isaiah 45:22). It is the means by which God the Holy Spirit brings chosen sinners to Christ (Psalms 65:4). And it gives praise, honor, and glory to God for his saving goodness (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

Acts 3:11-26

9. A LESSON IN THE GOSPEL Acts 3:11-26 Preachers and churches would be wise to carefully study the preaching and the sermons of God’s servants which are recorded for us in the Word of God, especially those found in the book of Acts. If we would be of any spiritual, eternal benefit to the souls of men, serve the interests of Christ’s kingdom, and honor God, there must be a return to the apostolic preaching of the cross. Peter and John went to the temple at the hour of prayer to preach the gospel of Christ as the Lord had commanded them. As they were going into the temple, they met a poor, cripple beggar who was healed by Christ. This man, as soon as he was healed, went into the temple leaping and praising God. Of course, this miracle caused a great commotion and aroused the interest of many. In the passage now before us Peter met this crowd of people at the point of their curiosity and preached the gospel to them. This was his second sermon after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

There is no substantial difference between this message and the one preached on that day. Like the other apostles and like Paul, who was yet to be converted, Peter constantly preached Christ to men (1 Corinthians 2:1-2). In this sermon at the temple Peter shows us how the gospel is to be preached. PETER’S FIRST CONCERN WAS TO GET THE OF HIS HEARERS ON CHRIST (Acts 3:11-12). These people were excited and curious about the healing of the lame man. They were amazed at the mighty work performed (they thought) by Peter and John. Therefore, Peter’s first concern was to turn their attention away from the man healed, away from John, and away from himself. The matter of first concern was to get people to think not about the healed man, or the act of healing, but about Christ the Healer! They were in Solomon’s porch, and filled with wonder. Seizing the opportunity, Peter stepped forward and said, “Behold, a greater than Solomon hath done this!” He met these people where they were, at their point of interest, but immediately endeavored to turn their attention to Christ. There was no reason for amazement. “Why marvel ye at this?” True, a lame man had been healed, but just a few days prior to this the Lord Jesus had healed a dead man! (Read John 11:43-45). Christ had repeatedly displayed his power over life and death as God. We should never be surprised to see him display that power. We ought to expect it! Peter would allow no honor, credit, praise, or applause to be given to himself and John. They were only instruments in the hands of Christ. True, those who are the instruments of God’s favor to us should be loved, honored, respected, and highly esteemed by us for their work’s sake (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). But God’s servants must not be idolized. True gospel preachers carefully shun recognition, desiring that Christ only be exalted and honored (1 Corinthians 3:5-7; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:7). ONCE HE GOT THEIR ON CHRIST, PETER CHRIST TO THIS (Acts 3:13-16). This is the one thing preachers today have in common with the apostles. None today have apostolic gifts of inspiration, miracles, or tongues. But every gospel preacher is called and gifted of God to preach Christ (1 Corinthians 1:17-23; 2 Corinthians 4:5). In preaching Christ to this crowd of men who were guilty of murdering the Lord of glory Peter did four things. First, HE TOLD THEM WHO CHRIST IS (Acts 3:13). He is the true and living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the promised Messiah, the Son of David, the King of Israel. Essentially, Peter said, “This Jesus, whom you crucified, is God over all, blessed forever. He is the God-man, the only Lord and Savior. That One whom you crucified, God has glorified!” (See Isaiah 55:5; John 17:2; Romans 14:9; Philippians 2:9-11). Second, PETER EXPOSED THEIR SIN (Acts 3:13-15). Looking them squarely in the eye, planting his feet firmly, with great boldness, the Apostle flatly and plainly charged these men with murdering the Son of God! That is what preachers are supposed to do. Faithful gospel preachers probe, and probe, and probe until they find your point of rebellion. They expose the enmity of your heart to God. They know that they must. Until sinners are made to see and confess their sin, they will not trust Christ and be reconciled to God. Third, GOD’S SERVANT WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE (Acts 3:15). Though he died the painful, shameful, ignominious death of the cross, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God. That resurrection removed all reproach from him, ratified his claims (Romans 1:1-4), confirmed his doctrine, and is the basis of all faith and hope in him (Romans 4:25 to Romans 5:1; Romans 8:33-34). Fourth, THE APOSTLE THE POWER OF THE RISEN CHRIST (Acts 3:16). This miracle was performed in the name of Christ, by virtue of his power. It was a miracle done by “the faith which is by him,” by the faith which he gave. Every miracle of grace is performed by the name of Christ (Acts 4:12), through faith in him, a faith that he gives (Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 2:8; Colossians 2:12). THEN PETER GAVE A REASON FOR HOPE (Acts 3:17-18). Once he had wounded them, he hoped to see them healed. They were guilty; but there is hope for the guilty because Christ died to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Though they had indeed crucified the Lord of glory, the death of Christ was according to the wise and gracious purpose of God (Isaiah 53:10-11; Acts 2:23). When Joseph’s brothers realized who he was and what power he had, they remembered their sin and feared. But Joseph said, “Fear not, for I am in the place of God.” Even so, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Joseph, says to guilty sinners, “Fear not, for I am in the place of God to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:19-20). The Lord Jesus Christ died, arose, and ascended to glory to save sinners according to the will of God (Acts 5:30-31). PETER PRESSED UPON HIS HEARERS THE CLAIMS OF THE CHRIST (Acts 3:19-26). He urged them to repent, holding before them the promise of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation now and forever (Acts 3:19-21). He urged them to repentance by showing them the certain destruction of all who refuse to obey Christ (Acts 3:22-23). At last, Peter urged these men to repent by pointing out the fulfilment of all God’s covenant blessings in Christ (Acts 3:24-26).

