Acts 3 - Introduction

THE BOOK OF ACTS. CHAPTER.

OUTLINE AND COMMENTARY. MARK DUNAGAN

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER THREE:

I. The Healing of the Lame Man: Acts 3:1-8

II. The Reaction of the Crowd: Acts 3:9-11

III. Peter's Sermon: Acts 3:12-26

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

'The healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple was not the first and possibly not the most marvelous miracle which had been wrought by the apostles since the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:43); but it is related because it brought the apostles to the notice of the Jewish rulers and resulted in the first serious opposition to the..church...this narrative shows the independence of the church and its boldness.' (Erdman p. 41)

This miracle and the sermon which follows it will trigger the persecution described in the next two Chapter s. In addition, Luke has previously noted that 'many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles' (Acts 2:43); now he cites one dramatic example.

'How much time has passed since Pentecost? No hint is given..Through those days we may suppose that the evangelistic work of the apostles was little opposed. With the introduction of the healing of the lame man we are entering into the record of. series of conflicts and opposition to the spread of the Gospel.' (Reese p. 150)

III. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER THREE: