Acts 3:2

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;

1. This miracle was not a fake. There was no deception here. He was lame at birth.

2. Often the poor would sit near a temple gate. There were more apt to receive help because people passing by were going to pray and would be more generous.

3. Alms means a gift, or charity. The Greek word is more often translated mercy or pity. It is also translated "almsdeeds" in Acts 9:36.

4. Beautiful Gate

1. Scholars disagree about which gate is mentioned here. There were 9 gates around the temple.

2. Most commentators believe it was the Shushan Gate. This gate was very ornamental with Corinthian brass and a picture of the palace in Persia on it.