Feb 09, 2014
Acts 3:1-10
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Though we closed Acts 2 with “the Lord adding to the church daily those who were being saved” because this new church of 3120 people were “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and in prayers,” in Acts 2:43 Luke sets the context for Acts 3 by telling his readers that “fear came upon every soul” since “many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.”
As we noted last Sunday, this “collective fear” arose from the reality that though the people couldn’t dispute the fact something miraculous was occurring..... you couldn’t attribute it to the work of one man like they had with Jesus or John before Him. As Luke points out, these miracles were being “done through the Apostles.” It was evident to the masses that one force was singularly working through a multitude of people. And with no one person behind this move of God there would be no way to stop its spread or impact!
Acts 3:1-3, “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
Set the Scene
Luke is writing the Book of Acts with the intention of producing a historical account of how this movement started by Jesus continued through His followers. As we noted in our first few studies, the book should be titled, “The Acts of Jesus through His church.” Though we don’t know how much time transpired between Pentecost and this particular day, Luke’s intention is to make it clear the power of the Holy Spirit was working through the church on a daily basis not a one time occasion.
With this context in mind, it is significant this chapter opens with “Peter and John” going “together to the temple at the hour of prayer.”
First, since both Peter and John would play a tremendous role in the leadership of the church and the spread of the Gospel, Luke centers his narrative on them (as opposed to others) for the sake of providing an accurate historical record. John would not only pastor several significant churches throughout his life, but he would also contribute a Gospel, 3 Epistles, and the Book of Revelation to Scripture. Peter would not only act as the spokesmen for the first church, but he would also play an instrumental role in the Gospel’s spread from Jewish communities to the Gentile world at large (Acts 10). Beyond these two significant contributions, Peter would further add 2 Epistles to Scripture and his account of the life and ministry of Jesus would be complied by his assistant Mark into a Gospel.
Secondly, in continuing with the manifestation of the Spirit producing both “unity” and “community” within the church, Luke centers his narrative on Peter and John “working together” because it was a perfect example of this unique moving of the Spirt!
While it is true these two men had history that predated their experience as being two of Jesus’ closest disciples (they both worked as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee), there was much about them that would make them the most unlikely of partners.
1. There was a generational gap between these two men. Peter was the oldest apostle and John was the youngest.
2. Their personalities were almost polar opposites.
According to a loose “Myers-Briggs” personality test, Peter and John really are on opposite ends of the personality spectrum.
John would have been an INFP / Healer: (I) Introverted; (N) Flexible, Experience and Gut Driven; (F) People-Centered; (P) Informative. “These people are introspective, cooperative, informative, and attentive. Their tranquil and reserved exterior masks a passionate inner life. Healers care deeply about causes that interest them, and often pursue those causes with selfless devotion.” Sounds a lot like John!
Peter would have been an ESTJ / Supervisor: (E) Extroverted; (S) Inflexible, Structured, Traditional; (T) Principle-Centered; (J) Directive. “These people are civic-minded individuals who dedicate themselves to maintaining the institutions behind a smooth-running society. They often rise to positions of leadership in service organizations, defending the values of the groups to which they belong. Supervisors are strong believers in rules and procedures.” Sounds a lot like Peter!
I bring up these two differences because most “old / young” or “INFP / ESTJ” combinations are naturally incapable of working together. The personality or age differences between these two groups often drive a wedge to deep to overcome. This happens because each party refuses to (A) recognize or (B) appreciate what the other group brings to the equation. “Friction” not “unity” is often the result of this unique combination.
That being said.... under the power and directive of the Holy Spirit, Peter and John not only work together, but they become a great dynamic duo! Because each of them was willing to move beyond their differences by recognizing and appreciating the others age experience and their diversity of personality for the greater purpose of furthering the Gospel, the Spirit was able to produce a well-rounded paring.
