Peter healing a lame man is significant for several reasons. First, Jesus healed many crippled persons during his ministry, Mark 2:1-12 for example. Second, he was a well-known beggar who was crippled from birth. People knew he was unable to walk, and that had never walked in his life. He was not paralyzed or injured. Third, and most importantly for the point of Peter’s sermon, that the lame would “leap for joy” was a key expectation of the Messianic age (Isa 35:6).
This text is similar to Isa 61:1-2, a text Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth and applied to himself (Luke 4). There is continuity between Jesus and his messianic announcement and the apostolic ministry of Peter. Isaiah calls on his listeners to prepare for this coming age and to “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.” Here in Acts 3 the feet and ankles of the lame man are strengthened. Isaiah 35 then says:
Isaiah 35:4-7 … say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
Isaiah looks forward to a coming age when physical infirmities will be reversed, the blind will see, the deaf will hear and the lame will leap! Even the desert will gush with water and become fertile. In Acts 2 the Holy Spirit is “poured out” on the people, here in Acts 3 the Holy Spirit is healing physical infirmity.
This is also the first time one of the disciples does the same kind of miracle Jesus did, although they heal “in the name of Jesus.” This indicates Jesus is a powerful name that is able to heal and able to save (Acts 4:12). By Acts 19, some exorcists will try to use the name of Jesus to cast out demons (with unfortunate results). This healing also establishes a pattern in the book of Acts: as the gospel enters new areas it is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit as witnessed by miracles.
Peter calls for the man’s attention and tells him that he has no money for him, and heals him in the name of Jesus. Why does Peter call for the man’s attention? Perhaps there are a lot of people passing through the gate and the beggar is trying to beg from as many as he can.
The man is instantly healed, his ankles and bones are strengthen and his able to stand. Probably the man had stretched out his hands to take some coins from Peter, but Peter grabs his hands and helps him to stand instead. The fact that he is healed fully and completely is indicated that he walks and jumps, praising God (verse 8). The “leaping” for the formerly lame man evokes the Isaiah 35 passage indicating that this is a sign the messianic age is dawning.
This miracle, therefore, draws attention to the fact the messianic age has to some extent begun with the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The coming of the Spirit on God’s people is like water poured out on a dry and thirsty land. Peter and John are representatives of the Messiah and use this healing to call a large Jewish crowd to repentance.
If this is true, then likely there are other indications the kingdom is coming/present in the ministry of Peter and John in Acts 2-5.
What else do you see here that might support this idea?
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
In Acts 5:12-16, The Apostles were doing “Many signs and wonders” in Solomon’s Portico. The sick were carried out into the streets just in hopes that Peters shadow would pass over them as he walked by. It is amazing to see these people respond to what is being done through Peter by God. This passage just further affirms for me that the period in which Peter and John went through Jerusalem is one of the closest the kingdom has been to coming. The amazing things that took place through these man were a clear example that Jesus will come again just as he promised.
There are many signs and miracles that point to God’s work and the coming of a new age throughout Acts. In Chapter 2, the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work at Pentecost may have been prophesied by Joel as something that would happen in the coming of the Messianic age. “No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In these last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:16-17) An angel of the Lord also tells the apostles as he opens the door of the jail, “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.” (Acts 5:20) It is preached by the apostles and even announced by an angel of the Lord that this is a time of “new life” with an opportunity to partake in it.
This story in the Bible is one of my favorites. Throughout the Bible, there are many stories that point to Jesus and the powerful things that he was able to do. God performed miracles on his own and he performed miracles through others. For example, God raised Lazarus from the dead on his own, and God healed the lame beggar through Peter and John. All throughout the book of Acts, there are many more miracles done through the apostles. I think that all the miracles performed throughout Acts were signs of grace or unearned favor. These miracles show that anything is possible and all things do eventually work out for the good as long as you believe. The lame beggar got up after Peter and John prayed for him, and believed he could walk. Mark 9:23 says, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” This passage tells me that God can use anyone and do anything as long as we believe that God can do it.
As a sports fan I have seen many p:layers show flashes of greatness.have seen players who do things nobody thought they could do, and more often then not, the can not do it again. This is not the case for the Disciples and those who do things in Jesus name. This is proven as a new work of God and not fake when you have people trying to cast out demons in acts 19. When unbelievers in Jesus try to use his name the enemy responds to them “But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”- acts 19:15. when the time of refreshing came those who believed repented and power came on them, thus supporting that Jesus indeed is the Messiah!
I find it truly interesting how, in my mind, the Jewish Apostles became “Christians” and changed their lifestyles overnight. I never thought that they might have chosen to eat pork immediately (or ever) but I did not really stop to consider that they would have still observed other traditions – such as this hour of prayer.
This was a great place for a beggar to sit, as everyone had to come by – so from Acts 3, it appears that God had again planned to have some seriously solid eyewitnesses that would have known the man before as well. God’s kingdom does appear to be present as mentioned in the post, but it still took a full speech from Peter to explain that it was not his doing – but God’s. Peter gives glory to the Messiah, explains that the Jews killed him, and is thus arrested shortly after. The Jews were not ready to accept that Messiah had come and were not willing to open their eyes to what had happened with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Also, in regards to the kingdom – Peter does state that the prophets foretold of these days, reminding them that they are Gods chosen people. So he believed that the kingdom was come, or was to immediately follow…
I think that there is a lot to be said about the boldness in which Peter and John conduct their ministry. Not only did Peter and John do a lot of things that people weren’t used to seeing, but they refused to stop it. They were so confident in the Lord and that they were moving into the kingdom that they did not care about any punishment that may come their way because of their actions. In chapter 4 verses 19-22, Peter and John are challenged by the high priests to stop what they are doing and their answer is kind of sassy. They basically said, ‘look if you think we are wrong, then whatever. All we know is that we need to talk about and act out what we have seen and heard.’ I love that. I think that the confidence in this answer and in how they carry themselves in general really shows the message that Peter and John the kingdom is coming.
I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have felt like to have read and known these Old Testament prophetic scriptures all your life and then live to see them fulfilled. And yet, the religious leaders (the ones who likely knew the scriptures best) didn’t see any of this happening right under their noses.
I find it really kind of interesting that Peter calls out to the crippled beggar, kind of harshly, actually. In the NASB he yells at him “Look at us!”. This poor beggar guy probably wasn’t used to people trying to get his attention, since it was usually the other way around. And then, even more expected, he holds out his hands for money, only to receive none, and then get something infinitely better. This guy had a big day!
Miracles happen all the time because of the power of God. The healing of the beggar is an example of that. Someone rejected by all and someone that people would not turn to but turn against, was someone that Peter turned a helping hand too. The man that was lame jumped and leaped of pure joy showing the great power of God and also the great ability that the Holy Spirit can do on the people. The coming of the Lord is like a flowing of water upon the individual. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” Acts 3:6. Peter and John were not going around giving money or physical objects but rather they were going around proclaiming the gospel and performing miracles.
Yes Miranda I would agree! It seems to me that these things happen to those who others least expect them to happen to if that makes sense. It is an unfortunate reminder though too of how some people were and still aren’t really helpful to those who needed it more. At the same time though, what is comforting is that some of those same people still accepted the gospel and the message that Peter and John were proclaiming.
The first question that I noticed you proposed here deals with Peter when he called out to the lame beggar in Acts 3. In a sense I would agree here that the beggar was probably from every and anyone that crossed by him. Another way to look at this is maybe with as large of a crowd as there was in this story, it could be a good assumption to say that Peter was calling for the man’s attention so that way all of the people surrounding in the area could hear Peter, thus would turn their attention to what he was about to do with healing the lame beggar. That way, once everyone saw the miracle performed, there would be more and more people that would be intrigued about how we was able to do what he did and then also believe in Jesus.
Another case where a miracle occurred that would support the idea of the kingdom coming and being present in the book of Acts is in Acts 5 where the Apostles healed many people to the point where everyone who heard about it came to them. Acts 5:15-16 NIV says that, “As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.” Peter, John, and the rest of the Apostles obviously trusted Jesus with their lives and believed in Him and His ministry, so because of this blatant trust, they were blessed with helping others in the same way Jesus would have.
This lame man was a man that most people that go past that gate would see on the daily. They see him begging time and time again for food and money. Its very clear that the use of this man was meant to show the most skeptical person the power of the Holy Spirit through Peter. This visual was confirming the true love that God has for the weak and the poor. The result of peoples belief was by the simple fact that just by getting in the shadow of Peter would be healed. This was a promise that Jesus shared with the apostles in the Book of John and that they would be able to do the same and even greater things. With all the prophecies coming true don’t you think that these things should start to show the pharisees that the man that they killed truly was the son of God?
These people are getting the chance to see and believe right before their eyes. Miracles happen to day, but what a changed world we would live in if miracles were happening at this level. I do believe that our faith is much stronger because it is without seeing. I do believe that the power of healing is perfectly possible through us today, but to much doubt gets in the way and we lose to much of our focus.
Reading Acts 3, I am presented with a scene from a movie. Peter and the lame man, with the crowd in the background. To the lame man, it is an ordinary day, little does he know his whole life will be changed. Peter comes to him, calls for his attention. Surely the lame is surprised because someone was seeking out to him for once. Maybe even questioning if he was in trouble. Regardless, the man focuses his eyes on him, with sincere hope in the power of man. To this man’s surprise, Peter gives him not the worlds empty fulfillment, but God’s eternal power. Peter stretched out his hand and helped the man up, which if I were the lame man, I would be a little confused at this point, doubtful even. Peter helps him up, the man is leaping. We see this prophesized in Isaiah 35. This is the first time one of the disciples does a miracle as Jesus did. It is a new hope for people at this time. This hope leads many of the crowd around them watching, to come to the end of themselves, the end of man’s power, but to trust in God’s power. I like how the book put it in describing this lame man getting up and leaping, while the crowd was in amazement (Jipp, 47). It was a new age, and I bet Peter did this without his own benefit in mind, he was on a mission to be God’s hands and feet. Acts 3 goes on to tell Peters acknowledgments to Jesus the Nazareth and the resurrection powers of God. I bet Peter had an incredible feeling when he laid down to rest that night. In regard to this passage, and just seeing the kingdom coming in chapters surrounding this, I look at Acts 5, the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 5 shows the true power of the Holy Spirit and work into the lives of believers. This shows the coming kingdom and work of Peter and John because he is working directly with their ministries and pointing out the sin in Ananias and Sapphira’s life. Although the Holy Spirit did work before this in lives, it is every present in the coming chapters.
To answer this question, we must first identify what the things are that would signify the coming/existence of the kingdom. I think these things are at least partially described in Peters sermon in Acts 2:17-21. Though some of these things have not occurred yet, but will occur at the tribulation and second coming, some of these things have happened and do signify the kingdom. One thing that happened is described in verse 17 as the Spirit being poured out on all flesh. This can be seen in Acts 2:1-4, with the Spirit ascending at Pentecost.
Another passage that supports the coming and existence of the kingdom is Acts 5:12-16. In it, it describes the apostles doing many signs and wonders – healing the sick and drawing out spirits. Though this passage isn’t within chapters 1-5, Acts 14:8-10 also gives an account of Paul performing a miracle by healing a crippled man. Furthermore, in Acts 2:4-11 it describes them being filled with the Holy Spirit and teaching to all who were there at the time of Pentecost all in their own language.
All these things that were done signified a change in the age. They all signify the kingdom. These miracles were done to bring more people to the Lord and to bring Him glory. This really is the purpose of these miracles, to further His kingdom and to bring Him glory.
Part of the message here is definitely the coming of the Holy Spirit and the indication that the eschatological age is beginning (just as Peter was pointing out in his sermon in Acts 2). However, even Peter’s remark about not having money draws attention to an eschatological view of material things.
“I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you (Acts 3:6a).” Peter definitely shows that he values not only Jesus of Nazareth, but that he believes that Jesus is of greater worth than material things. While we may think that this is true from our own perspective (it may even feel like a Sunday school answer)…it is important to note that Peter is making this expression as if he is giving the lame man a gift (in the same way that he would otherwise have given him money). There is value in knowing who Jesus of Nazareth is, because there is a time coming when He will return (again, Peter hints at this in Acts 2, and then again later in Acts 3:19-20 with his response to the people at the Temple).
There is a call to action from Peter here (and no…not John…who doesn’t say anything in written record), and it is a call to take the matter of Jesus Christ seriously. Jesus was not just another man, and he is no longer dead. He is in fact the Messiah, and he is worth far more than anything that we ask for or think of in material terms. In addition, there is a futuristic time in which Jesus is coming back, and there needs to be some level of urgency about that. I think that the healing of the lame man is not just a random miracle because Peter felt bad for the guy, but rather a statement that Jesus is in fact Messiah and that He is truly powerful and valuable.
In addition to this miracle drawing attention to the fact that the messianic age had begun, this miracle further connected the Apostles to Jesus. Something that the Jews of the day looked for from the Apostles was proof that they were who they said they were; followers of Jesus that witnessed his resurrected body. Confirming the truth of this would bring many more Jews to a belief that their words were true. This miracle is the first of many that the Apostles would do in the name of Jesus. However, this was a crucial miracle seeing as it was a public healing. The Jews who visited the gate were aware of this man and his condition. Seeing him walking and jumping would shock those around him. The miracle pointed back to Christ not only in its healing nature but additionally in how it impacted the crowd around them. This miracle could also point us to the truth of how Christ’s sacrifice had opened the doors of salvation to those outside the temple system. The cripple could represent the Gentiles that would soon be given the gospel for salvation apart from the Jewish law. While Peter did not intend this miracle to be impactful in this way, it is entirely possible to read it from this perspective.
It is truly amazing to think about what the Holy Spirit did back then. Don’t get me wrong there is still that same power in the believers today, but it seems to have taken on a new form. I have always wondered why the disciples were able to speak in tongues and heal people like that but nowadays it is much more of a rare case, when it seems that Peter was healing people left and right. I think not only does the crippled man point to the coming messianic age it also seems I think point to the possibility of the healing of Israel. It is known throughout scripture that Israel has had a hardened heart towards God, and it needs to be healed and opened. Through the healing of this man it could show the first steps towards the healing of Israel.
When reading Acts 3, my mind does go in the direction of the kingdom beginning and becoming apparent during the ministry and speaking of Peter and John (lack-thereof speaking for him). For example, the moment Jesus’ blood atoned for our sins on the cross, salvation as we know it really began. With Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, Peter convicts those gathering around that they are the reason, or the ones responsible, for murdering Jesus unjustly and releasing Barabbas. The reason for Peter pointing the finger at those responsible who turned over Jesus and who witnessed his death is because he is trying to build a bridge that stems from that aggressive approach of the past into what is now opened up for Jews, salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Peter speaks of signs and wonders, what we know to be miracles, and I believe anyone can relate to the saying of, “I need to see it to believe it,” and in that time and in their case using signs and wonders was a way of doing that. Knowing that people had witnessed Jesus performing signs and miracles, Peter reflects that concept and performs his own in Acts 3, healing a lame man outside the temple through the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. (Acts 3:6) This is the beginning of the kingdom, I think we see the signs from that point forward, between Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 at Damascus, where Christ told him to be the mouthpiece to the Gentiles, and Jesus’ ascension where He announces that He will return again, and ever since that announcement we have been going down the path that leads to the eventual eternal kingdom. I do believe all of these scriptures, signs and wonders performed, and the prophecy that we have and the promises we have of restoration and return of and through Christ point to the kingdom being already established and one that we are currently in today.
I am happy to read about God store’s, John, Peter and orders who obey Him ( God ), when I saw all these pictures, there’s another spirit that came into me to be afraid of God the more.
These first chapters of Acts demonstrate – particularly through the sermons of Peter – that the kingdom as foretold is now present. One example of this is in the account of Pentecost. After hearing the disciples speak in multiple languages, including their own, the Jews gathered at the temple were amazed and confused. Peter reminded them of the prophecy of Joel which foretold God’s spirit would be poured out on Israel’s sons and daughters (Acts 2:17).
Similar to the healing at the Beautiful Gate, Acts 5:12-16 describes more healing done in Jesus’ name.
Acts 5:36 is also interesting to note here. After being brought to testify before the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel – a member of the council– reminds them of several others who had made pervious claims. He specifically names Theudas and Judas the Galilean. From the account in Acts these individuals also created followings or insurrections. Neither lasted. Gamaliel tells the council that this – like the other two – will likely die off, especially if it is not of God.
There seems to be a pattern here though in this case Peter and John were actually of God as they claimed to be.
I am curious whether there were other groups in Jewish history similar to the Theudas and Judas. It would be interesting to look at these groups and compare them to the ministry of the disciples with particular regard for the fulfillment of messianic prophesy.
When Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit descended to empower the believers to witness with boldness. Because the believers received the Holy Spirit, they were now able to bring Kingdom down to earth, and see sign and wonders in the name of Jesus Christ. One example, as stated above, shows how the beggar was healed through Peter, in the name of Jesus. This act was a glimpse of the kingdom coming, showing that witnessing starts now.
In Acts 2:43, it shares the awe and wonder in the fellowship of believers because of the miracles done through the apostles. Polhill says, “miracles were occurring regularly, many more than the few that Luke records in detail” (p. 2085). This supports that right after they received the Holy Spirit, they received the power and boldness to witness the gospel and kingdom coming.
The acts of witnessing continue in Acts 5, as the apostles perform signs and wonders. It is interesting to me that “none of the rest dared to join them,” despite the fact that more than ever, they were adding to their number daily (Acts 5:13-14). The mass number of new believers, healings and deliverances show that Jesus is still alive and present among them, through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Many believed because they saw signs and wonders.
Jesus has given His people the power to heal and deliver in His name. When we see miracles, it shows us the kingdom is here, breaking through. Although some believers can be skeptical of miracles today, I believe it is God’s will to use His people to bring His Kingdom on earth, for it is a powerful testimony to those who hear and see.
A great passage that backs up this point is Acts 5:12-16 where it’s titled, “the apostles heal many.” It explains how more and more people believed in the Lord. This caused more sick people to be brought into the streets where soon Peters’s shadow would potentially fall on some as he passed by. What’s truly fascinating about this passage is that crowds gathered from towns all around Jerusalem and they were all healed. The passage does not specially say how much people were healed or what the population number was with the surrounding cities but we can infer it was a crazy amount and that is why it is so insane to think about how many people God healed, and that he is still healing today, and we see that through countless testimonies and events. Even though we can not see Jesus face to face, we know he is still working. Another great example is Acts 4:21 where Peter and John are standing before the Sanhedrin and they decided at the end of verse 21 not to punish them because “all the people were praising God for what had happened.” That verse blows my mind away. In the midst of a very intense moment, the spirit intervenes and lets Peter and John go and the people are left praising the Lord. I don’t know about you but that leaves me with chills just to see how the spirit works in the craziest situations. This passage also reiterates that God is in ultimate control.
The lame beggar in Acts 3 truly was the perfect example because people walked by him every day in the temple and saw him, they knew he could not walk. He is also the perfect example because he was not ashamed to ask for help when he needed it, and it paid off because one day he asked the right person, Peter. The Lord was actively working through Peter to restore this man to his full strength so then his ankles became strong. He was made strong in the Holy Spirit and everyone saw it and could not deny the Lord’s power.