Acts 3:14-15

10. “THE PRINCE OF LIFE” Acts 3:14-15 In this passage Peter is preaching to the Jews and their religious leaders in the temple. He who once quivered before a maid now speaks with boldness. He gloried in the cross of Christ and plainly exposed the hideous sin of the people to whom he preached, saying, you “killed the Prince of life!” Here the Apostle gives an example to all who preach the gospel. The subject of our preaching must always be the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; and in preaching the cross we must expose the enmity of man’s heart toward God, calling the wicked to repentance and faith. THIS TEXT OF HOLY IS FULL OF GOSPEL . “Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” THE OF MAN - The astonishing hideousness of human sin is glaringly evident in the murder of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” Paul declares, “The carnal mind is enmity against God.” But the infamous measure of human sin is discovered only in the crucifixion of God’s dear Son by the hands of men, men who were but representatives of all men. The coldblooded murder of Jesus Christ is a glaring proof of man’s hatred of God! That is the essence of the doctrine of total depravity. THE AND JUSTICE OF GOD - When God made his own Son to be sin for us, he forsook the darling of heaven, poured out the vials of his unmitigated wrath upon him, punished him to the full satisfaction of his infinite justice, and killed him! The death of Christ upon the cross declares that our God is a just God and a Savior (Isaiah 45:20), both just and the Justifier of all who trust him (Romans 3:24-26). THE OF CHRIST - Wonder of wonders! He who is the Prince of life stooped to die! He who is Lord of all humbled himself to die by the hands of wicked men. He who gives and sustains all life was killed by men who live upon his goodness. The nails in his hands and feet could never have held the Son of God to the cursed tree. It was his zeal for the glory of God and his love for his people that held him there (Philippians 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9). Because he saved others, he would not and could not save himself. THE FOLLY OF - All rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ is madness (Psalms 2:1-12). It is true, these men killed the Prince of life. They rebelled against his claims. They would not have him to reign over them. So they killed him. But he is the Prince of life! Now, that very Christ man has crucified is risen, exalted, and given power over all flesh. One day, either in repentance or in judgment, every sinner will bow to and acknowledge him as Lord (Isaiah 45:22-25). THE TRIUMPH OF CHRIST - He is “the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead!” His own Godhead raised him. God the Father raised him. God the Spirit raised him. He resumed his life triumphantly. By his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:1-4). His resurrection declares that satan is vanquished (John 12:31; Revelation 20:1-3), the sins of God’s elect have been put away (Colossians 2:12-15), his people are justified (Romans 4:25), God’s justice is satisfied (Isaiah 53:10-12), and all his redeemed shall also be raised from the dead (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:23). THE OF THE GOSPEL - The credibility of the gospel is the fact that it is the revelation of God. Yet, so gracious is the Almighty that he gives men undeniable proof that the gospel of Christ, (the message of his death, burial, and resurrection as the sinners’ Substitute), is true. Peter says, with regard to these things, “Whereof we are witnesses.” There stood Peter and John, two evidently honest men. They had nothing to gain by their testimony, and much to lose. They might have called upon the other nine apostles. They might even have called upon more than 500 brethren who had seen the risen Lord at one time to confirm their testimony (1 Corinthians 15:4-7). The witness of such men is unquestionably true. Jesus Christ the Lord overcame the powers of death. His body arose from the tomb three days after he died. His victorious resurrection is a matter of fact, as certain and credible as any fact recorded upon the pages of human history. Jesus Christ of Nazareth, though he died upon the cross, lives today as the Prince of life! “THE PRINCE OF LIFE” IS A TITLE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS WELL TO WEAR. This is one of those famous titles by which the Son of God reveals himself to men. He will be gloriously known by this name in the day of his appearing, when he shall raise the dead. But it is a title which rightfully belonged to him before he was crucified, for his murderers “killed the Prince of life.” This title belonged to him even when he was in the tomb. Though his body was dead, Christ was still the Prince of life. Now that he is risen from the dead and ever lives to make intercession for us, the Lord Jesus fully possesses all that is implied in this title. He shares it with no one; and no one can take it away from him. The Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the Prince of life. What does this title imply? He is the Author of life. All life proceeds from Jesus Christ, God our Creator, by whom all things consist. This is especially true of spiritual, eternal life. The gift of life is entirely the prerogative of the Prince of life (John 5:21; John 17:2; 1 John 5:11-12). Christ possesses life supremely. Life is in him emphatically and superlatively. He is the life (John 14:6; 1 John 1:2). Apart from him there is no life. Christ is life self-existent, life essential, and life eternal. Life dwells in him in all its fulness, force, perfection, and independence (John 5:26). Everything else is passing away, but Jesus Christ lives and gives eternal life to all who trust him. He won for his people the right to live. Christ has “abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” He delivered us from death (spiritual and eternal) by his obedience to God as our Substitute and the power of his grace. He delivered us from the fear of death (physical) by granting us faith in him (Hebrews 4:14-15). Jesus Christ freely gives life to dead sinners (Psalms 68:18-20). While in this world, whenever our Savior came into contact with death it fled from his presence. He always triumphed over it (Mark 5:35-42; Luke 7:11-15; John 11:43-44). The same is true today. Wherever the Prince of life comes in saving power, spiritual death flees (John 5:25). So it shall be when he comes again (John 5:28-29). Christ marvelously sustains life. By the power of his grace (John 10:28-29), by keeping us in union with himself (John 15:5), and by feeding our souls upon the Bread of life (John 6:47-48; John 6:51; John 6:53-56), our Savior keeps us in life! The Prince of life is the Ruler of life. Where Christ lives, he reigns! All true, spiritual life gladly yields obedience to him (Luke 14:33). He wears no empty titles. All to whom he gives life willingly bow to him as “THE PRINCE OF LIFE.”