Ministry Outside the Gates

"Ministry outside of the gates"

Acts 3:1–10 KJV 1900

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

I. His Condition-

a. He's Lame-(his handicap caused him to be helpless and he goes to get help at the place that should be able to help his handicap, which is the temple. He's limited in his movements because he can't get on his feet. His life is centered around his condition)

b. His location-(He's at the temple but not in the temple.1. He was an outcast because if his condition, 2. He was at the place where he can get ask for alms, he was trying to get a temporary fix for his permanent condition)

II. The conversation( non-verbal, He identifies Peter and John 1st, Peter then Fasted his eyes on the man, the man saw someone uncommon in the midst of a common situation)

a. Peter's Presentation- (Look on us; Peter wanted to redirect the man eyes from his present situation to an example of what a better life he could have outside his situation. We as believers must always present an example of something better for for people to look upon, which is Jesus Christ who should stand out in the midst of every situation)

b. Peter's Proclamation-(Peter assessed the situation before he began to speak, therefore Peter knew what he needed and instead of giving him what he wanted he gave him what he needed. He didn’t give a temporary fix so he can eat for that day but he gave a prophetic proclamation so that he could be changed for the rest of his life. This proclamation was given in the name of Jesus.)

C. Peter pulled him from his predicament-(Peter didn’t only give him a word but Peter gave him his hand, the man was looking for a handout but received a hand up. The man recieved strength for Peter's word and from his actions. As believers we must not only give a word but our actions must match our words. We must not only give a word of Faith but we must help pull people out of their situation with the actions of faith)

III. His Celebration- the man leaped when he was healed and began praising God because of his healing.