In Acts 2:22 we see that God validates Jesus as the Messiah by the supernatural works he performed. In verse 23 Peter shows that God, “foreknown and foreordained that Jesus would be crucified” (ESVSB notes Polhill 2:23) which confirms the coming of the kingdom. In Acts 2 we can also clearly see that the circumstances around the day of the Pentecost perfectly fulfill the details of Jesus’ prophecy concerning the Kingdom. Once the believers receive the Holy Spirit miracles are actively performed and the Holy Spirit is fully present in the coming chapters which point to the Kingdom coming. These miracles were performed with one thing in mind, to advance the Kingdom and unify believers. Numbers were increasing rapidly as people watched the lame and sick be healed in Jesus’ name! These miracles showed Jesus’ power and showed that he was not just an ordinary human being on the earth, he indeed was the Messiah sent to wipe away our sins.
Like the crippled man who was physically healed by Peter, future believers are healed spiritually and therefore also leap for joy due to the new perspective on life they are given. Without the Spirit in an individual’s life, they are like a withering plant without water. The salvation that comes from the Lord and the refreshing water of the Spirit that a soul feels, heals and strengthen an individual (or plant) that was at one time dying of thirst. When Jesus is speaking with the woman at the well in John 4 He tells her about how everyone who drinks the water, or His water, will never be thirsty again. Jesus is referring to the same “water” that quenches an individual’s thirsty that the Holy Spirit fulfills. Not only is this miracle that is performed by Peter, the first one shared in the Bible after Peter receives the Holy Spirit, but it is also one of the first miracles performed after the accession of Jesus into Heaven and therefore shows that Jesus does not need to be physically present for the power of the Lord to be seen. Often times today, people can question if miracles exist or not because they cannot physically see Jesus, but that does not mean He is not present within the body of believers. It is interesting to image what this scene must have looked like at the gate to the temple. What were the initially reactions of people around the temple or the reactions of John and Peter? The faces of disbelief would have been amazing to see with the understand of what is yet to come for those who preach in the name of Jesus Christ.
When I read this passage, I see the the power the Name of Jesus has. It is also evident that Peter did heal the lame man. The confidence in Jesus’ name that Paul has is amazing, and leaves me feeling guilty for my lack of faith in areas of my life. Why can’t we all have the confidence that Paul has? Well, what I think many people try to do with this passage mistakenly is put an inappropriate amount of emphasis and focus on “Peter’s ability” to heal. Where I think is the more appropriate place we should be focused on is in whose name is he healing by, and what is the reason for this healing? It is plain and simple that it is “In Jesus name” (v. 6) that this man was able to walk. By no means it was of Peter’s own accord that this miracle took place, but by the power of Jesus, for a purpose. We see many places that physical healing was not the above all approach (2 Corinthians 12, 2 Tim. 4:20, 1 Tim 5:23) In these passages we see ailments that should be easily healed, by people who have exorcised demons, raised people from the dead, and healed lame people. But instead, their “thorns”, and Sicknesses weren’t healed nor did they attempt to heal them themselves. Instead, for Paul, he asked God for the healing, and even then God didn’t even take away his “thorn”, but expressed that “[His] grace is sufficient, and power is made perfected in weakness” (v. 9). Jesus even declared a mans sin forgiven, who was lowered down a ceiling by his friends to be healed from being paralyzed. He didn’t heal him until he was questioned of His abilities, as evidence for his authority and power (Luke 5:17-39). Jesus also has left people who were in need of healing, because his purpose was to preach the gospel (Mark 1:38) He didn’t heal everyone, but instead was more focused on sharing the good news which is far better than any physical healing. What Jesus has to offer is eternal healing.
I would even go as far to say that if not being for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and evidence of Jesus’ authority, the physical healing is not so important. Now, I don’t want to deny the fact that God is a healer, and does heal people, and will do so IF it is his will, but I don’t believe it always is. I’m simply stating that this passage can have the wrong focus by people. That we ourselves do not have the ability to heal, it is completely through God that, that power is used, and for a purpose. I believe that purpose is for the evidence and reveal of God’s kingdom. Not simply for the sake of healing, but for something much better. Which then leads me to my second question, what is the reason for the healing? I believe the reason for the healing is for God to be glorified, and for the evidence that the kingdom of God is present. Showing people that the messianic figure that they have been waiting for came, and the kingdom of God is present. Just as the tounges spoken of in Acts 2 were evidence that the Holy Spirit was received, the miracle and healing are evidence that the kingdom of God is present. Peter healed this lame man, for the glory of God, so Jesus’ name could be known (v. 6), and so then he would be praised. (v. 8) If we read a little further on, the people there were amazed at what was done, but John and Peter direct their attention back to Jesus. Not because it was the “christian” thing to do. It literally was the reason this man was healed. Quit literally it was Jesus who made this man walk (v. 16). Not by Peter, Not by John, but by God. So that people would know the kingdom of God was present, for the purpose to repent (v 19), and believe in the name Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of those prophecies (v.18), which was displayed in front of them. So we ought to turn from our wicked ways, and follow Christ who gave his life for us (v. 26). That is the purpose of this passage, not to be a glorified healer, but to believe in Jesus Christ.
Some other indications that I noticed were that God was going to “pour out [His] Spirit on all humanity” and “whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Acts 2:17, 21). As said in the blog post, “The coming of the Spirit on God’s people is like water poured out on a dry and thirsty land” as foretold in Isaiah 53 (Phillip Long). It is also promised by Jesus in John 14:26 when He says that He is going to send the Holy Spirit to be another Helper for them who would “teach [them] all things and remind [them] of all [He] had told [them]” (HCSB).
The coming of the Messiah by itself was an indicator that the kingdom was at hand and, as proven by Peter’s words, the believers were indeed expecting the kingdom to come because of this though they didn’t know when. In Acts 3:21, Peter says that “Heaven must welcome Him (Jesus) until the times of the restoration of all things” which included the Earth and the establishment of the kingdom (HCSB).
A final indication is the miracles that the apostles were enabled to do by the Holy Spirit, such as the mentioned lame man leaping for joy and the eyes of the blind being opened.
These were all indications according to Isaiah 53 of the coming of the kingdom that was taking place during Peter and John’s ministry.
This story is the beginning of many great and amazing things to come. I find this story fascinating for a vast number of reasons. One of the main things is that the man leapt up when he was healed. I think that going back and comparing Isaiah 35:6 to this moment can prove as evidence for a lot of people that more things from the Old Testament are being fulfilled, even after Jesus ascended to Heaven. I also think that this is an incredible story for the reason that, even though Jesus is not physically there to heal people anymore, we get to see the beginning of other people, like Peter, using the power of the Holy Spirit to heal others and perform miracles. Since we get to see in the chapter before this one that the Holy Spirit was given to Peter and the others with him, I like that they go right into showing what they are able to do now that they have the Holy Spirit with them. Obviously, this healing of the lame man is not from the power of Peter and John, but is done “in the name of Jesus”, which I think is an important aspect to mention so that people do not believe that it is from John and Peter themselves. Throughout the book of Acts, we get to see even more miraculous things happen, but I think that this is an important event to mention, especially when comparing it to the verse in Isaiah.
Looking through Acts 2 and following up with reading in Acts 3, it shows how when Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit was still working through people. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit worked through people by making them speak in tongues. Peter used the signs and wonders in the name of Jesus to preach. 3,000 believers were made after that. Going to Acts 3, Peter and John were walking to the beautiful gate and healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. Looking directly at this story, it really showed me that Jesus really did use people who were viewed as “outcasts” to show his miracles. Peter, with the faith he had in Jesus, was able to trust that the lame man would be healed. This man sat at the beautiful gate begging people for money. He sat there because a lot of people were to walk through to get to the temple. I can imagine so many people walking past him thinking bad, but Peter saw something that Jesus would have seen. I think looking at miracles like this, it showed that the kingdom was coming in this part of acts. Even today, we can see miracles that represent the kingdom being present. Think of all the times someone was all of a sudden cancer free or woke up without a sickness. The kingdom is present and the Holy Spirit is working within us.
The story of Peter healing the lame man is truly a beautiful scene. In the previous chapter of Acts we learn that the Holy Spirit has filled the disciples and fellow believers. It does not take long for the Holy Spirit to work through them and do wondrous miracles, first the miracle of tongues and now the healing of the lame man. The gifts that the Holy Spirit gives are truly amazing and I do believe that it is important to recognize that the lame man was “leaping” (Acts 2:8). The article mentions the connection of this with Isaiah. This is a great example of how the wording of the Bible can be important. As I picture this story I can only imagine the pure joy that this man had. The power of God must have been so strong and the lame man must have encountered the Holy Spirit so powerfully. I then think that Peter got this man’s attention before healing him so he knew who he was being healed by. Peter made it a point to heal him in the name of Jesus and this gave all the credit to God. This story is a beautiful example of the Holy Spirit’s power.
This encounter between Peter, John, and the beggar is definitely one that would have drawn attention based solely on the fact that this crippled man suddenly starting leaping for joy (Acts 3:8). It is the amazement and awe that the crowd was in (3:10) that engages the reader to further determine what Luke was illustrating in these passages. According to this blog’s insight on this passage, there are 3 specific reasons as to why this story is significant. Firstly, Jesus healed a lot of people, then, this particular beggar was crippled from birth, and thirdly, the “leaping for joy” was significant in the way of indicating the Messianic Age. These significances are a few prompts in understanding Peter healing the crippled beggar in Jesus’ name. To support the first significance, it was well known that Jesus could perform miracles but the Messiah was already crucified. When Peter healed the man, in Jesus’ name, he spoke to them about the resurrection and ascension of Christ. Secondly, if the beggar had been so crippled all of his life, only a miracle could explain the sudden healing he had experienced. Lastly, the significance of the beggar “leaping for joy” hints at the happiness that people would feel in Heaven when Christ returns and delivers us from this broken world.
To answer the prompt in the blog post reaching for more evidence of the Messianic age, I thought of a prophecy from the book of Daniel. The context of this passage is that of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream being interpreted by Daniel who mentioned that God was speaking directly at him in his dream. This evidence of the Messianic age is that, “You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might and the glory…And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:37-44). This passage seemed significant to me as it seemed to talk about a nation, a kingdom destroyed, but later restored. This seemed to be parallel to the death and resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus had the power and the glory, He could not succumb to death – His life could not forever be destroyed.
I think the healing of the lame man by Peter here in Acts chapter three is super significant because of what it represents. The God of the universe invites us to be apart of the ministry here on earth- and it wasn’t limited to the life of Jesus. While we are of course not God, nor are we Holy, God allows us to be apart of this ministry- by the power of the Holy Spirit and through praying in the name of Jesus. I love the song that mentions the line “There is Power in the Name of Jesus” because once Peter prays boldly in the name of Jesus, things begin to change. This is a wonderful example of how the gift of the Holy Spirit is a game-changer. It’s hard for us to imagine a world or life without the Holy Spirit, but before that wonderful day described in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came down upon the people, God working in and through people worked much differently and He wasn’t living inside people. The gift of the Holy Spirit is something I feel is easy for us to downplay in the church- we often pray to God the Father and pray in Jesus name- but how often do we pray for the Holy Spirit to come and move in our hearts? I truly believe we as the church must not neglect an essential part of the trinity and we must always remind ourselves of the power of the Holy Spirit, and this healing at the beautiful gate is a wonderful example of that.
The sign of Peter healing the cripple signals the inauguration of the messianic age but not necessarily the consummation of the new age. Peter healing the lame man was undoubtedly similar to the miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry, such as in Luke 5:1-15. But why did Peter not turn water into wine, or perform other miracles like Jesus, why chose to heal this man? The reason this miracle was chosen was to allude to the near return of Christ. Long examines how there is “continuity between Jesus and his messianic announcement and the apostolic ministry of Peter,” (Para. 3). The most obvious connection is made between Isa 35:4-7 and Acts 3:8. Both texts use the word “leap” or hallomai in Greek, which is used in the Septuagint (Polhil 2086). When the Lame man gets up it seems as though Peter may be partially fulfilling what the Prophet Isaiah spoke. As Peter and John pave the way for the Messianic age, they call people to repentance because they sense Jesus’s near return. Another indication that may have led Peter and John to believe the messianic age was imminent was due to several threats of the Jewish council in Acts 4:18 and 5:28-32. Jesus had said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher,” (Luke 6:40). The disciples were now being threatened just as their master had previously been. This full-circle mindset may have led Peter and John to believe that they were now “like their teacher” and would soon signal the return of Christ. The consummation of the new age will happen upon Christ’s return; but until that day, how can we as Christians pave the way for the Messianic age as Peter and John did?
This story about the lame man is one of my favorite miracles in the bible. The Bible doesn’t have all of God’s miracles, but the ones that were the most effective. For example, Pentecost just happened in Acts 2, meaning people were annotated with the Holy Spirit. I think that this miracle brought people into the conversation of what the Holy Spirit is and how that could affect them as a person in this time. And who gave us the Holy Spirit and how in today’s world miracles like telling a paraplegic to walk just don’t happen. As times have changed, I think so have miracles, like people getting healed from cancer or surviving a car crash. I think that miracles still happen, but they are not as prevalent as they were in the bible. I liked how this writing talked about how God also healed a person who was a beggar and then Peter did the same thing but through God, he healed a man who was also a beggar. Another interesting part of this story was how much faith Peter has in God and that strong faith comes from the relationship that Peter and God have. Peter shows us how our relationship with God should be and that we need to have unfailing faith in God.
