Acts: Chapter 3

We talked about the context of this chapter and how the apostles continued to recognise the Jewish laws of worship, that is, to offer prayers three times a day.

We talked about the context of this chapter and how the apostles continued to recognise the Jewish laws of worship, that is, to offer prayers three times a day.

Acts 3:1 The time of prayer referred to was the second prayer of the day.

Acts 3:2-5 It was not unusual for people to be begging for help at the temple gate. It was the custom to give money to the poor and disabled when going to the temple to pray. The gate Beautiful was the main entrance from the court of the gentiles and was a good place to beg. Peter and John made a point of gaining the attention of the crippled man so that he would focus on what Peter said as well as on the joy of being healed.

Acts 3:6-8 Peter emphasises that the healing of the crippled man has been done through the saving name of Jesus Christ. The man responds by recognising the power by which he has been healed and praises God.

Acts 3:9-11 A crowd of people gathered in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade, which was to the east of the gate Beautiful. The news had spread of the miracle of healing and people were curious to see what had happened.

Acts 3:12-16 Peter was quick to seize the opportunity to preach to the people and witness for his Lord. In Acts 1:8 Jesus had told the apostles ‘you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ Peter emphasises the importance of the saving name of Jesus. He was the anointed Saviour sent by God but was rejected by many of the Jews who were looking for someone to save them from the Romans not to show them how to worship God in truth and love.

Acts 3:17-21 Peter reminds the people that the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus was foretold by the prophets in their scriptures and represented the promises, made by God, to the Jews many years before.

Acts 3:22-26 Peter also reminds the people that Moses spoke of Jesus as well (Acts 3:22) as did all the prophets of the Old Testament. The prophets all recognised that the promises made to Abraham, Acts 3:25, would be fulfilled by a Saviour. Peter preaches, within the temple environment, of a Saviour who has shown them the right way to worship God.