Acts 3
Devotional by Bo Patterson
Read Acts 3
Acts 3
The Lame Beggar Healed
3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico
11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Devotional
In today’s text, we see Peter and John head to the temple to pray. As they do, God gives them another opportunity to grow his kingdom. The opportunity before them is a man with a disability who others have passed by. He begs for their attention and money so that he can live. Look closely at the text and see Peter and John’s awareness of God’s will. The ESV says, “Peter directed his gaze at him,” the NIV comments, “Peter looked straight at him,” and the NLT notes, “Peter and John looked intently at him.” What follows is a miracle and an open door for the gospel.
Jesus prays in Matthew 6 that God’s name and his kingdom would be made great. Today, this happens when we notice the opportunities he has for us. Take some time today and ask God to give you opportunities to grow his kingdom. Then, keep your head on a swivel and look for people he will place in your path. Don’t worry about performing a miracle. Instead, start a conversation, do an act of service, or give someone that people often overlook your attention. Who knows what God has in store?
How do you think you would have responded to the beggar?
Are there any ways that you need to reorient your attention so that you notice the people God will place in your path?
Praise God for the opportunity to grow His kingdom. Father let your will be done in our lives today.🙏🏾
Sometimes, life can be so confusing and stressful that it can be difficult to understand what God wants for us over the noise of the world and the sounds of all the obligations pulling at us. And the truth is, God knows what He wants for us is in control of our plans. He has the blueprint for our lives drawn up. He is guiding us and putting seeds in our hearts and, like a gardener, He waters the seeds He plants within our hearts. God sees you, He hears you, and He answers your prayers.
BLESS THE LORD OUR GOD!! LORD SHOW ME THE WAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE SOMEONE WHO IS IN NEED. AMEN!!🙏⛪🙏📖
It’s so important that when we say hello to someone, or ask how are you? That we pause and listen to what they say. Many of us are so busy that we don’t take time to truly hear and listen to others. Many times, if you’re listening, that person may need prayer or encouragement, or a miracle.
I pray that I see through the eyes of Christ. I pray I see the need in others more than focusing on any issue I may be going through. I pray for opportunities to show love, compassion, mercy… to show Christ daily.
Amen!
We are to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus! As Believers we should ask Him to put someone in our path that needs a Word of Encouragement or an Act of Kindness.
Jesus BLESSES us to be a BLESSING 🙏🏾❤️
Amen
Father, may we be quick to do your will. Through your eyes, may we see the needs of others. Through our hands, may needs be met. Through our words bring the good news. Not by might nor by power, but by and through your Spirit, O LORD.
Yes, we see people everyday. standing at the corners of our streets begging for money or work and many times we turn the other way . Lord , help us to look directly at someone and see if we can truly help them in some way. Give us discernment and the desire to look beyond ourselves . In Jesus’ name, the name that is above every name, I pray. Amen.
Amen!
I learnt that when I receive the Baptism of The Holy Spirit I can not remain the same. Someof the evidence that shows we have received the Holy Spirit apart from speaking in other tongues are signs and wonders.
I believe we can all do what Peter and John did to this lame man by the Power of the Holy Spirit in us, if we believe. just like the Bible says in the book of Luke 1: 37 ” Nothing is impossible with God”. I also pray that I will not be blind to the work of God around me today and beyond. I receive the Grace to recognize and make use of every opportunity that comes my way to enlarge our FATHER’S Kingdom in this year 2024 and beyond in Jesus Name…🙏
…yes! Miracles can happen, do happen and will happen all the time. Expect opportunities… He will lead you to them… and rely on His power, not your own understanding… and watch Him work miracles!
Thank you Toluwani…
Every day we are given a new day to share the gospel. We must be ready for who God will put in our path, we must look intently for those that need to hear about Jesus, whether that is a neighbor, friend, relative, or a stranger at the grocery store. We must be on the lookout for who may be in our line of sight daily. I pray that I am open and aware of those opportunities and don’t miss a God moment in the busyness of life.
A favorite story from God’s Word! I want to always be on the lookout for ways to help and bless others in my daily journey. I also want to “leap for joy” and thank Him for the opportunities He gives me.
Warren Wiersbe refers to this as “stewardship of opportunity.” I have to be a good steward of those opportunities presented to me daily . Lord help me to see with eyes of the Holy Spirit.
Good word, Tony!
Picturing ourselves or maybe people we love most in the place of other people who are easy to overlook shifts our perspective of them to a totally different angle. Loving ourselves is so easy, believe it or not, but the neighbor, not as much which is why I believe Christ commanded us to “Love our neighbor AS ourselves”. Help us Lord to love and serve others with purpose.
I hope that I would’ve been able to assist the begger, but in honest reflection I know already that I have missed many a opportunity to help someone in need. I pray that God will give me the courage to make that connection when presented the opportunity and that I become more aware of the opportunities that he does present to me to be a beacon of His message.
Allowing God interruptions to my day has been tough for me as I am a very scheduled person. I have learned in these last few years that allowing my schedule to be interrupted by God always brings a blessing of a new friend, a new opportunity, or a new vision of what God is doing in my life or others. Lord while I stay focused on my day, I also will keep myself open to You.
These questions are definitely thought-provoking…Father, make me extra aware, sensitive and others-focused today.
