In the Name of Jesus
Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:12-13
The three thousand who had joined the other believers on Pentecost “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles” (Acts 2:42-43). They met together at the temple courts every day, they had favor with all the people, and God continued to add to their number daily those who were being saved (v. 47).
As Peter and John went to the temple to pray, possibly accompanied by some of the thousands of new believers, they encountered a lame
man begging alms at the “beautiful gate of temple” (Acts 3:2). The Jewish historian Josephus described a gate made of fine Corinthian brass at the temple, seventy-five feet high with huge double doors, so beautiful that it “greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and gold.”*
Located between the court of the Gentiles and the court of the women, the massive Beautiful Gate was probably highly polished and reflective brass. A continual stream of people passed through it as they entered the temple. A good place for a beggar.
Perhaps Peter and John had seen him before, but prompted by the Holy Spirit, they gave him much more than he expected. Peter told him, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).
Jesus had said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name.” Peter told the man to “walk” and took him by the right hand to help him up. The man’s feet and ankles instantly became strong, and he jumped up. He then leaped around, praising God in the temple courts, causing quite a stir. The people recognized him as the lame beggar and marveled at the miracle.
The healing of the lame man was a “greater” thing that “glorified” God as Jesus had promised. Why? A common person, Peter, performed the miracle “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
Do you believe you are able to do “even greater things than these so that the Father will be glorified in the Son” through the power of the Holy Spirit? If so, ask God to cultivate a willing, obedient spirit so the Spirit can work freely in you and through you.
DIG DEEPER
The author of the Book of Acts and the gospel which bears his name was Luke, a physician (Colossians 4:14). What specific details did he give about the lame man’s miraculous healing in Acts 3? Describe a miracle you have witnessed.
What actions in vv. 4-8 indicate that Peter and the lame man each had faith? Besides faith, what gifts of the Spirit did Peter exhibit (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)? What gifts of the Spirit have you received—all Christians have received at least one gift—and how have you used them for others to the glory of God?
When you are confronted by a person with a need, what should you pray in order to transform the person by the power of the risen Jesus Christ? Consider what Peter said in Acts 2:38–39.
Nancy J. Baker
This devotion is part of a series on the Book of Acts.
*Beautiful gate https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Act/Act_3.cfm? Accessed 5/9/2017.