There are countless miracles that God has done and some that are so amazing that non-beilivers won’t comprehend or understand to the fullest. This story of the lame man being healed in the name of Jesus, and not by Jesus shows a shift in understanding for those non-believers and is proof in the power of the Holy Spirit. I had never seen the cross over from Isaiah 35 until this post and how Isaiah shares what will happen in the future even though he never would live to see it. The siginificance behind this miracle also being the first of the disciples is unique in the amount of power it must have shown to those non-believers and how this time a miracle was performed by someone other than Jesus. In the messianic age there are other examples of miracles and Peter and John represented the Messiah in healing miracles for the repentace of sins within large crowds. This shows that there are other parts within the Bible that show that the kingdom is coming in the ministry of Peter and John like the gift of the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 was mentioned in John 14. There are many cross-overs within the Bible that continue to prove God’s promises and show the goodness that He has for us as His children. God has a plan for His people and everything that is done within the Bible is done for a reason and done at a particular time for a certain reason. Even when His people do not understand God will use it for the ultimate plan He has set before us.
Acts 3 was a very interesting read and I found it easier to understand than the lengths of acts 2, which was quite confusing to understand. I see how you say it was a very significant event for several reasons. I also agree with this too. When Peter was able to heal the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ this was a huge way to show the power of Jesus and that Jesus was real. When the lame man was healed this allowed for the lame man to walk around in the same area that people had seen him broken before. Now he was seen walking by people that had previously seen him broken. The people were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him (Acts 3:10). This is why it was such a significant event, people were able to see another miracle that was performed through the Lord. In return people were starting to believe in Jesus Christ when they saw these miracles performed. One thing I am a bit unsure of is how Peter was able to do this in the name of Jesus but others who have tried to cast out demons in the name of Jesus and ultimately failed. Does this have something to do with Peter being a disciple of Jesus? Or am I missing something that I previously didn’t know. It clearly isn’t Peter who heals it is through the Holy Spirit, but what makes him able rather than others?
Within the first few chapters of Acts we can read about how the Holy Spirit worked through Peter and John to indicate that the kingdom was present/ahead. Beside the example of the healing of the beggar at the Beautiful Gate, the fact that the Holy Spirit was so strong in Peter is indication enough. Peter was so filled with the Holy Spirit that in Acts 5:15 we read how people hoped that Peter’s shadow would fall on them because of the strength of the Holy Spirit (Polhill, p. 2090). This spoke in regards to this new era where as believers we too could be filled with the Holy Spirit, maybe not being able to perform miracles like Peter or the disciples, but so filled that people can see the Holy Spirit radiating in us.
Another indication within Acts 5 was the beating that Peter and John received from the council because of sharing the Gospel. In Acts 5:41, we read about how they rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Although “suffering from the name of Jesus is a characteristic theme in Acts” (Polhill, p. 2091), this specifically shined light on the fact that believers then and believers to come would be susceptible to physical torment for sharing the Gospel. To solidify this, Jesus had also talked to the disciples about this back in Matthew 24 when explaining the end of times. This is important because it indicates that we are in end times. Peter and the disciples waited for His return then and we too wait for Him now, which is interesting to think about.
When reading through Acts 2 and 3, we see the amazing power of the Holy Spirit and how it works in many ways, my attention was immediately grabbed by the story of Peter healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate. When I think about all of the miracles that we see throughout the Bible, they all are obviously amazing and incredible, but the ones that I love to take a look at the most are the people who are unable to walk and then are made to walk. I love to look at these ones because I can semi-relate to them in the fact that I had a couple injuries where I had to use crutches and couldn’t walk as normal for a while. When I think about a situation like this I can only imagine how eye-opening and shocked people would be not only for the person that got cured, but also for people who are bystanders witnessing this happening. In the text, it tells us that the lame man was “leaping” (Acts 2:8) after he was able to walk and it makes me wonder how those bystanders were feeling. If it was me, I would have a mixture of happiness to see something so incredible, but also shocked and have a loss for words on witnessing something so powerful!
Reading about Acts 3 is interesting because Peter healing a lame man is a very significant story in the Bible, which is just what Long starts out with his blog post. The background to this story in the Bible is beginning at the gate of the temple, Peter who was with John healed a man who had been born lame. Then as we look at this story more we see Peter teach people who had witnessed the healing of this man, he testified of Jesus Christ, invited them to repent, and prophesied of the latter-day Restoration of the gospel. To me, the importance of the healing of the lame man by Jesus’ apostles could imply that the final restoration of all things can be discovered in the good news that they proclaim about Jesus. In Long’s blog post, he also says “this is also the first time one of the disciples does the same kind of miracle Jesus did, although they heal “in the name of Jesus’” (Long). Reading Acts 2 and 3 it is amazing to see how the Holy Spirit performs miracles for people who were once unable to do things and then blessed to do the things they weren’t able to do before. Peter healing a lame man is an important story in the Bible to see God’s many gifts and blessings he has done for people in the Bible. It is important to note that when the lame man is healed he is leaping, which brings us back to Isaiah 35 passage that is indicating the messianic age. We know when he starts to leap in verse 8 that he was truly healed. With the messianic age coming to an extent Peter and John are at the head front of it all which calls people to repent of their sins which begins the resurrection of Jesus. This story holds importance to the rest of the Bible as to the many miracles that God does for people and is always interesting to dive in and learn more about.
After reading through Acts 3, it is humbling to hear the story of Peter healing the lame man who was born a cripple. Throughout the entirety of the Bible, there are many acts of Jesus performing miracles that heal individuals but now as we continue to read through Acts, we see that there are more miracles being performed by Jesus’s disciples, and it proves a point. The miracle that Peter performs of healing the cripple man at Beautiful Gate is alluding that the Holy Spirit is physically working and not just working spiritually as we have seen at other points in the Bible. Peter uses this miracle to draw people to repent in the name of Jesus. It is important to note that this miracle event is going to lead individuals to follow God because when miracles are performed, it shows that God is true and that the Holy Spirit works in everyone’s life if you are a follower of Christ. In my opinion, it makes sense to me that the kingdom is coming because of the performance of miracles. In my mind, the more miracles that are performed, the more people who see them then begin to follow in the eyes of Christ. I feel that it is a way to draw people to the kingdom of the Lord and show others that there is only one true God and Jesus is his one and only son.
