St Louis UBF UBF Bible Study : Acts 3:1-26

Bible Study Materials

Acts 3:1-26

by Paul Choi 05/13/2012

Question

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH

Acts 3:1-26

Key Verse:3:6

1.Read verse 1. Where were Peter and John going? Think about their past lives. How had they been changed?

2. Read verses 2-5. What was the situation of the beggar at the Beautiful gate? Why might he choose this spot to beg? What might be his attitude toward others and toward himself? What did he want from Peter and John?

3. Read verses 4-10. How did Peter respond? What did Peter have to give this man? By whose power was the man healed? What was the dramatic change in his life? How did he and the crowd of people react to God’s grace?

4. Read verses 11-16. How did Peter turn this into an opportunity to preach Jesus? How does Peter identify God? Jesus? Why? What is the contrast in the way they had treated Jesus and what God had done? What does it mean to have faith in the name of Jesus?

5. Read verses 17-21. How did men show their ignorance? How did God fulfill what he had promised? What did Peter challenge them to do? What did he promise?

6. Read verses 22-26. What did Moses prophesy? (Dt 18:15) What can we learn about Jesus from this? What other prophets support Jesus’ messiahship? What was the covenant promise God made with Abraham and how has Jesus fulfilled it? What is God’s best blessing?

Attachment

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH-questions-1.doc

Message

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH

Acts 3:1-26

Key Verse:3:6 “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.”

Last week we learned about Peter’s message to the crowd at Pentecost. Peter said that they had killed Jesus Christ of Nazareth in their wickedness by nailing him to the cross, but God raised him from the dead because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Peter concluded that God made this Jesus Lord and Christ. Indeed, Jesus is our Lord and Christ. The word, ‘Lord’ means ‘King’. When we receive Jesus as our King in our hearts, he rules us with his love, joy, peace, holiness, and righteousness. When we receive Jesus in our hearts as Lord and Christ, the kingdom of God comes into our hearts, to our family, to our society and to our country. May King Jesus come to us and reign us, rule us as Lord and Christ. Amen. Finally, Peter urged the crowd to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

In today’s passage, Peter and John heal a crippled beggar in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Also, Peter delivered his second message to the crowd, who were amazed by the miracle which Peter had performed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Today may we all experience the power of Jesus’ name and rise up from our spiritual crippledness in Jesus’ name. Amen.

First, a cripple beggar at the temple gate (1-5) Look at verse 1. “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer-at three in the afternoon.” It is surprising for us to see Peter and John, the two top disciples of Jesus who used to be competitive, now getting along well and going up to the temple for their regular prayer meeting. In the past, they could not accept each other because of their selfish ambition and pride, but now they became wonderful co-workers with one in heart and mind. They were different in many ways. But, for the sake of Jesus and for Jesus’ world mission command, Peter and John became one. They worked together, prayed together, were arrested together (4:3), and traveled together (8:14). Through prayer, they made a vessel for the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, they learned how to depend on God in carrying out God’s mission. I pray that we all may work together, pray together, and suffer together this summer for Jesus and for his name’s sake. Amen.

Look at verse 2. “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put everyday to beg from those going into the temple courts.” There was a crippled beggar at the temple gate called “Beautiful.” This beautiful gate was probably located at the east end of the temple which led from the court of the Gentiles to the court of women. This gate was beautifully sheathed with Corinthian bronze which reflected the glowing light from the rising sun in the east. Those who passed through the gate must have felt as if they were entering into the kingdom of God. The gate was beautiful, but the beggar was not beautiful at all. The crippled beggar was miserable and sorrowful. Under the beautiful gate, he disfigured his face and was sorrowful and pitiful in order to gain people’s sympathy. In order to earn alms, he begged to people with a most sorrowful voice, “Alms for the cripple! Alms for the cripple!” He was sorrowful and miserable not only because of his two deformed legs and his begging job, but because of his incapability of entering into the temple. People brought him to the gate outside of the temple and left him there. This man wanted to go into the temple and worship God freely like others. But he could not do so because he was a crippled man. He could not enter the temple by himself. He felt abandoned and cursed. The sense of failure and his cursed feeling made him crazy and led him into a deep pit of darkness. This crippled beggar was the most sorrowful person under one of the most beautiful gates in the world. What a picture of irony!

