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Acts 3

26 verses

TL;DR

Peter heals a lame man at the Temple and then delivers a sermon urging Israel to repent and recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Summary

At the ninth hour, Peter and John go to the Temple where a lame man sits at the Beautiful gate, asking for alms. Peter invites the man to look at them, then declares he has no money but offers his faith in Jesus to heal him. The man is miraculously restored, walking and praising God, and the crowd witnesses the miracle. Peter then addresses the gathered people, questioning why they marvel and insisting that it is not his power but the power of the God of Abraham that has raised Jesus. He reminds the Israelites of their history, the denial of Jesus, and the necessity of repentance to avoid judgment. Peter prophesies that Christ will return, fulfilling the prophets, and urges believers to turn from sin.

Outline
  1. Peter and John heal a lame man at the Beautiful gate
  2. Peter’s sermon on Jesus, covenant, and repentance
  3. Prophetic promise of Christ’s return and call to repentance
Themes
Faith and the power of beliefHealing as evidence of divine authorityRepentance and covenant renewal
Keywords
healingfaithrepentanceJesuscovenantprophecyTemplealms
People
PeterJohnJesusAbrahamIsaacJacobPilateMoseslame manprophets
Places
TempleBeautiful gateSolomon's porch
Things
healingalmsfaithname of Jesusprophecy
Key Verses
  • Acts 3:6: Peter uses Jesus’ name to heal the lame man, showing the power of faith
  • Acts 3:13: Peter addresses Israel directly, linking the miracle to their covenant history
  • Acts 3:19: Peter calls for repentance, highlighting the necessity of turning away from sin
Questions
  • What does Peter’s declaration about having no silver or gold but faith in Jesus indicate about Christian practice?
  • How does the miracle of the lame man serve to validate Peter’s message to the people?
  • Why does Peter emphasize the covenant with Abraham in his sermon?
  • In what ways does the call to repentance reflect the broader themes of Acts?
  • How does the prophetic language in this chapter connect to earlier Old Testament prophecy?
Sentiment

mixed
Positive elements in the miracle contrast with negative accusations toward the listeners.