Acts 3 - Introduction

The Prophet Sent From God

Acts Three

There are many sad situations in our word. As Peter and John entered the Beautiful Gate of the Temple a man that had been lame from his mother's womb confronted them. The lame man was healed by the power of God. This miracle opened the door for Peter's second sermon. The man was healed with simply the speaking of a word. "Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6)

The people were astonished at what had happened. "And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him." (Acts 3:9-10) The apostles were quick to let the people know that the lame man was not healed by their own power. He was healed through the power of Jesus of Nazareth, whom the people had crucified.

The purpose of Peter's sermon was to bring these people to Christ. They were taught to repent of their sin and be converted. The motivation for such obedience was the fact that Jesus was that prophet spoken of by Moses. The Old Testament worthies pointed to Jesus and to the salvation that can only be obtained through Him. Christ came as fulfillment of the covenant God had made with Abraham. The purpose of His coming was to turn sinners from their iniquities.