Second, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk (3-8) Look at verse 3. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked him for money. “ The gate called Beautiful was the best spot for the beggar to gain people’s charity. Those who passed through the gate Beautiful had the desire to exercise their beautiful minds by dropping several coins into the box for charity. When the crippled man saw Peter and John entering the gate, he asked them for money. Peter and John didn’t look like rich men, but looked like good men who would show their sympathy to him. How did Peter and John react to this poor man? Look at verses 4,5. “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.” Many of those who had passed through the gate avoided direct eye contact with this beggar because if they happened to have direct eye contact with him, they would have to give something to the beggar. So, as much as possible, they passed through the gate hurriedly as if they didn’t see the beggar. But Peter looked straight at him and said, “Look at us!” Peter had direct eye contact with the beggar and spoke to him. When Peter said, ‘Look at us!”, he was not meaning to give him some money. He meant more than just giving him some money. This was Peter’s invitation for the beggar to meet the most important person in his life. The words, “Look at us!” implies, “You will see the most wonderful and beautiful thing in your life which you have never seen before.” The words mean, “Open your eyes to see the kingdom of heaven through faith in Jesus Christ!”

What did Peter say to him next? Look at verse 6. “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.” In reality, Peter and John had no silver or gold. They were poor fishermen from Galilee. But, they had something to give this man which was much better than gold or silver. It was the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth has mighty power to heal all the sick including this crippled man. Jesus of Nazareth not only had healed lepers but also opened the eyes of those born blind. Jesus of Nazareth drove out demons, raised the dead, and displayed the power and glory of God through many miracles, wonders, and signs. For the last three years, Peter and John had witnessed all these miraculous signs which Jesus had performed while he was living on this earth. They experienced the power of Jesus’ name and the unceasing love of God for his suffering people. They were more than sure that Jesus of Nazareth could heal this man. They had absolute faith in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. By the power of Jesus name they wanted to heal this crippled man. So, they shouted, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

We don’t have to despair in helping others because of our poor human condition. We don’t have to worry about what we do not have. We HAVE something more important and enduring to give them, which is the name Jesus. The name Jesus Christ of Nazareth has the wonderful power for salvation. He changed me, my wife, my daughter and many other people I know. The name Jesus Christ of Nazareth has healing power for any spiritual and physical sickness. When we share the name of Jesus by faith, Jesus begins to work in other’s heart, soul and body.

How did Peter next help this man? Look at verse 7. “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” This man was crippled from birth. He never thought he would be walking during his lifetime. But, when he heard Peter’s message, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”, he had the desire to walk. He decided to believe in Jesus. However, he had no strength to get up by himself. So Peter stretched out his right hand to help him up, like a father helps his toddling baby. Instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. It was like power transmission from one battery to another when we jump start a dead car. The healing power of Jesus was transmitted from Peter to this man.

Planting faith in Jesus’ name is important. At the same time, helping others up is also important. Peter saw the crippled man having faith in Jesus’ name. So Peter reached out his right hand to raise him up. When we see someone having the desire to be healed by Jesus, we should help them out. Through diligent prayer, Bible study, and visiting, we should encourage them to stand up for Christ. The crippled man was only a spiritual baby who needed someone to feed him and help him to grow. He needed a shepherd like Peter and John.

What happened to this man when he was helped by the apostles? Look at verse 8. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” The prophet Isaiah prophesied the work of the Messiah Jesus in this, “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer…” (Crippled people will jump like a deer) (NCV) (Isa 35:6) Have you ever seen a deer leaping and jumping? The crippled man was walking and jumping like a deer. He praised God in a loud voice and began to sing “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

As soon as he was able to walk, he did not go to a clothing store to buy pants or shoes. He entered the temple with Peter and John. He was so happy to enter the temple court freely on his two feet. He did not walk in the temple, but leaped and jumped like a deer. The temple was not a distant country to him anymore that he could not reach. The temple was not a dream world to him anymore. He was entering the temple courts on his bare feet. It was as if he was dreaming. All sorrow and tears were gone. His heart was filled with joy of salvation and hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Now, this man became the most blessed man and the most joyful person in the world. The name of Jesus and his power changed this crippled man’s life 180 degrees, from darkness to light, and death to life.

