Acts 3:1-11 THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME There is a time for everything. There was the "fullness of the times" when the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem us. There are "times of visitation" when in remarkable ways God makes Himself known to many that they may be blessed by Him. There have been times in the history of God's people when miracles were common place events. For forty years Israelites received tons of food every day until, not only did they become used to it, but actually complained about it. Through Israel's history there were those times when events occurred to bring about specific results. When the Lord Jesus was here there were many miraculous signs to the Jews that showed God's approval of Him. It seems like that time of miracle working continued into the early days of the church so Jews would recognize the approval of God upon the preaching of the Gospel, the authority of the apostles, and the establishment of New Testament assemblies.
The first recorded miracle done by the apostles after the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, took place at the gate of the temple where Old Testament religious practitioners were continuing what they had become used to. Prayer is always in order no matter in what dispensation so that it is possible for us to communicate with God. But there were still sacrifices being made at those prayer times, so God opened the way for Peter and John to declare the Gospel right where it was most needed. The crippled beggar had been placed there many times before and was expecting nothing more than what was usual from religious Jews.
In this case personal interest was shown in the needy man, not just an accepted religious practice for one to feel better about themselves for giving alms. Peter and John stood still while all the other people went on in the normal way, to do the normal thing, in the normal place - and they focused their attention on the beggar, not on his cup to receive gifts. They also insisted that he focus his attention on them. When dealing with people to whom we want to present the Gospel, we need to be sure they know we have an interest in them personally. They need to know we are speaking to them personally and expect them to personally listen to us. It is no casual matter when we speak for God to a crowd of people or to an individual. It is up to us not only to put our undivided attention on the needy person but to claim their undivided attention on us. Illustrative speaking like the Lord Jesus did is still a proper way to claim and hold the attention of listeners.
Peter addressed the man on his own terms. He knew the man's need was probably different from what he wanted. The beggar had become used to attending only to what he wanted - sliver and gold. In these two men was the understanding of his real need, and that is what they addressed. They went to the source of his problem and dealt with the fundamental need of him not being able to walk. By the authority of "Jesus Christ of Nazareth" the beggar had to face the basic need was the problem of his infirmity. When that was addressed, he was immediately, and completely healed. There is power in Jesus' name. The result was not a shuffling walk that was gradually improved or eliminated after some long form of physical therapy. Full strength came instantly so that muscles long atrophied were full and ready for use - and the man leaped into the air and was able to walk without assistance. That was evidence of a divinely healed body. He praised God as evidence of a healed spirit that recognized this was a work of God, done by the Holy Spirit, in the power of the name of Jesus Christ, through the channel of two men who could speak for God.
Our commission to the world has been given to us by the One who has all power in heaven and on earth. There is no reason to hesitate to act in full faith as we guide people through the Word of God to face their need of a Savior from sin and to point them through the scriptures to see what the Lord Jesus has done for them. They need to hear from God's Word themselves what the result faith in Christ alone brings. Any result that comes from a scriptural message of the Gospel and leads people to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is a work God alone can produce. It is not in our power or ability that gives light and life to the needy souls of people. It is the Holy Spirit through human vessels who reveals the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of lost souls who accomplishes the work of salvation.
It is right to expect those who have been given new life in Christ to accompany us to express our gratitude to God and submission to His will. The newly healed cripple associated himself with Peter and John as they went together into the temple to pray. Not only should we be glad when those God saves are willing to be with us, but we should expect that and promote it. Our mandate is from the risen Lord and we are to baptize new believers and help them continue on to practice what they have been taught. We are not done with new Christians until they are able to do the same for others in their sphere of influence that we have done for them.
The act of stopping to address the source of one man's problem opened the door of blessing to many others. We never know the results of one act of faith on our part that will lead to blessing for another person, and through that person the multiplying principle that is so essential in the work of the Gospel, continues on far farther than we could imagine.
When he was carried there and laid where many people passed by, He probably never in his wildest dreams realized what blessing was drawing nigh. A hope for a little financial assistance was all he had come to expect. A cure for the problem seemed impossible, so lasting hope he probably chose to forget.
But God who knows the heart of every man was inclined to show this man His grace. When laid there in the morning, he never thought this was the end of this place. Two men guided by the will of God and under the authority of divine commission, Were able to speak for God and deal permanently with the man's condition.
Our God is the same today as He was in the days long ago and past. He brings healing to the darkened souls because on Him our sins were cast, And one who is willing to trust alone in Him who has all authority and power That is needed to cleanse us from all sin, God will in mercy save this hour.
Those who move among the lost and condemned, have a mandate to fulfill. Into our keeping God has given His Gospel that today has all power still To bring repentance and faith in the Savior when to its message they pay heed. It is up to the messengers to present the truth so each one will see their need.
When one is saved by God's grace, they need others who will associate With them as they grow in faith and a real interest in them do take. Help them to learn to pray, teach them how God's Word and will to learn. Then when difficult situations arise in their lives they will know where to turn.
"Father, I believe there are some in this place who feel like they have been more or less neglected. For Thine own reason we have been brought here, so please guide us this day to those who need encouragement and some special attention. Give to Thy servant a clear understanding of the subject to be spoken of tonight. Help me to be relevant and careful in applying Thy truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
Acts 3:1, 3, 4, 11 “Peter and John went up together…; a certain man … seeing Peter and John…; Peter fastening his eyes upon him with John…; the lame man which was healed held Peter and John.”.
TOGETHER. These two men were together in their desire to pray. They were also together in public testimony. They were together in their zeal for good works. They were together in sharing blessing. The evidence of our fellowship as laborers together is not only experienced personally, but is seen by those who look on. It is such an important part of our testimony, that we can never allow it to be in jeopardy for any reason.
Names linked together in the service of the Lord has always been a testimony of strength and power: Paul and Barnabas; Paul and Silas; Peter and John; Herb Harris and Albert Joyce; Frank Pearcy and Doug Howard – these all are names of men linked together that have been a power for God.
Peter and John were together at the time of prayer – they knew where the power lay. The lame man saw evidence of their togetherness by the direction they traveled together – he knew where their common interests lay. When the time for action had come, they both looked intently at the lame man – they knew where the need lay. When the miracle of healing was accomplished – he knew where the channel of blessing lay. Peter and John – examples to me of what it is supposed to be like in any work we do for God. There is no place for personal supremacy. We are laborers together with God.
“Please Lord, keep from me, any desire to be above my fellow-laborers: whether it be Linda, or any other people that we may be working with at the time. May we always be one in the work, that all glory may be Thine. Amen”