Acts 3: A Lame Man Walks

Acts 3 Summary

A Lame Man Walks

1 One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.a 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.b 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!c ”

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.

Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Colonnade
(Deuteronomy 18:15–22)

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.d 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 servante 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 this 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.f 23 Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.g ’

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.’h 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.”

Acts 4:12
Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. The Setting and Miracle (Acts 3:1-10)
Peter and John, going to the temple for prayer, encounter a man lame from birth. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, commands him, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk! (Acts 3:6). The man is healed instantly, demonstrating the power of Jesus' name.

The Reaction of the Crowd (Acts 3:9-11)
The healed man enters the temple courts, walking and leaping, praising God. The crowd is filled with wonder and amazement, recognizing him as the beggar they had seen daily.

Peter’s Sermon (Acts 3:12-26)
Peter seizes the opportunity to address the crowd, attributing the miracle to Jesus, whom they had rejected and crucified. He calls them to repentance, saying, Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away (Acts 3:19).

The Fulfillment of Prophecy (Acts 3:18-24)
Peter explains that Jesus' suffering was foretold by the prophets, emphasizing that God’s plan was fulfilled through Christ. Boldness in Faith
Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold in our faith, trusting in the power of Jesus' name to bring healing and transformation.

Opportunities to Witness
Look for opportunities in everyday situations to share the gospel, just as Peter did when the crowd gathered.

Repentance and Restoration
Embrace the call to repentance, understanding that it leads to spiritual restoration and refreshment.

Recognizing God’s Work
Be attentive to the ways God is working around you, and be ready to give Him glory for the miracles, big or small, in your life. 1. Peter
Peter is one of the apostles and a central figure in the early Christian church. In Acts 3, he performs a miracle by healing a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. He then addresses the crowd, explaining the miracle and preaching about Jesus Christ. The Greek name "Πέτρος" (Petros) means "rock" or "stone," reflecting his foundational role in the church.

2. John
John, another apostle, accompanies Peter to the temple. He is present during the healing of the lame man and stands with Peter as he addresses the crowd. John's presence underscores the unity and partnership among the apostles. The Greek name "Ἰωάννης" (Ioannes) is derived from the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

3. The Lame Man
This man, who is not named, is described as being lame from birth and is carried daily to the temple gate to beg for alms. After being healed by Peter, he enters the temple walking, leaping, and praising God, which astonishes the onlookers. His healing serves as a testament to the power of faith in Jesus Christ.

4. The People/Crowd
The crowd consists of the people who witness the miracle and gather around Peter and John in Solomon's Colonnade. They are amazed by the healing and listen to Peter's sermon, which calls them to repentance and faith in Jesus. The Greek term "λαός" (laos) is often used to refer to the people or the crowd.

5. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
While not a person in the traditional sense, this reference is significant as Peter invokes the God of the patriarchs to connect the miracle to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. This emphasizes the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament. 1. The Temple
The Temple in Jerusalem is the central place of worship for the Jewish people. In Acts 3:1, Peter and John are going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, which is the ninth hour. The Greek term used here is "ἱερόν" (hieron), referring to the entire temple complex, including the courts and surrounding areas.

2. The Beautiful Gate
This is a specific gate of the temple mentioned in Acts 3:2. A man lame from birth is carried to this gate daily to beg for alms from those entering the temple. The Greek term "ὡραῖος" (hōraios) is used, which can mean "beautiful" or "belonging to the right hour or season," indicating the gate's significance and possibly its ornate design. 1. Peter and John Go to the Temple
Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. This was a customary time for prayer, aligning with Jewish tradition (Acts 3:1).

2. The Lame Beggar at the Temple Gate
A man who had been lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he would beg for alms from those entering the temple (Acts 3:2).

3. The Beggar Asks for Alms
Seeing Peter and John about to enter the temple, the beggar asked them for money. This was a common practice for those in need, relying on the charity of worshippers (Acts 3:3).

4. Peter's Response to the Beggar
Peter, along with John, looked intently at the beggar and said, "Look at us!" This command was to capture the man's full attention (Acts 3:4).

5. The Beggar's Expectation
The beggar gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. This expectation was based on the usual practice of receiving alms (Acts 3:5).

6. Peter Heals the Beggar
Peter declared, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" The invocation of Jesus' name signifies authority and power (Acts 3:6).

7. The Beggar is Healed
Peter took the man by the right hand and helped him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. The Greek word "parachrēma" (παραχρῆμα) indicates the immediacy of the healing (Acts 3:7).

8. The Beggar Walks and Praises God
The man leaped up, stood, and began to walk. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God, demonstrating the completeness of his healing (Acts 3:8).

9. The Crowd's Reaction
All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him (Acts 3:9-10).

10. Peter Addresses the Crowd
As the healed man clung to Peter and John, all the people ran to them in the portico called Solomon's, utterly astonished. This sets the stage for Peter's subsequent sermon (Acts 3:11).

1. The Power of Prayer and Fellowship
In Acts 3, we see Peter and John heading to the temple for prayer, highlighting the importance of communal worship and prayer. "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour" (Acts 3:1). This reminds us that gathering together in prayer strengthens our faith and unites us in purpose. Make time for fellowship and prayer in your daily routine to stay connected with God and fellow believers.

2. Be Ready to Share What You Have
When Peter and John encounter a lame man asking for alms, Peter responds, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you" (Acts 3:6). This teaches us to be prepared to share our spiritual gifts and the message of Christ, even when material resources are limited. Always be ready to offer what truly matters—hope and salvation through Jesus.

3. Faith in Jesus Brings Healing
Peter declares, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). The man is healed through faith in Jesus' name, demonstrating the transformative power of faith. Trust in Jesus can bring healing and restoration to our lives, both physically and spiritually. Let this be a reminder to place your faith in Him for all your needs.

4. Miracles Open Doors for the Gospel
The healing of the lame man astonishes the crowd, providing Peter with an opportunity to preach. "When Peter saw this, he addressed the people" (Acts 3:12). Miracles and acts of kindness can open doors for sharing the Gospel. Be attentive to how God might use your actions to create opportunities for evangelism.

5. Give Glory to God, Not Yourself
Peter quickly redirects the crowd's amazement away from himself and towards God, saying, "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12). Always give credit to God for the good things in your life, acknowledging His power and grace at work.

6. The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Peter explains that the healing is a fulfillment of what God foretold through the prophets. "But this is how God fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets" (Acts 3:18). This underscores the consistency and reliability of Scripture. Study the Bible to see how God's promises are fulfilled, strengthening your faith in His Word.

7. Repentance Leads to Refreshing
Peter calls the people to repentance, promising that "times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not just about turning away from sin but also about turning towards God, leading to spiritual renewal and peace. Make repentance a regular part of your spiritual practice.

8. Jesus is the Promised Messiah
Peter affirms Jesus as the Messiah, saying, "He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything" (Acts 3:21). Recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises and the central figure of our faith. This understanding is crucial for a strong and unwavering belief.

9. The Importance of Listening to Jesus
Peter warns that those who do not listen to Jesus will be cut off. "Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people" (Acts 3:23). Prioritize listening to Jesus through Scripture and prayer, ensuring His teachings guide your life.

10. You Are Part of God's Covenant
Peter reminds the people of their place in God's covenant, saying, "You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers" (Acts 3:25). As believers, we are part of this covenant, heirs to God's promises. Embrace your identity in Christ and live out your faith with confidence and joy.

1. The Healing of the Lame Beggar (Acts 3:1-10)
Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Peter commands the man to walk, and he is miraculously healed. This event draws attention from the people, highlighting the power of faith in Jesus. The Greek word used for "healed" (ἰάομαι, iaomai) emphasizes a complete and miraculous healing.

2. Peter's Address to the Onlookers (Acts 3:11-16)
As the healed man clings to Peter and John, a crowd gathers in Solomon's Colonnade. Peter seizes the opportunity to address the people, attributing the miracle to Jesus, whom they had denied and killed. He emphasizes that faith in Jesus' name has brought about the man's healing, using the Greek term "πίστις" (pistis) for faith, indicating trust and belief.

3. Call to Repentance and Promise of Restoration (Acts 3:17-21)
Peter acknowledges the ignorance of the people and their leaders in crucifying Jesus, fulfilling what God had foretold through the prophets. He calls them to repent and turn to God so that their sins may be wiped out, and times of refreshing may come. The Greek word for "repent" (μετανοέω, metanoeō) implies a change of mind and direction.

4. Prophetic Fulfillment and the Role of Jesus (Acts 3:22-26)
Peter references Moses and other prophets, affirming that Jesus is the promised Prophet like Moses. He warns that those who do not listen to Jesus will be cut off. Peter concludes by stating that God raised up His Servant Jesus to bless them by turning them from their wicked ways, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. The Greek term "προφήτης" (prophētēs) is used for prophet, indicating one who speaks forth God's message. 1. Divine Healing and Miracles
Acts 3:6-8 describes the miraculous healing of a lame man by Peter, emphasizing the power of Jesus' name: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" This theme highlights the continuation of Jesus' healing ministry through His apostles, underscoring the Greek term "δύναμις" (dynamis), meaning power or miracle.

2. Faith in Jesus' Name
The healing in Acts 3:16 is attributed to faith in Jesus' name: "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong." This theme stresses the importance of faith as a conduit for divine power, with "πίστις" (pistis) being the Greek word for faith, indicating trust and belief.

3. Fulfillment of Prophecy
Peter's speech in Acts 3:18-24 connects Jesus' life and mission to Old Testament prophecies: "But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets." This theme underscores the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah.

4. Call to Repentance
Acts 3:19 calls for repentance: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." The Greek word "μετανοέω" (metanoeō) means to change one's mind or purpose, emphasizing a transformative turning away from sin towards God.

5. Restoration and Refreshing
Acts 3:20-21 speaks of times of refreshing and the restoration of all things: "that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This theme points to eschatological hope and renewal, with "ἀποκατάστασις" (apokatastasis) referring to restoration or reestablishment.

6. Witness to the Resurrection
Peter's message in Acts 3:15 highlights the apostles as witnesses to Jesus' resurrection: "You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact." This theme emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection in apostolic preaching and the Greek term "μάρτυς" (martys), meaning witness.

7. Jesus as the Author of Life
Acts 3:15 refers to Jesus as the "Author of life," a profound title that underscores His divine nature and role in creation. The Greek word "ἀρχηγός" (archēgos) can mean leader, originator, or author, highlighting Jesus' preeminence and creative authority. Pray for Boldness
Ask God to give you the courage to speak His truth and share the gospel with those around you.

Pray for Opportunities
Seek God’s guidance to recognize and seize opportunities to witness to others.

Pray for Repentance
Request a heart of repentance, open to God’s correction and eager for His forgiveness.

Pray for Healing
Lift up those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, trusting in the power of Jesus' name.

May this study of Acts 3 inspire you to live boldly for Christ, recognizing His power at work in and through you.

1. Acts 3:2–10: How can this miracle be scientifically explained if the man was lame from birth?

2. Acts 3:11–12: Why is there no external historical or archaeological record of this widely witnessed healing in the Temple?

3. Acts 3:12–16: Is there corroborating evidence outside the Bible confirming that Peter actually performed such healings?

4. Acts 3:17–18: How does Peter’s statement align with Old Testament prophecies when they seem vague or unconnected?

5. Acts 3:19–21: Why has the promised “time of restoration” not occurred despite nearly two millennia passing?

1. How does the healing of the lame man illustrate the power of faith in Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can believers today demonstrate the healing power of Christ in their communities?

3. What significance does Peter's choice of location (the temple) bear for his audience and message?

4. How does Peter use the crowd's familiarity with their traditions and prophecies to deliver his sermon?

5. How does this chapter illustrate the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles for ministry?

6. What can we learn from Peter's boldness in confronting the crowd about their role in Jesus' death?

7. How does Peter's sermon demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ?

8. How does the reaction of the crowd to the healed beggar reflect their understanding of God's power?

9. What does Peter's invitation to repentance imply about the nature of God and His desire for humanity?

10. How does the transformation of the lame beggar mirror the spiritual transformation that takes place through faith in Christ?

11. How can we, like Peter and John, be observant and seize opportunities to demonstrate the love and power of God in everyday situations?

12. How does the miracle performed through Peter affirm the continued presence and power of Jesus after His ascension?

13. In what ways does the crowd's astonishment at the miracle show their lack of understanding of Jesus' true identity and mission?

14. How does Peter’s sermon reflect the approach we should take when calling others to repentance and faith in Jesus?

15. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of how miracles can be used in evangelism?

16. How might you boldly confront sin in your life and in the lives of others with truth and grace, following Peter’s example?

17. How does the people’s response to Peter’s message compare to modern responses to the call to repentance and faith in Christ?

18. How does the message of the prophets concerning the Messiah apply to us today?

19. What does the healed man's immediate response to his healing teach us about gratitude and praise?

20. How can we use our testimonies, like the healed man, to point others to Christ?