7-Day Commentary Challenge - Acts 1-3 Sample

THE HEALING OF THE LAME MAN  

One of the apostle’s signs and wonders mentioned in 2:43 is described in detail in this chapter. This one was chosen because of its public nature and because of its relation to the progress of the early church.

THE MIRACLE, 3:1–11

Its Circumstances, 3:1–3

The circumstances surrounding this miracle were the crossing of two habits. The one was the habit of Peter and John in going (imperfect tense) to the temple; the other was the habit of the lame man to be carried (also imperfect) to the temple to beg. Even after the new church had been formed, the disciples continued to attend services at the temple (cf. 2:46).

Its Characteristics, 3:4–7

The miracle was unexpected (4–6a). It was alms for which the man was begging; it was healing that he received. The miracle was performed in the name of Jesus Christ (v. 6b). A name stands for all that the person is; therefore, the name of Christ includes all the power of Christ. The miracle was instantaneous (v. 7). The miracle was complete (v. 7). The man was not partially healed but completely so. The verb “were strengthened” is a medical term.

Its Consequences, 3:8–11

As a result of this miracle, three things happened. First, the man was filled with joy. He leaped up as soon as he realized that his feet and ankle bones had been strengthened. Second, God received praise, for the man went into the temple with Peter and John praising God for what He had done. Apparently he recognized the source of the miracle. Third, there was a testimony to the people around. Here was a well-known character whom they had seen for years begging at the same stand; now he was walking and leaping. This caused such amazement among those who were at the temple that very quickly a crowd gathered in the colonnade at the eastern end of the south side of the temple area, the piazza known as Solomon’s Porch (cf. John 10:23).

This miracle of physical healing is rightly seen as an illustration of spiritual healing. The lame man serves as an excellent picture of the helplessness and hopelessness of the sinner (cf. Rom. 5:6; Eph. 2:12) whose only hope is believing in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). When one believes in Him, then instantaneously there is complete salvation, which brings joy to the sinner, praise to God, and a testimony to others.