I believe the lesson for the church is profound for the church is healthiest and most effective when its leadership has a diversity of age and personality. When the flesh reigns supreme age groups divide and conflicting personalities are allowed to drive an insurmountable wedge within the church. But when we allow the Spirit to reign supreme different age groups and varying personalities choose to recognize the natural difference in perspective, appreciate the unique way God has wired each person, and commits to the belief that we are more effective working together than we are apart.
Please realize “unity” doesn’t mean “uniformity,” rather this word describes the result of people choosing to “unify” in spite of their “diversity” knowing this unique combination is essential to accomplishing a “greater purpose.”
Luke tells us this duo makes their way to the Temple during “the ninth hour of prayer.” In Judaism there were three hours dedicated to prayer: Since the day began at sunrise (6:00 AM), the third hour would have been 9:00 AM, the sixth hour Noon, with “the ninth hour of prayer” occurring around the evening sacrifices at 3:00 PM.
Question: Why “the ninth hour” specifically?
Answer: According to John 19:30, it had been “the ninth hour” that Jesus cried out from the cross “It is finished.” It could very well be that Peter and John choose to go pray at the Temple based upon this simple reality.
Luke continues to set the scene by telling us that “a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple....”
As Peter and John made their way to the Temple they’d enter through the outer “Court of the Gentiles,” make their way through one of nine gates into the inner “Court of Women,” before making their way into the “Court of Men” for prayer.
According to Temple construction we know that from the “Court of the Gentiles” into the “Court of Women” there were 4 gates you could enter in from the North, another 4 to the South, and one gate from the east. This inner “east gate” was referred to as the “Gate called Beautiful.” Josephus described this gate as being “made of fine Corinthian brass, seventy-five feet high with huge double doors.” He said it was “so beautiful that it greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and gold.”
Because of the disregard the Jews held towards the Gentiles, this “Gate called Beautiful” would have been the furthest into the Temple and most effective place (considering the benevolence of religious people) for this “man lame.... to ask alms from those who entered.”
What do we know about this man?
1. His condition defined his identity.
This man was know simply as the “man lame from his mother’s womb.” This was a condition he had been born with; and sadly, according to Acts 4:22, it was also a condition he had lived with for more than 40 years. As we’ll see in a moment, Dr. Luke indicates his condition was the result of a birth defeat that hindered the development of his ankle bones. Because the religious society viewed these kind of physical ailments as a result of sin (whether personal sin or in this case the sin of his parents), this lame man was viewed as “unclean” and refused entry into the Temple.
2. His condition determined his lifestyle.
Because of his inability to walk and work, the best this man could do for himself was to sit daily by this gate and beg for “alms.” In that day giving “alms” was a way that the religious demonstrated their goodness. According to Acts 3:10, since he had been at it for more than 40 years this man had become a staple of the Temple scene. Everyone knew who this man was.... he was the “beggar at the gate called Beautiful.”
As Peter and John are “about to enter the Temple” this lame man did what he did to all coming for prayer.... He “asked them for alms.” Though there was nothing deliberate about his request, the reaction of Peter and John is fascinating. Luke tells us....
Acts 3:4, “And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”
The Greek is literally that Peter “fasten his eyes upon.” The phrase indicates intentness and deliberate action on the part of both Peter and John. They stare him down! Since everything points to the reality both of these men were familiar with this man and his condition, we should consider.... Question: What was it that prompted this dynamic duo to now address a man they had passed numerous times before?
Answer: Unlike the many times before, in this moment, Peter experienced a prompting of the Spirit to act - a prompting confirmed by his cohort John!
This development is interesting because it gives us insight into how certain “Gifts of the Spirit” operate. Though there are some gifts that manifest through the personality God has already equipped us with, there are other gifts, like this one, that are not only provided by the Spirit but guide by the Spirit in certain moments and for specific purposes. If Peter could heal at will then why wouldn’t he heal everyone all the time?
Acts 3:5, “So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.”