The Bible shows us many ways God is able to perform miracles, whether it be Jesus turning water into wine or simply being stated in Psalm 77:14. The healing of the lame man is a great example of Jesus showing just a little of what he is capable of. Why Peter called for the direction from the man is a reasonable question to ask, I believe he called for him because he knew the man would respond in hopes for money. Like you said, it would also make sense for him to yell for him because there are people passing through. The fact that this man was able to walk and leap is incredible, while he also praises God in the process. Whether he was a Christian prior to being healed is unclear, but it appears afterwards that he is very thankful of God. Following the healing of the lame man, the healed man stayed with them. I believe this is important to the story as it made it easier for all the people around to want to hear what Peter and John had to say. While not everyone that listened was convinced, the nearly 3,000 that believed likely would not have without seeing or hearing about the miracle performed on the lame man.
The healing of the lame man was not just for the benefit of the lame man. Certainly, it radically changed his life and future, but Peter and John didn’t just stop to change one man’s life that day. The healing of the lame man is a testament of God’s power, a sign of the messianic age, and a call to repentance. It’s clear that the healing was a tool to point people back to the name of Jesus and the power of God.
Choosing to heal the lame man where he was and have him instantly able to stand, walk, and leap created a spectacle. Avoiding a crow was inevitable and by no means did Peter or John do this by accident. There was no way for them to assume they would be able to heal a man so prominent within the daily lives of people passing in and out of the temple and avoid drawing attention.
I find it interesting that immediately after he regains his strength, the now previously lame man clings to Peter and John, “While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.” (Acts 3:11, ESV). It makes me wonder if he was also looking to them for an explanation. If he had not stuck close to them, the crowd’s attention would have been on him, questioning why he suddenly had strength he did not have before. But, by choosing to hold to Peter and John, it offers Peter an opportunity to speak to the crowds and point their attention to the power of God. This act of healing was not for this one man, but also for the witnesses who would ultimately come to repentance, “Peter and John are representatives of the Messiah and use this healing to call a large Jewish crowd to repentance” (Long, para. 8). It makes me wonder if they had planned this in advance, but how could they? Were they aware of the lame man beforehand? Would they have decided that they were going to heal him before even encountering him? Or, was there some leading by the Holy Spirit that Peter and John followed?
One thought that came to mind in reading the healing of the lame man and his immediate reaction was the parallel to Jesus’ healing the lepers. In Luke 17, Jesus heals 10 men with leprosy. Only 1 of the men, upon being sent to the priests and subsequently being healed, returns to Jesus “praising God in a loud voice” (Luke 17:15). The others are not heard from again.
In both stories, the men do not simply go about their way after being gifted with quite literally a life-giving miracle, but rather rejoice in ways that are unashamed. The man healed from leprosy praises God in a loud voice, while the man healed from lameness leaps for joy. In both stories the men recognize what a miraculous thing it is that they are healed, and they do not hide their thankfulness. Both stories put a smile on my face, picturing men who are “outsiders” due to their afflictions, being gifted by a new lease on life and being totally unapologetic about praising the Lord through whom they are healed.
In answer to the question posed at the end of this blog, about what other signs there are in Acts 2-5 that indicate “the kingdom is coming/present in the ministry of Peter and John,” the verses which stuck out to me were in Acts 4, where Peter and John speak with “boldness” before the Council. Several times in the chapter it says that they were “filled with the Holy Spirit,” and given “Spirit-like courage and confidence to speak in spite of any danger or threat” (Polhill 2088). At the end of chapter 4, it says that “when they prayed the place in which they were gathered together was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the world of God with boldness” (verse 31). This continual filling with the Holy Spirit is fulfillment of prophesy in Joel that Peter quotes in Acts 2 at Pentecost and is yet another indication that the messianic age is upon them.
One thing that stood out to me the most in Acts 3 was the healing at the Beautiful Gate. The healing at the Beautiful Gate demonstrates the following of Christ as Jesus healed many crippled persons during his ministry. Peter is following Christ in a way that helping others is through the terms of doing it for the good rather than doing it for yourself. Secondly, it demonstrates that Peter is healing other’s in a way that he was healed. According to Long (2019), Peter was a well-known beggar who was crippled from birth. Peter was unable to walk and had never walked in his life although he was not paralyzed or injured. The story of the healing at the Beautiful Gate is the first time that one of Jesus’ disciples does the same kind of miracle Jesus did. This demonstrates that Jesus is a powerful name and able to heal/save (Acts 4:12). The healing at the Beautiful Gate is a significant story that demonstrates how powerful Jesus is.
Acts 2 and Acts 3 were very different for me. Acts 2 was a little confusing and hard to follow, while Acts 3 was captivating and a really good story. Before reading Acts 3, I had never heard this story from the Bible. What I think is so incredible about it is that Peter is performing this miracle through the power of Jesus Christ. Acts 3:6 states that Peter said to the beggar, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk”. I love that this miracle has some added depth to it. As it says in the blog, this beggar was well know in this community. Everyone knew that this man was unable to walk and he had been born with this condition. So everybody who knew this man had never seen him walk before. When Peter commands him to rise, the people who witnessed this must have been at a loss for words. For their entire lives, they knew this man to have never walked in his life and now they are bearing witness to a miracle becuase they are watching him “leap for joy” right in front of their eyes. One of the most important pieces of this story is that while the man is leaping for joy, he is also praising God. This is important because the people watching this miracle unfold right in front of them are able to see the power of Jesus with their own eyes. This event was all apart of God’s plan. He knew that these people would be astonished and want to turn to Him by seeing a man they knew their whole lives as lame, leap around and praise God.
The healing of the lame man is truly incredible, someone who had no hope of ever walking, someone people knew would never walk, ends up jumping, praising, and worshipping the one and true God. Throughout the book of Acts in chapters 2-5 there are many signs that the new kingdom is coming. One sure sign of this was during peters speech at Pentecost. Prior to peter speaking to the crowds, the people had hardened their hearts, and many were mocking those speaking in Toungs, they thought they were in fact drunk. However, After Peter delivers his speech, the people’s hearts are instantly changed, and they repent and worship God. Such a drastic change of heart so quickly is truly a work of the holy spirit at hand. No person has the ability to completely change a person’s heart that quickly, except the holy spirit. Another great glimpse we get of the new kingdom coming is in Acts 3 when Peter once again speaks, this time in Solomon’s portico. During this speech when Peter informs the Jews that they need to repent, Peter is a witness that has seen Jesus risen from the dead, and he is speaking to these people with such conviction, that the holy spirit is truly once again at work.
Acts 5:12 says, “Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.” This is one example I found in Acts that supports the indication of the coming kingdom. If the healing of the lame man was an example than I would suggest that the rest of the signs and wonders confirmed that the Messiah would be coming again someday. Perhaps this also made people think he was coming again soon because of all the miracles the disciples were performing. I find these few chapters in Acts interesting because there also appears to be signs of the beginning of Christianity. In Acts 2:42-47, there is a fellowship of believers. They spent time with one another and prayed while they devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles. They broke bread and spent time fellowshipping with one another which is something we still do today such as in a Bible study setting as we call it. Certainly, a lot is happening within these first few chapters in Acts. It is interesting to see the change and spread of this “new” religion and devotion to the truth and the Bible.
