Acts Chapter 3.
(1) Crippled Man
(A) Acts 3:2… says "he was put every day to beg (NIV)" placed at the temple(ESV) laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
(NASB) whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.
(KJV) whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;· Begged Daily
· Needed help from others to move.
· The priest and others that used the temple personally knew the crippled man and knew the extent of his condition. Well known.
(B) More than 40 years old: Acts 4:22 “For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. ” (ESV)· Begged for a long time.
· Crippled a long time.
· Someone in their youth would expect to recover faster or easier than someone in their 40's.
Acts 3:7-8 “…instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (NIV)
“…and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (ESV)
(2) God receives praise.
(A) In Acts 3:7 The crippled man [and in verse 10 all the people who saw him walking] gave praise to the one who gave him strength and the ability to walk - God.
(B) Peter confirms that something this good can only come from God.Acts 3:12 “When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (NIV)
“And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?” (ESV)
(3) Application-- if something good or great happens in your life and you take credit for achieving it, then you are suggesting that you are godliness (extreme view). Also, the more power you accredit yourself, the less you are acknowledging the power of God and the gifts he has given you. Give all the credit where it belongs, to God.
Acts 3:16 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” (NIV)
“And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (ESV)
Notice that he said more than the "name of Jesus". It takes faith in Jesus and the acknowledgement that the gift is from Jesus to have made this miracle happen.
(4) Side note: We are all sinners and undeserving to be with God (Romans 3:23), thus the salvation we receive through the atonement of our sins (Romans 2:24-25; Mark 10:45) is a gift from God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
(5) BIG QUESTION: Is it enough to proclaim that Jesus Christ is your lord and savior to receive the gift of salvation, or is there more needed?
[I lightly edited this]
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