Tag: Acts 3
Killing the Author of Life
Scripture reading for May 8: Acts 3
“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? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, Whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he decided to release Him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of Life, Whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 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.”” Acts 3:11-16
God is always at work to challenge the worldly views of man with the wonderful works of His own hand. He used the apostles Peter and John. They were going to the temple to pray when they encountered a lame man begging near the temple gate. As he asked them for alms, they extended their hands and spoke healing over him in Jesus’ Name. The man was instantly healed and his world view changed from beggar to believer and worshipper. This drew a crowd and the apostles addressed the crowd directly about their own need to repent in their hearts towards Jesus Christ. It was these same Jews who had demanded a murderer be released and yelled for Jesus’ crucifixion. They had the ‘Author of Life’ killed, but God had raised Him from death. The healing of the lame man demonstrated Jesus was alive and the Gospel was preached!
The apostles were Jews who had become followers of Christ. They were going to the temple to pray. Their mission was the same as Jesus’ mission, to reach lost people of every nation, beginning with the Jews. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, anointed for the mission and Jesus was with them performing signs and wonders to break through the religious attitudes and hard hearts. Witnesses of Christ’s resurrection declare God’s mission to reach even the hardest hearts.
Have you ever been confronted with a wrong that you have done and not faced up to? Why is it hard to admit to doing wrong and sin? How is this confrontation of those who crucified Jesus an act of selfless love on the part of the disciples?
Prayer: Father, I appreciate that You confronted me in my sin and rebellion and called me to repentance. Thank You for the witnesses You sent to me with a message of Your love and mercy. Give me faith and patience to share God’s love and a hand extended in Jesus’ Name to those in rebellion. Amen.
Expectations exceeded!
Scripture reading for May 9th: Acts 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 3:2-8 “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.”
A crippled man was begging for money as Peter and John came by going to the temple. They heard his plea and looked at him asking for his attention. The man looked at them expectantly. But what they gave him was not what he was expecting! They spoke the name of Jesus Christ over him and commanded him to get up and walk! They even took him by the hand and helped him up! As he responded, he stood up and began to walk. Next he was leaping and jumping and praising God! There is power in the name of Jesus!
Observations for over-comers: Faith has great expectation. God honors faith in those who call out in Jesus’ name! “For when You did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before You. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 64:3-4)
The Name of Jesus!
Scripture reading for May 8th: Acts 3
As the new group of believers was empowered on the day of Pentecost, it grew rapidly with the new power to witness indwelling the disciples. New believers were added on a daily basis to the growing church. (Acts 2:47) The church continued to meet in the temple and be a part of the Jewish system. This was soon to change!
Peter and John were going to the temple for the time of prayer at 3:00 in the afternoon. They encountered a crippled man who was begging at the gate. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. The Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by his right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went into the temple courts, walking, jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:3-8)
Many people gathered as a result of the healing of this man. Peter again addressed the crowd and explained how God had glorified Jesus! “You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 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.” (Acts 3:14-16) Peter confronted the people. He called them to repentance and faith in the name of Jesus!