Question: What was this lame man expecting?
Answer: He was expecting the very thing he was asking for.... alms.
Question: What would he get instead?
Answer: (Spoiler Alert) He would receive the very thing he wasn’t expecting.... healing!
I love this about God! This man “gave them his attention, expecting to receive something.” Though what he expected to receive was only a shadow of what he could have asked for, God still accepted this small demonstration of expectancy (even in the wrong thing) as an act of faith only to then proceeded to superseded his expectation by healing him of his condition!
Consider: If this man could expect small and God was still willing to give big, imagine what might happen in our lives if we come to God with large expectations? May I ask.... Did you crawl out of bed, shower, and come to Calvary316 expecting God to do something big in your life this morning? May we be challenged by this passage to live a life of large expectation. Don’t settle for less.
Acts 3:6, “Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Question: What did Peter mean when he said, “Silver and gold I do not have?”
1. Some believe that Peter was implying poverty.
Literally, “Since I don’t have any money, let me give you want I got....”
Problem: The idea of Peter and John being broke seems out of context for we just read that a church of 3120 people had just pulled together all of their resources.
2. Others believe Peter was simply saying he didn’t have any money on him.
Literally, “Since I left my wallet at home, let me give you what I got....”
There is some evidence in the Greek to suggest this as a real option.
3. It could be that Peter was saying the money he had wasn’t for him.
Literally, “Silver and gold I do not have for you, but what I do have for you I give.”
Not only is this third option most consistent with the Greek construct of the sentence, but this also fits within the context of the passage and the generalized philosophy of benevolence and money management seen in the early church.
Look again at the “Commonism” demonstrated in the church.... Acts 2:44-45, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” The passage is clear that the act of pulling together all of their resources was to enable the church to provide for the needs of those “who believed.”
It many be that Peter is saying that the funds he has are not allocated to be given to this man.... since he was not among those “who believed.” Though I think there is nothing wrong with a church incorporating social programs to help “all men,” I do think there is solid Biblical evidence to point to the reality that this work should come secondary to programs aimed at caring for our own. I’d encourage you to find a Biblical example contrary to this reality. In Scripture benevolence was never used as a mechanism for evangelism. Benevolence was instead a mechanism for meeting needs within the church.
Either way we see that Peter is telling the man, “Silver and gold might alleviate your present situation, but they will not address your core problem!” This is why Peter continues, “What I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
The most important thing the church has to offer the lost world around us is a transformative work that Jesus wants to accomplish in the lives of people.
Don’t overlook a subtle point: Peter tells the man “what I have I give you....” Note: Peter offered this man an experience he had himself personally experienced. I hope you realize you cannot offer someone something you don’t have yourself!
Acts 3:7-8, “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”
Imagine the moment: The place is packed and Peter has just given this man an impossible command to “rise up and walk!” To up the ante he has also given this command in the name and authority of “Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” With the momentum the church was experiencing, in this moment, everything was on the line. If the man stood up, all was good! If the man didn’t stand up, the whole movement comes screeching to a halt!
I’m sure the time that elapses between verses 6 and 7 seemed like an eternity! As the seconds of awkward inactivity pass people begin to wonder.... “What will Pope Peter do?” Assaulting a handicap man was not what anyone expected! According to the flow of the text when it became clear this man wasn’t “rising up to walk,” Luke tells us Peter “takes him by the right hand and lifted him up.”
The phrase “he took” is the Greek word “piazô” meaning “to apprehend for imprisonment.” It’s the same verb we would use to describe a cop arresting a criminal!
The phrase “lifted him up” is the Greek word “egeirô” meaning “to construct or erect as in a building.” It’s as though Peter is going to forcibly make this man walk whether he likes it or not!
Question: Why would Peter do this?
Answer: (1). It’s reasonable to assume Peter acted under the specific prompting of the Holy Spirit. In this moment, God gave Peter the faith to do something completely out of the ordinary. In 1 Corinthians 12:9, Paul describes this as the “Gift of Faith.”
