Acts Chapter 3: Healing, Preaching, and Faith


Summary
Acts 3 narrates a miraculous healing at the temple, Peter’s bold sermon, and the resultant growth of the early church. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Healing of the Lame Man (3:1–10): Peter and John, going to the temple for prayer at 3 p.m., encounter a man lame from birth begging at the Beautiful Gate. Peter, lacking money, commands him in Jesus’ name to walk. The man leaps up, walking and praising God, astonishing the crowd who recognize him as the former beggar.
  • Peter’s Sermon in Solomon’s Portico (3:11–26): As the amazed crowd gathers, Peter preaches, attributing the healing to faith in Jesus, the crucified and resurrected Messiah. He accuses Israel of rejecting Jesus, fulfilling prophecy, but offers forgiveness if they repent. Peter cites Moses, Samuel, and Abraham’s covenant, proclaiming Jesus as the promised prophet and seed blessing all nations. He urges turning from sin to receive God’s refreshment and restoration.
  • Implied Impact (3:19–26): The sermon sets the stage for further growth and opposition, as many believe (Acts 4:4), but authorities soon intervene (Acts 4:1–3).
Cross-References
  • Healing Miracle:
    • Luke 5:17–26: Jesus heals a paralytic.
    • Acts 9:33–34: Peter heals Aeneas.
    • Isaiah 35:6: Lame leap in messianic age.
  • Peter’s Sermon:
    • Acts 2:22–36: Peter’s Pentecost sermon.
    • Deuteronomy 18:15–19: Prophet like Moses.
    • Genesis 12:3: Abraham’s seed blesses nations.
    • Psalm 16:10: Resurrection prophecy.
  • Call to Repentance:
    • Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized.
    • Joel 2:28–32: Restoration promises.
    • Luke 24:47: Repentance preached to nations.
  • Jesus’ Rejection:
    • Isaiah 53:3–5: Suffering Servant despised.
    • Luke 23:18–23: Crowd chooses Barabbas.
    • John 19:15: Jews reject Jesus as king.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Witness in Jerusalem and beyond.
    • Romans 10:17: Faith comes by hearing.
Theological Meaning
Acts 3 is rich with theological themes that underscore the power of Jesus’ name and the call to repentance:
  • Jesus’ Authority: The healing in Jesus’ name (3:6, 16) demonstrates His living power through the apostles, validating the gospel (John 14:13–14; Acts 4:10).
  • Faith’s Role: The man’s healing through faith (3:16) highlights trust in Jesus as the source of restoration, both physical and spiritual (Mark 5:34; Ephesians 2:8).
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter ties Jesus to Moses’ prophet, Abraham’s seed, and David’s heir (3:18, 22, 25), showing Scripture’s culmination in Christ (Luke 24:44; Romans 1:2–4).
  • Repentance and Restoration: The call to repent (3:19) offers forgiveness and “times of refreshing,” pointing to salvation and future renewal (Acts 2:38; Revelation 21:5).
  • Israel’s Responsibility: Peter’s accusation of rejecting Jesus (3:13–15) holds Israel accountable, yet offers grace through repentance (Romans 11:23; Acts 13:38–39).
  • Universal Blessing: Jesus as Abraham’s seed (3:25) extends salvation to all nations, fulfilling God’s covenant (Galatians 3:16; Acts 10:34–35).
  • Bold Witness: Peter’s sermon amid opposition (3:12–26) models courageous proclamation, fulfilling the Spirit’s empowerment (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why were Peter and John at the temple (3:1)?
    • They went for the 3 p.m. prayer hour, a Jewish custom, showing their continued devotion while proclaiming Jesus (3:1; Luke 24:53; Acts 2:46).
  2. What was the Beautiful Gate (3:2)?
    • Likely the Nicanor Gate, a prominent temple entrance, it was a strategic spot for beggars to seek alms from worshipers (3:2; Josephus, Wars 5.5.3; John 10:23).
  3. Why did Peter heal the man in Jesus’ name (3:6)?
    • Peter invoked Jesus’ authority, showing the risen Christ’s power worked through him, not personal ability (3:6; Acts 4:10; John 14:12).
  4. How was the man healed (3:7–8)?
    • Peter’s command, empowered by Jesus, restored the man’s legs instantly; he leaped and praised God, confirming the miracle (3:8; Isaiah 35:6; Acts 14:10).
  5. Why did Peter deflect credit for the healing (3:12)?
    • He denied personal power, attributing the miracle to faith in Jesus, redirecting glory to Christ (3:12–16; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; Acts 10:26).
  6. What was the core of Peter’s sermon (3:13–19)?
    • Peter proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah, rejected by Israel, but offering forgiveness through repentance, fulfilling Scripture (3:18–19; Acts 2:36; Luke 24:47).
  7. Why cite Moses and Abraham in the sermon (3:22, 25)?
    • Peter showed Jesus as the prophet like Moses and Abraham’s seed, proving He fulfills Jewish hopes and blesses all nations (3:22–25; Deuteronomy 18:15; Genesis 22:18).
  8. What are “times of refreshing” (3:19)?
    • Repentance brings spiritual renewal and forgiveness, anticipating God’s final restoration through Jesus’ return (3:19–21; Romans 5:1; Acts 26:20).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The events (circa AD 33) occur in Jerusalem, the church’s early center (3:1; Acts 2:14). The Beautiful Gate (3:2) was a busy temple access point (Luke 1:9–10). Solomon’s Portico (3:11) was a covered colonnade for teaching (John 10:23). The Sanhedrin’s later response (Acts 4:1) reflects rising tension (Acts 5:17). The 5,000 believers (Acts 4:4) suggest rapid growth post-Pentecost (Acts 2:41).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why the lame man begged (3:2). Disability often left people dependent on alms (John 9:8). “In Jesus’ name” (3:6) invoked His authority, not a formula (Colossians 3:17). The crowd’s amazement (3:10) stemmed from knowing the man’s lifelong condition (Acts 4:22). Peter’s accusation (3:14) used Jewish legal terms like “murderer” (Luke 23:25). “Ignorance” (3:17) mitigated guilt, offering hope (1 Timothy 1:13).
  • Application: Acts 3 calls believers to trust Jesus’ power, proclaim Him boldly, and repent for renewal. It encourages faith that transforms lives and communities, advancing God’s mission (Mark 16:15).
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