Scripture Focus: Acts 3:1-19
Today’s scripture focus builds on Acts 2:43 – “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” Chapters 3-4 serve as a “for example” of this verse. The full story is told in chapters 3 and 4, and can be divided into four sections: 1) the healing of the paralyzed man, 2) Peter’s sermon to the crowd, 3) Peter and John’s arrest and trial, and 4) the believer’s empowerment to continue their mission. A better example of Acts 2:43 could hardly be given. This event possibly took place several months after Pentecost, during the Feast of Tabernacles. The Beautiful Gate was probably used to bring in ripe produce offerings (”beautiful” can also be translated “ripe”.) We see the believers continued to observed Temple worship, as the followers of Rabbi Jesus were still a small sect of Judaism. Notice it was not the faith of the paralyzed man that healed him, but the faith of Peter and John in Jesus. Paralytics were forbidden from entering the inner courts of the Temple, so we can imagine the joy of a man who is allowed to worship for the first time in forty years. His actions (walking, leaping, praising God) are consistent with the worship liturgy of Tabernacles, in which pilgrims danced around the altar following afternoon prayers.
It is said that Thomas Aquinas once called on Pope Innocent II when the latter was counting out a large sum of money. “You see, Thomas,” said the Pope, “the church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’” “True, holy father,” was the reply; “neither can she now say, ‘Rise and walk.’” Paralysis is the inability to move, and can come in many forms. As we take a cross view of the culture around us, we see a world filled with people paralyzed by fear, pride, lust, addiction, wealth or poverty, comfort or affliction. The world knows it is paralyzed, but it does not understand that its only hope is in following Jesus. For too long, Christians have tried to reach the world by offering them the “silver and gold” that crippled it in the first place. As disciples of Jesus, it is our job to take our culture by the hand and lift it up through faith in Jesus.
A crowd was now gathered around, and Peter took the opportunity to preach. He told the crowd they shouldn’t be amazed at what had happened, nor should he be given any credit. It was God who had given this sign. We must remember that the disciples believed that Jesus’ return, which would usher in the messianic kingdom (referred to as “the day of the Lord” or “that day”) was eminent. Any miracles that took place should serve as signs of “that day”. Isaiah had prophesied that in “that day”, the blind would see and the lame would leap! Peter warned the crowd they had murdered God’s messiah, but they had acted in ignorance and actually fulfilled God’s plan. In order to prepare for and usher in the day of the Lord, they must repent. Only then would God raise up Israel as He had done with the paralyzed man.
Like that crowd long ago, we gather together on a regular basis to worship. It seems we don’t expect much to happen. How refreshing it is when God breaks through, often when we least expect it! When God does the extraordinary in our lives, our community takes notice. Then, their hearts are prepared to hear God’s hard truth – we are sinners who must repent! By hearing and accepting that truth, we can prepare for days of refreshing from the Lord. The recipe for revival in this passage are witnessing God’s miracles and accepting God’s truth.
CrossGroups
* Go around the table and share prayer requests. Have someone lead in prayer.
* Let everyone who would like share anything exciting from their week.
* Ask these three questions. Let as many answer each one as would like.
1. Is there anything in today’s scripture that especially speaks to you?
2. What questions would you like to ask about today’s scripture?
3. Do we see miracles today? If so, what are they?
