A Miricle to Confirm the Word

The Scene (vv1-3)

If you look the gospels and Acts revel that Peter and John were closely associated.

Every day this man who was lame would be brought the gate of the temple called the beautiful gate and would be left there to beg for money.

There were 3 places people like this would go to beg for money

1.) They would sit out in front of houses of the rich.

2.) They would sit along the major road that ran through the town.

3.) They would sit at the temple.

This was the most preferred spot because everyone would pass through here and want to show the others how pious they were and would try to out do the others in giving to the poor.

The Beautiful Gate was inside the temple mount area on the eastern side and it separated the court of the gentiles from the Court of Women.

It was a large gate and very ornate.

It was made of Corinthian brass and was so large it took twenty men to close it.

The temple held 3 prayer times each day one at 12:00, one at 3:00, and one at 6:00.

This was the ninth hour so it was at 6:00 which is the one with the most crowd and it is the service where they did the daily sacrifice on the alter.

The Sign (vv 3-8a)

The sign was the most important part of this story because it showed the power of the Spirit that was given to the Apostles.

It was unexpected

The beggar came expecting money but left with healing

He came expecting His need to be met temporally but had it met preeminently.

It was done in the Name of Jesus Christ

There were many false prophets in the area and would do signs and wonders, but it was of the devil and was demonic possession.

To do something in the name of Jesus Christ is to act consistent with His will.

To do what He would do if He were here.

To act in His authority and with His delegated power.

It was Instantaneous

The genuine gift of healing, in contrast to the alleged healings of today, resulted in immediate cures.

Jesus healings were instantaneous; there was no gradual process involved. Scripture knows nothing of “progressive healings.”

The beggar did not even need to be taught how to walk.

He received his coordination and balance instantly.

It was Complete

Not only did this man walk but he leaped and could run.

It was not a half way or over time miracle it was a complete healing right then and right there.

The Result (8b-11)

First we see joy, this name came running and leaping into the temple.

This was normally a very somber very quiet service but now you here screams of Joy and laughter as a names whole life has been changed in an instant.

We also see the praise and worship of a man who was truly grateful for what had happened.

We also see that this was a testimony to Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.