The cripple individual is significant for many different reasons but the reason that stood out to me is the effect it had on Peter’s sermon. Peter says in his sermon that the lame will “leap for joy” this is significant because the Man who was lame from birth ‘leaped for joy” because its a miracle and it shows the power of God because he didn’t just get up and walk he got up and leaped for joy just like Peter said the lame would. I also appreciate the reference and tie-in to how the text is similar to Isaiah61:1-2. This text as described in the blog is calling his listeners to prepare for this coming age. The blog also goes on to describe that Isaiah says it’s to “strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees”. The blog ties this into Acts 3 with the lame man and I find that super interesting and is something I simply looked over while reading this text. I love how this text tells the man that he has no wealth but he has wealth that will last forever.
In Acts 3 the story of The Lame Beggar Healed is an amazing miracle formed by the apostle Peter but only completed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We see the parallel in this blog post of Isaiah 35 “Then the lame will leap like a deer.” Keeping Isaiah 35 in mind, we read in Acts 3 the” lame man lept in joy” fulfilling this prophecy in Isaiah. In the ministry of Peter and John, this is one more indication the messianic kingdom is coming/present. In “The Book of Acts” study Bible notes by John Polhill, it makes the connection of the cornerstone in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Isaiah 28:16 reads, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation: a stone, a tried stone a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” This is also stated in Acts 4:11, “This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders which is become the head of your corner.” It seems this stone is the same stone that was mentioned in Isaiah 28 because it portrays the same meaning. It shows the same thing that Jesus is the one and only cornerstone. It is another prophecy in Isaiah that has proved that in the ministry of Peter and John, the messianic kingdom is coming/present. Little parallels from the book of the Old Testament showing up again in the New Testament many years later is as much proof as we need as believers in Christ to know the messianic kingdom is a real era that is coming/present.
I think that the reason Peter called out to the lame Begger probably was to attract a crowd. “And all the people saw him walking and praising God and recognized him as the one who sat at the beautiful Gate of the temple” (Acts 2:9-10). Peter knew that these people knew that this man had been unable to walk since birth, and as you mentioned, it was not through injury or something like this. I can only imagine how powerful that must of been for not only the man himself, but for all the people who saw him suddenly cured. This would have led Peter perfectly into his message that he preached to them after. The book of Acts goes on to list many more miracles that were performed by Peter, Paul, and the disciples, thus leading them to be able to turn many people into believers. Jesus and these miracles do signify the end of one age and the start of another. They signify the kingdom of God, and that we must just believe in him, and we will be saved.
Towards the end of the passage there are further key points that Peter expands upon to support the idea of the Kingdom being upon them. Peter in Acts 3:20-21 uses the language of “The time of refreshing “ as pointing toward what Jesus is to further accomplish in His resurrection. The act of God restoring all things to what the prophets spoke seems to be a reference to what life was like before the time of Adam and Eve’s fall (Polhill, 2087). Later on throughout the early parts of Acts you can see Deuteronomy 6:4 come to fruition, further being a sign of the new Kingdom age. Acts 2:42-44 appears to show the generosity and agape kind of love between the believers. Acts 4:32 as well refers to the believers all coming together with one heart and soul, actively expressing loving God in the way they were loving and giving to each other. Them all living in such a communal way and walking according to the Spirit is what seems to even be pointed towards in Revelation 21:4. God himself living not yet with like in the New Creation, but the Spirit indwelling the believers and them being able to live according to it. This love and communal way of living by some is pointed at as “early communism” yet would be an inaccurate interpretation as this was not forced upon them governmentally, but desired by them Spiritually. Although we may not be to this point yet in the present evil age, it is something quite worth looking forward to!
The lame man’s healing was not only a testament to what was prophesied in Isaiah 34, but it also was an affirmation of the power of Jesus Christ, for simply through evoking His name, the lame man was strengthened and able to leap for joy. For those who did not see the miracles of Christ in person, the healing of physical infirmities in Acts 3 pointed them towards God, for they saw these miracles and revered Him. In the case of the lame man, everyone knew of the beggar at the front of the temple, who was carried to the temple every single day. He was well known for that reason, and had never walked a day in his life. Not only did the man leap for joy, but he praised God. He not only praised God, but he clung to Peter and John, and I think that he may have been overwhelmed by what had just happened.
Other indications of the kingdom arise throughout Acts 2-5. For instance, Isaiah 11:19 speaks of Israel’s new heart and spirit: “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…” (ESV). This describes the new relationship between God and the believer, and holds true for what is said in Acts 4:32, “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul…” Isaiah speaks of giving “them” one heart, which is emphasized in Acts 4:32 along with the theme of commonality among the believers, for they all sold their possessions and all received grace from God.
I know that there is great debate on the topic of whether or not Jesus uses people today to do the same kind of miracles he did through his apostles (like this one in acts 3). No matter which stance we take (whether we think He does or not), there is a valuable lesson we can take from this healing through Peter. I’d like to focus specifically on the line that speaks of Peter telling the lame man that he does not have anything of material value to give him (money). Instead, what Peter does have (the power given to him by Jesus), he gives the lame man. I believe that this is an early prime example of the fact that as the church, we need to be showing the world what we can offer them by God’s power (and ultimately what God offers them) instead of what we think we can do in our own. In other words, it’s important to bring glory to God instead of ourselves. Our material things, status, etc will not help this world. Our letting god work through us and be glorified will. Peter emphasizes this later when he tells the crowds who saw the miracle that it wasn’t him at all who did the miracle, but it was Jesus’s power (v 12-13).
I imagine that there may be some significance in the fact that Peter takes notice of the beggar and immediately calls for his attention. It seems from the previous 2 chapters that Peter has become very fluent in Old Testament prophecies, so it would not be a stretch to think that perhaps Peter suddenly recalled Isaiah’s words about the lame leaping as soon as he saw this man. Partnered with the Holy Spirit, Peter jumps immediately at this opportunity. Another speculation could be that Peter and John went that way on purpose, because it was known that this beggar was always here. So maybe Peter was ready to fulfill this prophecy so he and John sought this gate with the intention of healing the lame man. The more important point is what this did afterwards. The crowds were being drawn in and Peter used this opportunity to preach; a lesson he learned from watching Jesus. It is no coincidence that the first healing we see through the disciples is used in the exact same method that Jesus typically would heal people, with every circumstance being used to preach and glorify the name of God.