The early church was a remarkable period marked by extraordinary acts of faith, unity, and community. In Acts 3, we witness Peter and John’s encounter with a lame man, their demonstration of faith, and the communal spirit that defined the early believers.
Peter and John were on their way to the temple for prayer at 3 p.m., a customary time for devout Jews. As they approached the temple, they encountered a man who had been lame from birth, begging at the gate called Beautiful. This man had likely seen countless people pass by daily, but on this particular day, something extraordinary happened.
Unlike others who might have avoided eye contact, Peter and John directed their gaze at him. Peter then declared, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” With those words, Peter extended his hand, lifted the man up, and instantly, the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet, walked, and praised God.
This miraculous healing drew astonishment from onlookers, who recognized the once-lame man. Peter seized the opportunity to address the crowd, emphasizing that it was not by his power but through faith in Jesus that the man was healed. He reminded them of their shared heritage, invoking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and highlighting that Jesus, whom they had handed over to be crucified, was the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Peter’s speech was not just a recounting of events but a call to repentance. He urged the people to turn to God so their sins could be wiped out and times of refreshing could come. He assured them that Jesus, now in heaven, would return when the time for the restoration of all things came, as foretold by the prophets.
This chapter also underscores the communal spirit of the early believers. They shared everything they had, not out of obligation imposed by a governing body, but out of a genuine sense of community and mutual support. This willingness to share and care for each other was a testament to their faith and commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus.
In Acts 3, we see a powerful example of faith in action, the importance of community, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Peter and John’s boldness in proclaiming Jesus’ name, coupled with their willingness to reach out and heal, serves as an inspiration for believers today to live out their faith with courage and compassion.
