From Miracle to Mission: A Call to Faith (Acts 3)

Isaiah 45:5–6 “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God but me. I will strengthen you, though you do not know me, so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

Introduction

Hook: Picture a man, crippled for over 40 years, leaping with joy before a stunned crowd. In Acts 3, this miracle becomes a platform for a life-changing message about Jesus.

Context: Set shortly after Pentecost, Acts 3 captures the early church’s boldness as Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple and proclaim Christ’s power to a gathered crowd.

Thesis: Acts 3 calls us to bold faith in Jesus, the source of physical and spiritual healing, urging us to meet needs, proclaim the Gospel, and invite repentance.

Big Idea: A bold witness for Christ meets physical needs and points to the spiritual need for repentance and faith.

Transition: Let’s pick apart Acts 3, draw insights from trusted voices, and apply its truths to our lives.

1. See the Need (Acts 3:1-5)

Text Summary: Peter and John, heading to the temple for prayer, encounter a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate, begging for alms. They fix their gaze on him, engaging his need (v. 4).

Historical Context: The “Beautiful Gate” was likely the Nicanor Gate, a busy temple entrance. Begging was common, and the man’s lifelong disability (Acts 4:22) made him a familiar figure.

Theological Insight: The apostles’ attention reflects Jesus’ compassion (e.g., Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus). Their readiness to engage shows the Spirit’s prompting in believers to see others’ needs.

Cross References:

James 2:15–16 “If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?” Faith without works is dead; seeing needs requires action.

Luke 10:33 “But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion.” The Good Samaritan stops to help, modeling compassionate engagement.

Quote: “The Spirit-filled life is one that sees the broken and responds with the love of Christ.” – Chuck Missler

See the Need: Like Peter and John, we must open our eyes to those around us—physically, emotionally, or spiritually broken. Volunteer at a local shelter or listen to a struggling friend, trusting God to work through you.

2. Speak with Boldness (Acts 3:6-10)

Text Summary: Peter declares, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (v. 6, NKJV). The man is healed, leaps up, and praises God, astonishing the crowd.

Exegetical Note: The phrase “in the name of Jesus” invokes His authority, not a formula (cf. Acts 4:12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”” ). The miracle echoes Jesus’ healings (John 5:8–9 ““Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk.” Instantly the man got well, picked up his mat, and started to walk. Now that day was the Sabbath,” ) and fulfills Messianic promises (Isaiah 35:6 “Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;” ).

Theological Insight: Bold faith in Christ’s power enables miraculous works, pointing to His lordship. The man’s response—praising God—shows true healing leads to worship.

Cross References:

John 14:12–13 ““Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Believers will do greater works in Jesus’ name.

Psalm 30:2 “Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me.”

Quote: “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible.” – D.L. Moody

Speak with Boldness: Share your faith confidently, whether through words or actions. Pray for a coworker’s healing or testify about Jesus’ impact in your life, relying on His authority.

3. Shift the Focus (Acts 3:11-16)

Text Summary: As the crowd marvels, Peter redirects attention to Jesus, saying, “Why look at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (v. 12). He credits the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Jesus’ name for the healing.

Exegetical Note: Peter uses Old Testament language (Exodus 3:6 “Then he continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.” ) to connect Jesus to Israel’s God. The term “servant” (v. 13, pais) echoes Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13 “See, my servant will be successful; he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.” ).

Theological Insight: Miracles are signposts to Christ, not the apostles’ merit. Peter’s humility glorifies God, fulfilling the church’s mission to exalt Jesus (John 12:32 “As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.”” ).

Cross References:

Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord. That is my name, and I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.” God shares His glory with no one.

Philippians 2:9–11 “For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus’ name is exalted above all.

Quote: “The power is not in the healer, but in the One who is the Healer. All glory must go to Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon

Shift the Focus: When God uses you, point others to Jesus. Avoid taking credit for answered prayers or acts of kindness; instead, share how Christ’s love motivates you.

4. Share the Truth (Acts 3:17-26)

Text Summary: Peter calls the crowd to repent, acknowledging their ignorance in crucifying Jesus (v. 17). He proclaims Jesus as the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15 ““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” ) and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 22:18 “And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because you have obeyed my command.”” ).

Exegetical Note: Peter’s call to “repent and turn back” (v. 19) echoes Old Testament prophets (e.g., Ezekiel 18:30–32 ““Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “Repent and turn from all your rebellious acts, so they will not become a sinful stumbling block to you. Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live!” ). “Times of refreshing” (v. 19) points to spiritual renewal and eschatological hope.

Theological Insight: Physical healing is temporary; spiritual healing through repentance is eternal. Jesus is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, offering salvation to all who believe.

Cross References:

2 Chronicles 7:14 “and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” Repentance brings healing and restoration.

Romans 10:9–10 “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.” Confessing Jesus as Lord leads to salvation.

Quote: “Repentance is not merely a change of mind, but a change of heart, a turning from sin to the Savior.” – Charles Spurgeon

Share the Truth: Invite others to know Jesus. Host a Bible study or gently explain the Gospel to a friend, emphasizing repentance and faith as the path to true healing.

Conclusion

Recap: Acts 3 shows the power of Jesus’ name to heal and save, challenging us to see needs, speak boldly, shift focus to Christ, and share the truth of repentance.

Call to Action: This week, identify one person in need—physical or spiritual—and take a bold step of faith. Pray for them, serve them, or share the Gospel, trusting Jesus to work through you.

Closing Prayer: “Lord, open our eyes to the needs around us. Give us boldness to proclaim Your name, humility to point to You, and compassion to call others to repentance. Use us to bring Your healing to a broken world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”