Preaching on the Portico

As we continue our study of Acts, we see the emerging boldness of the early church, played out by the Apostle Peter as he preaches in the temple.

Such As I Have

Acts 3:1–10 “1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 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.

3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 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. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

Seize the Moment

Acts 3:11 ESV

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.

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SOLOMON’S PORTICO

A colonnade which made up part of the temple complex built by Herod in Jerusalem. This colonnade like the others that surrounded the temple precinct, provided a meeting place for individuals to discuss Scripture preceding and following the observation of religious rituals. Jesus’ disciples gathered at this location and the early Jerusalem church also met there (John 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12).

This colonnade was reportedly double columned and spanned 49 feet. The columns were 38 feet tall monoliths of white marble and supported cedar-paneled ceilings.

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Acts 3:11–16 “11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?

13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.

14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

Peter names their sin. How would he name ours?

Barabbas

Matt 27:16 NIV 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.

Day of atonement- scapegoat

Jesus, Son of the Father

Call to Faith

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.”

Repentance and Faith

Acts 3:17–21 “17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that

your sins may be blotted out,

20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and

that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.”

Moses pointed to Jesus (listen to Him)

Samuel and all the rest pointed to Jesus (listen to them)

You have seen Him yourselves! Now receive by faith!

How Then Shall We Live?

Such as you have, give

God has equipped, blessed and placed you into your circumstances as an ambassador

What you have to give is more than the treasures of this world, it is treasure of inestimable worth

taking/making opportunities

become aware of opportunities and be bold enough to step into them.

begins with prayer, ends with obedience

Our message points to JESUS