(2). It is also true that sometimes people need help taking a step of faith. I know in my own experiences there have been times when I’ve been down and out and needed someone to take bold action by giving me a hand to help me to my feet! We need Godly friends in those “Lord I believe.... help my unbelief” moments in life!
What happens next I’m sure was of great relief to John.... “And immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength (literally, to make solid, firm, or strong).” G. Campbell Morgan makes this observation, “Perhaps only medical men can fully appreciate the meaning of these words; they are peculiar, technical words of a medical man. The word translated feet is only used by Luke, and occurs nowhere else. It indicates his discrimination between different parts of the human heel. The phrase ankle-bones is again a medical phrase to be found nowhere else. The word ‘leaping up’ describes the coming suddenly into socket of something that was out of place, the articulation of a joint. This then is a very careful medical description of what happened in connection with this man.”
Acts 3:9-10, And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
In conclusion, consider this story from an allegorical angle: 4 components....
1. This man’s physical condition was directly attributed to sin! Sin and the lameness it created had defined his identity and determined his lifestyle. Sin dominated his life! As he sat there the world was literally passing him by!
2. Religion proved powerless to help this man in any real way! Religion condemned him because of his condition, but offered no remedy as to how to overcome his condition. Religion ostracize him from God by refusing him entrance into the Temple. Religion left him begging for help.... but no one could!
3. Then came Peter and John! They knew the only remedy to this man’s condition was not a temporary “life-improvement” by giving him alms, but rather a permanent “life-change” brought on only by the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Though his expectations were low, God was still willing to work. Even when the man struggled with the command to “rise up and walk” God still provided him friends willing to go to extremes to help him experience healing!
4. He immediately became a witness to the world of the power of the risen Lord! Since everyone knew him, everyone witnessed the change. Since they all knew of the crippling condition he had lived with from birth, everyone saw this incredible transformation. Since everyone knew there was no human remedy for his condition, everyone recognized the supernatural work in his life!
Please understand.... Sin is a crippling disease! Whether it be by “sin inherited” or “sin acquired” its effects severely affect our ability to live the life we’ve been created to enjoy!
Sadly, as with this man, religion provides no remedy for the sinner! Religion provides no upward mobility for the lame! Religion only leaves the sinner outside the gates of heaven begging for help. The religions of the world are doing nothing more than facilitating a race of cripples seeking to scale the never ending summit of Mount Righteousness. The core issue with “self-righteousness” is that it doesn’t address the “sinful nature of self!”
As with this lame man, the only remedy for our condition is Jesus Christ! Jesus and He alone can cause the lame to walk - and leap - and run! Only Jesus restores a man so that he can truly experience what life was designed to be! Only Jesus provides a way into the Temple of heaven so that we might praise and encounter God!
The world ignores the condition of man! Religion condemns man because of his condition! But it is only Jesus and He alone who came to “seek and save the lost!”
And when Jesus transforms the life of the sinner we see that it produces a change that cannot be denied! The “transformed life” seen by all those who knew your former “lame life” is the greatest testimony to the power of the resurrected Jesus!
In Acts 1, Jesus left us with a commission to reach the world with the Gospel. In Acts 2, we saw the functional purpose of the church - equipping Christians to go into the world and reach the lost in the name of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit! Now in Acts 3, we are given a practical example of what this activity should look like in each of our lives!
This morning consider.... Do you have friends that are crippled by the weight of their sin? If so.... Is the Spirit prompting you to reach out a hand in the name of Jesus? Are you willing to offer them the very experience that has changed your life? If this is the case, as with Peter, may you be bold enough to take drastic steps and act accordingly!
But I should also ask.... Are you being crippled by the weigh of your sin? Whether or not you came to church this morning expecting anything from God, I pray you recognize He is speaking through the darkness inviting you to “rise up and walk!”