Acts Chapter Three – Go Forth
After the amazing events in the upper room, Peter and John go up to the temple. Today We are reading Acts 3. I can only imagine the endorphins rushing through them after seeing 3,000 people come to belief in Jesus. Yet as they go forth into the streets of Jerusalem, they see with new eyes, so many who need Jesus.
A lame man, carried and left at the entrance of the temple cries out for donations. Though not able to enter the temple, he hopes for sympathy from those who might pity him.
Peter Notices A Lame Man and Catches His Eye
Do you notice someone who needs help? It may be an obvious need, or simply a sense you get in your spirit. At times like this, we often don’t know how to respond. But, Peter catches this man’s attention.
When I see a need, I often don't know how to respond. What can I learn from Peter in #Acts3 #ReadGodsWordWithYourHeart Click To Tweet
The lame man looks up at Peter and John hoping for a few coins. But instead, Peter says, “Silver and gold, I have none. But what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus, walk! (Acts 3:6).”
While Jesus was still with them, Peter watched as He healed the lame and the sick. So, Peter takes a leap of faith.
Peter grasps the man’s right hand and pulls him to his feet. And with strong, straight ankles the once lame man leaps for joy and enters the temple with them.
Noticing the Details
I always wonder why certain details are included in these stories. Peter grabs his right hand. What could that mean? Interestingly, the right hand is a symbol of power and strength. Paul also refers to this in Galatians 2:9 as the right hand of fellowship.
People are amazed to see this man, once lame, now solidly on his feet. Their gaping stares prompt Peter to tell everyone where the power to heal comes from. Peter launches into another clear declaration of the gospel, who Jesus is, and the purpose of His coming. This power to heal only comes from the Lord of all Creation.
Pondering This
Despite the newness of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Peter steps into this new authority by recalling the way Jesus touched lives as they walked together. He somehow grasped that this holy boldness was given as a tool to be used for God’s glory.
To be honest I struggle with how to meet the needs of those begging on the median while I sit at a red light. #Acts3 #ReadGodsWordWithYourHeart Click To Tweet
To be honest I struggle with how to meet the needs of those begging on the median while I sit at a red light. I often don’t want to give money, though I have on occasion. I have gone through a drive-thru and picked up coffee and a sandwich and brought it back to them. But I have never got out of my car, looked them in the eye and said, “I have what you really need.”
This Account of the Lame Man Challenges Me.
The Account of the Lame Man Challenges Me. Not Able to Go Forth, he is Stuck! Peter notices him at the temple gate, offers Him the best gift. #Acts3 #ReadGodsWordWithYourHeart Click To Tweet
Rather than Able to Go Forth, this Man was Stuck!
By law, he was kept from the temple because of his lameness. He couldn’t earn a living for his family. They believed infirmity was caused by sin. And he carried this stigma with him wherever he went.
All the people in the temple courts recognized him as the lame beggar at the gate.
The sinner.
The outcast.
A few coins might have bought him his next meal. But Peter sees the man’s deeper need because that is what Jesus modeled over and over.
Silver and gold, I have none.
But what Peter did possess—the eternal life, kingdom purpose, indwelling Spirit of power—this would meet every need the lame man had. Healing would restore his life, place in society, and purpose—and thus his dignity.
What I have, I give you…
We cannot give what we do not have. And unless we have the assurance of salvation, hope of eternal life, forgiveness of sin, and the grace of God given as a gift, we cannot give it away. Peter possessed the greatest gift. A gift meant to be shared.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Walk!
And walk he did. Not only that, his joy made him leap. All his life he was dependent on someone to carry his litter where he needed to go. Now he was set free, restored in body, mind, and spirit. Only Jesus can do that. Peter shared the greatest gift with him and his life was transformed.
We Are Called to Go Forth
Since the followers of Jesus were empowered at Pentecost, this mission continues for all who believe on the name of Jesus. Entrusted with this gift means we must give it away. And everyday, life presents opportunities to do just that—all in the power of the Holy Spirit that now dwells within us. Not only will we notice those who are in need, the Spirit will give us the wisdom to know how to share the answer to their deepest need.
Not only will we notice those who are in need, the Spirit will give us the wisdom to know how to share the answer to their #DeepestNeed. #Acts3BibleStudy Click To Tweet
How has this encounter at the temple gate challenged you today?
Do you wonder what your response should be to needs around you?
Here are some resources for you as you go forth:
Here is a nationwide resource with Homeless Shelters Searchable by State.
Print suggested items checklist for a Survival Pack to give away.
And a printable resource for you with suggestions of How to Reach Out to Those in Need.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this so be sure to leave your comment below and join the conversation. And join us next time as we read Acts 4.
Jeanne
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Jeanne, I appreciate the practical help you offer at the end. One of the women in my Bible study puts together packs to give out and shares them with us to keep in our cars. I love that practical support. And of course, offering them eternal hope as we meet the immediate needs.
Debbie, that is such a wonderful ministry and resource. Thanks for sharing this. Jesus did both, offer practical support and eternal hope.
Amen Ms. Jeanne. I stand “guilty as charged” that there are times when I look away. At the beggar in the median. At the seemingly poor person standing outside the grocery store. I sometimes ask the Holy Spirit’s help to discern the need, but not always. “Are they only going to use what I give them to buy drugs or booze?” “Is there a real need or if I watch will they climb into their new car in a while and drive to another location?” Other times, I am moved to help before I even know how I should help. Paying for someone’s grocery purchase. Filling their gas tank. Stopping in an aisle to pray with them. A part of my prayers each day is “as You lead Lord.” Thank you for this important reminder to open our hearts to others.
J.D….me too. But I do think the Lord will lead different people to help at different times when we rely on His wisdom and discernment. I am still learning how to do this. One thing someone told me recently, we are responsible before God to obey His prompting…not the end result. They will be responsible for what they do with it.
Such a timely article. Lord, help us to be discerning on what we should do.
Thanks for stopping by, Jimmie. I appreciate your comment. We do need discernment. He will lead us to meet the need we see whether in prayer, practical help, or encouragement and resources.
I love this passage in Acts and your post is very timely. I admit I also have mixed feelings sometimes when I see the homeless man or woman on the corner of the intersection. I would give to them all if I could. But, my husband…not so much. He has a different opinion than I do. I feel if they are “deceiving” people then God will have to deal with it, but I intentions were good.
Stephanie, I struggle a little too. I think you are right. We can rest in the fact that God sees. And if there is something the receiver needs to be accountable for, God will take care of it much more gently and affectively than I ever could. I appreciate your input on this topic.