Third, Peter’s message about Jesus, the Promised Messiah (9-26) What was people’s response to the change of this man? Look at verses 9,10. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” People in the temple did not know what was going on between Peter and the crippled man. They were just astonished and came running to Peter, John, and the walking man in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. (11) Peter did not lose this chance. In verses 12-16, Peter addressed his message to them that it was Jesus’ name which gave complete healing to the crippled beggar. Peter also testified that they had killed Jesus, the author of life, but God raised Jesus from the dead. Look at verses 12-16 “When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 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.” Peter said that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of his fathers glorified the servant Jesus. Peter meant that Jesus came from God and that he is God’s chosen servant. But, the people killed Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, the author of life. But God raised Jesus from the dead. Peter continued to say that by faith in Jesus’ name, the crippled man became strong and that it was Jesus’ name which gave him the complete healing. Peter’s message was full of Jesus. Nothing was in his message but Jesus. Our bible study, testimony, and message should be full of Jesus. It is Jesus’ name which heals us from our sin. It is Jesus’ name which forgives us from our sin. It is Jesus’ name which gives us new life.

“Missionary E. P. Scott went to India. He set out to visit a remote mountain tribe which had never heard the name of Christ. As he neared their land, he was suddenly surrounded by a savage band of warriors, all pointing their spears straight at his heart. Expecting a quick death, the missionary pulled out his violin and began playing and singing in their native language the hymn "All hail the power of Jesus' name." He reached the stanza that reads: Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him Lord of all...” The natives lowered their weapons and some were in tears. E. P. Scott spent the rest of his life ministering to these primitive people.” (Quoted from ‘Church History Timeline’, Christianity.com)

In verses 17-26 Peter testified that Jesus is the Promised Messiah who fulfilled the promise of God with Abraham, Moses, and all the prophets from Samuel on. God made a covenant with Abraham, saying that through Abraham’s offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed. (Ge 12:3) Here, Abraham’s offspring indicates Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Moses said to his people at Mount Sinai, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers; you must listen to him.”(Deut 18:15) Here, a prophet like Moses refers to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Besides Abraham and Moses, numerous prophets in the Old Testament prophesied about the Messiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the author of life, the Promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world.

Peter’s final message was like a sharpened sword piercing their souls. Look at verse 19. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance is changing direction from sin to God. So, Peter asked them to turn to God. C. S. Lewis said in his book, ‘Mere Christianity’, that repentance is a process of surrender, surrender to God, and willing submission to God. Jesus is Lord and Christ. He is our King and we are his subjects. When we receive Jesus as Lord and Christ, the kingdom of God comes into our hearts. When we give Jesus the first place in our hearts, our creation order is restored.

If we don’t come to God, we are spiritually crippled. God gave each of us two strong legs and feet. If we don’t go out to preach, we are crippled. We need faith in Jesus. If we don’t see our own inner problems, we are spiritually blind. If we don’t see God’s vision, we are also blind, even though we have two eyes. We need healing from Jesus. If we don’t hear the word of Jesus, we are spiritually deaf. If we don’t talk about Jesus, we are spiritually mute. We need Jesus’ help to open our ears and mouth. What makes you spiritually crippled? Fear, unbelief, pride, selfishness, laziness, and so on make you spiritually crippled. I pray that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we may all rise and walk. O, Lord! We need your hand to help us up. Above all, help us to repent and to have absolute faith in you and your name so that we may experience the power of Jesus’ name on each campus this summer. Amen.

In today’s passage we learned how Peter and John raised a crippled beggar. It was Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that gave complete healing to the man. We don’t have silver or gold. But what we have we can give, which is Jesus’ name. Let us hail the power of Jesus’ name through our one to one Bible studies, testimonies, messages, songs, hymns, and psalms. Let us exalt the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in our daily life at home, school, working place, and wherever we go. May God make America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Amen.

Attachment