Acts chapter 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.”


At this time, the disabled men and women were often ostracize within their communities. Often times they are unable to enter the city that they lived, which means that these men and women were also not allowed to entered in the synagogue, which is were the people would go pray and worship their God.


When the disable man saw Peter and John he began to call out to them and trying to get their attention. Often times disabled men and women would need to pleaded and beg for money or food because they could not work to provide for themselves.


“6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.”


Seeing the begging man on the side of the road, Peter turned his attention to the man and spoke to him. Peter admitted that did not have anything to give the man except the truth of who Jesus is. Peter then put out a hand to the man and lifted him to his feet.


When the man got to his feet, his ankles were strengthened and he was able to stand and walk. The man was ecstatic and  he entered the synagogue to worship and pray. As he danced through the streets and greeted people, the people began to recognize him. They were also fascinated by the healing of the man and they began to ask questions of who healed the man. Their attention was then turned to John and Peter. Soon Peter addressed the astonished crowd.


Peter admits that he helped the man to his feet up, but that it was Jesus to heal the man, the same Jesus that the people who sent Jesus to be killed on the cross.


“16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”


Peter spoke earnestly on the subject of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This extends to the healing of the man that usually begs outside of the synagogue. Peter also preached that the listeners could also receive the healing that the man received.


Peter encouraged the people to repent or turn away from their sin. Sin is the the actions, thoughts and morals that pushes us away from God. These actions and morals run through all mankind and all humans suffer from this heart condition.


“25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”


Even though we live with sin in our hearts and we are often pushing away from God, Peter reminds us that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are actually part of the family line that connects us to Jesus. Peter continues to encourage us to trust in Jesus and his love for us. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are given a healed heart and a new life away from our sin. ​