Bible Study: Acts Chapter 3:1-4:4

The Effect of Healing

Introduction:

Have you ever been healed? Do you know someone who was been miraculously healed of a physical ailment? Before beginning today’s study, reflect on the events that lead up to the miraculous healing. Praise God for the marvelous things He is doing in your life.

(By miraculous healing, I mean without the aid of modern medicine.)

Acts chapter 3 records the first known miracle performed by the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. The response of the lame man, the disciples, and the witnesses give us a clear picture of salvation. We will discuss this portion of Scripture in three segments: The lame man, (2) the disciples, and (3) the witnesses.

Core of the Lesson:

I. The lame man was unable to help himself. He was powerless to make a living. He represents the one living life without Christ. We have all lived a portion of our lives in this manor. Powerless, without hope of overcoming our spiritual disability, we relied on others to meet our needs. The problem was they were just as wanting as we were.

The lame man lived in humility in the public eye. Everyone who passed by him saw his need. There was no hiding it and no room for dignity. As sinners, we try desperately to hide our sinful state. We want to think that we’re whole and well. The humanistic worldview says that all people are good at the core. Circumstances cause people to do bad things. That is not what the Bible teaches – Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.(KJV emphasis mine). That verse doesn’t let much room for a good core.

The lame man came to the temple to beg for alms. It was his only means of providing his daily sustenance. He asked expecting to receive and have his physical needs met.

In verse four, we are told that Peter and John said, “Look at us.” This got the man’s attention. Few people would have spoken to the lame man. Some, especially the Pharisees, would have smugly dropped a coin in his cup and looked straight ahead without a glimmer of concern in their eye. The apostle’s invitation caused the man to focus 100% of his attention on them. He listened intently on Peter’s words, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

The man was about forty years old and had been lame since birth. He sat at the gate of the temple in Jerusalem every day of his adult life. He heard of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and all His miracles. The lame man also heard about Jesus’ death and the rumors of His resurrection. Now Peter and John presented this man the opportunity to experience, first hand, the power of Jesus’ name.

While in the sinful state, we need someone to present the person of Jesus Christ to us. If we are willing to accept it, we will receive exactly what we ask for – forgiveness of sins and a miraculous spiritual healing that will enable us to walk in the Light.

The lame man saw the love of Christ in the apostles’ eyes and felt Peter’s right hand grasp his. The man rose to his feet. As he rose, the power of the Holy Spirit surged through his body strengthening him. He didn’t wobble like a newborn fawn. He leaped, stood strong, and walked. And he praised God.

Even with all the modern miracles our society has grown accustomed to, invalids do NOT walk without pains taking rehab. This was an amazing miracle.

After receiving more than he could ever have hoped for, the lame man held on to Peter and John. He desired to stick close to the ones who gave him life. He wanted more of what they possessed. He wanted to know Jesus Christ of Nazareth. After receiving our spiritual healing, we, too, need fellowship with other believers to help us become stronger in our walk.

II. Peter and John imitated what they had seen Jesus do many times in the past three years. Jesus would not have walked by this man without helping him.

While this is the first recorded miracle performed by the apostles after Jesus’ ascension, it is not the first time the apostles exercised the authority to do so. Luke 9:1-2 and 10:1-20 record that Jesus empowered His disciples to preach the gospel, cast out demons, and cure diseases.

They did all this in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. And, they used His name to heal this man. They used the proper name of Christ, not just Jesus to identify who was doing the healing. The name Jesus was a popular name and still is in some cultures. Let’s note the significance of using the name of Christ. When we say or do anything in the Lord’s name, we place His authority, reputation, and character on the line. It is a grave issue to take the Lord’s name in vain or to use it improperly. The Israelites were so aware of this they refused to speak God’s name out loud and when writing it they left out all the vowels. We would do good to be more cautious when and how we use Jesus’ name.

The apostles allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them. They were sensitive to the needs of the lame man and to the prompting of the Spirit.

When the multitudes gathered and wondered about the healing, Peter ceased the opportunity to preach the gospel. He began his discourse with the evidence of the truth of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures. Because all religions claim to know God, we can talk all we want about God. No one notices. However, mention the resurrected person of Jesus Christ and ears clog, eyes close, communication breaks down. Why? The very mention of His name heaps conviction on the head of those who reject Him.

Peter used seven names of Christ to further clarify who He is. He is: (1) God’s glorified servant. (2) The Holy One. (3) The Just. (4) The Prince of Life. (5) The Christ (Messiah). (6) The Lord, Jesus Christ (Jesus means savior; Yahweh is Salvation), (7) Prophet.

Peter also used clarification through the prophets to identify Jesus. The prophets said that the Messiah: (1) would suffer, (2) would reign in heaven, (3) would come from Abraham’s seed, (4) would bless all nations, (5) and would present salvation to the Jews first.

III. The response of the witnesses represents the attitude of the world. They were curious about what had happened to the lame man. They wondered were the disciples received their power. Peter pointed an accusing finger at them and said the power came from Jesus, the One whom they had denied even after Pilate found no wrong in Him.

They chose Barabbas, a murder and a thief over the Prince of Life. Barabbas is a clear picture of Satan – a murder, a thief, and a destroyer. Just like the Jews chose Barabbas over Jesus, the world chooses Satan, the Prince of Darkness over the Prince of Life. Verses one through four of chapter four conclude the events with the Sadducees arresting Peter and John. However, Luke stated that some believed.

Conclusion and Challenge

God is a practical God. All He does benefits His kingdom. When He heals an individual, the healing is intended to reach far more than that person.

If you’d like to share your healing experience, please contact us. You will be blessed a second time through your testimony.

Prayer Requests:

Tammy, Melinda Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis, Sue, Aaron, J.J., Joyce, Donna, Jackie, Nora, Karen and Raph, Brett and family, Anna, Trinity, Roger, the Royer family, the Dunkleberger family, our Monday Bible Study, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.

Next Weeks Study:

Find out what happened to Peter and John after being arrested and the effect it had on their ministry – Read Acts 4:5-5:11.

Invitation:

Are you like the lame beggar, at a place where you realize that you are powerless and hopeless? Are you ready to receive what is being offered? Only the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth can change your life. Only this same Jesus has power to save. If you call upon the name of Jesus and totally submit to Him, He will save you and heal your broken spirit.

Are you a follower of Christ? Submit yourself to the Holy Spirit. Be sensitive to the needs of others and to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Many lives will be affected by your obedience.

Are you one in the crowd? Just an observer? The wonders that the Lord performs are accomplished for your benefit. The Prince of this world or the Prince of Life – it’s your choice.

If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org.

May God bless you through healings both spiritual and physical so that many would come to know Him,

Brenda Hendricks.

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