Scriptural text: Acts 3
Lesson Context: It’s not known how long the events of today’s lesson occurred after the day of Pentecost, but it was probably several weeks later. The church itself had been busy, including a ministry of the selling of property to provide funds for the relief of the poor (Acts 2:45). The apostles were still in Jerusalem, not having returned home to Galilee. They and all the other followers of Jesus met daily in the spacious porticoes of the temple (acts 1:46a). Activities included meeting in homes for breaking bread-fellowship meals that included the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (2:46b).
The Setting (Acts 3:1-2).
Afternoon Prayers (v. 1). “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the home of prayer, being the ninth hour.” A daily custom of “prayer” that occurred at a specific time of day. It should be noted that all believers at this point were of Jewish background-there were no Gentile Christians until the events of Acts 10. Belief in Jesus and his resurrection did not cause “Peter and John” to abandon all Jewish practices, and the same was the later for the apostle Paul (Acts 21:20). Therefore, it is very interesting that the apostles still kept up the customs and the habits in which they had been trained. It was the hour of prayer, and Peter and John were going into the temple to observe it. They were well aware that the new faith that had come to them and the old discipline could not still walk hand in hand. Prayer had been important before, and still was. These traditional times for prayer at the temple were recognized: early morning when he priests made the dily sacrifice, in mid-afternoon, and at sunset. This is the second of those, ‘at three in the afternoon.”
Daily Station (v. 2). “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.” Peter and John, the two important apostles, are depicted here as colleagues and pious Jews, unimpeachable witnesses to the miracle about to occur. The objexct of the miracle is a beggar they encounter on the incline heading to the temple. People suffering from disabilities were a common sight in the ancient world, and no less so in Jerusalem (Acts 5:12-16). For someone to have been “lame from birth” indicates a congenial condition rather than a tragic accident. The legs of this “certain man” had never been able to support his weight and allow him to walk. Since the combination of temple prayers and alms-giving charateriaze Jewish priests, beggars are found outside the Temple at three o’clcok in the afternoon.
The Expectations (Acts 3:3-6a).
Innocent Asking (v. 3). “Who asking Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alm.” The book of Acts sets upa collision course: the men going into the Temple hear a beggar’s request. The man confronted everyone who entered by this gate, just by his presence alone. Peter and John may have seen him before, and he may have seen them since the apostles had been in the temple daily. Someone said, “There are three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanksgiving. Grudge giving says, “I hate to,” duty giving says, “I ought to,” and thanksgiving says “I want to.” In giving to the poor and needy, Jesus would suggest “thanksgiving.”
Undivided Attention (vv. 4-5). “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.” The request by Peter isn’t for the man to do something entirely different but for him to do something intensely. That extra intensity undoubtedly results in making eye contact. In any case, the two apostles gain full attention of the man.
Forthright Admission (v. 6a). “Thus Peter said, Silver and gold have I none.” Imagine the depth of the lame man’s disappointment at his announcement. Led to believe much, he is now persuaded to expect nothing. The moment must have been fraught with bewilderment of this lame man. Hope was stirred again, but for what?
The Wonder (Acts 3:6b-11).
Invoked Name (v. 6b). “But such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Of course, this is the center of the whole event. The name represents the authority, just as the signature of any person carries with it full commitment of all he or she is and has.
Cured Man (vv. 7-8). “And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” At any rate, Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And in responding to the touch of a human hand, the lame man responded also to the power of God.
“And he leaping up and stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God.” Because of being made whole, the lame man could walk and jump and leap instantly. His vigorous activity expressed his joy and also demonstrated the completeness of his care. The man’s newfound physical abilities were accompanied by a sign of spiritual health: as he was walking and jumping, “the man praised God.”
References: Standard Lesson Commentary KJV 2