It sounded like a prophecy where God made both heaven and earth to be in one full planet and that we are the aliens, all stated in Genesis.
This man was not the only beggar at the gate, but he was the only one whom the Holy Spirit directed Peter and John to help. Since it was the ninth hour of prayer, they had probably seen him before, but this time the Spirit directed them to SEE HIM. I know that I need to walk in the spirit in such a way that He will guide me to those that I’m supposed to help. They are probably people that I walk past every day.
View what we consider interruptions in life as “God’s Divine Appointments” !
Today’s reading was just what I needed. A chance to refocus and be reminded to open my eyes and ears and to be observant of others and opportunities to lend a hand or an ear Lord, for a chance to share your wisdom and love with others. I am stuck on a phrase that Peter said today, as he referred to Jesus as the “author of life.” What a powerful phrase to have attached to your name. Thank you Lord for being just that, the almighty author of life! Amen!
Great reminder to reset daily to see what God wants me to see. And that I don’t have to be a miracle worker (which I would immediately think I can’t do) but that I just need to be aware, willing and ready.
Laura… I prayed for you today… That you would be one of His miracle workers… Expect to be used and experience the overwhelming joy of witnessing and serving our Lord! Look for it…
May I see those around me, Lord. Help me to take the time to be present with people, pause, and allow you to do your work.
There is power in the name of Jesus. We should give credit to the Lord when He works in our lives and not miss the opportunity to point others to Jesus.
There are many opportunities to serve. We see them daily. Those of us who have should help those who don’t. Pray and ask God to show us ways in which we can serve others. 🙏🏾
I feel today’s devotional is a reminder to me that one interaction with someone can have a significant impact on that person’s life. I am also reminded that God knows exactly what He is doing when he introduces certain people into our lives. He introduces these individuals at the right time and at the right place. Now I pray that God keeps my eyes open to these opportunities to have such an impact on someone’s life who may have been overlooked by so many others.
Lord God Almighty, give me the opportunity ALWAYS to be a sunbeam in someone’s eyes or ears.
Let my daily actions, words, walk or touch uplift whomever I pass. I know I am left on this earth to be a disciple until you call me home. CONTINUE TO USE ME LORD JESUS, FOR YOUR GOOD!! Amen and Amen 🙏
God has placed three women in my life who are not saved. All relationships started many years ago and all for different reasons. I came to realize that God had placed them in my life and as I continue to pray for them asking God to soften their hearts and remove the scales from their eyes, they will eventually give their lives to Christ. My point is that miracles are not always instantaneous but are sometimes slow and require love and patience.
Today’s devotional brings to mind the lyrics of the song “Each one, Reach One”: 🎶But each one can reach one . As we follow after Christ we all can lead one. We can lead one to the Savior. And together we can tell the world that Jesus is the way🎶.
Lord, may I not miss the opportunity(s) that you place before me today to reflect your light & advance your kingdom🙏🎚
Yesterday, we read how the men of Israel were cut to the heart when Peter told them that they had crucified this Jesus whom God had made both Lord and Christ.
Today, we hear Peter telling the men of Israel they had denied the Holy and Righteous One and then delivered him over to be crucified.
Realizing that I also have denied this same Jesus during my lifetime brings on a feeling of spiritual depression.
Then, I remember that it is this same Peter, the rock upon whom my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose to build HIs church, who wept bitterly in the courtyard of Caiaphas , after he thrice denied knowing Jesus.
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in whom we trust, and on whose word, we can rely that, if we repent and turn back, You will blot out all of our sins. Thank YOU! We love YOU!
Lord, thank you for loving me and let me shine your light today, as I work to spread that Love to help others! Amen
Reading all these wonderful comments fills my heart with joy. Yes this is the year I want to love more. Every store we check out at or service we use has people lost and wanting to be noticed. I want to witness to all these people and ask them if they need prayer and invite them to church. Having 2 children with disabilities, people want to look the other way. Let’s show Christs love ❤️
i think i would have prayed for the beggar, and maybe asked him more about hi.s needs. God truly puts unknown people in our paths everyday. We need to be more receptive to them and show Jesus loves them. What a way to try and share the gospel with kindness and just conversation.
Today’s world is a big challenge for us as the world is ugly and scary.
We all need to reach out to help the lost no matter what situation they are in.
Peter instructed those who are lost to seek Jesus and be saved.
Peter said, Silver and goldl (money) I do not have, but what I do have that I give to you. Many today do have money and that is the first thing we think to give and perhaps the easiest. But we need to think bigger than that. What do we have to give and what is God specifically asking us to give with each opportunity He gives us.
Chuck referred to Peter comment that the Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus but he did not give his opinion on how bad they were. As we speak of the gays we should say it is against God’s laws and not are opinions. We could point out the story of Lot and God’s judgemement on them and there are other reference in the OT of God’s judgements on nations.
Love this passage of Scripture. Not only were Peter & John drawn to “stare at him intently”, but they commanded the lame man to look at them (v4). I believe they wanted him to see and know he mattered and was seen. We never know what God can bring about through one conversation and the impact/ripple effect it will have in others’ lives as well. Peter’s response to the crowd who surrounded them, “You men of Israel, why are you amazed at this?…”(v12) was epic. I pray we never stop making the most of every opportunity to let others know they matter, and God’s gift of salvation is meant for all to “walk and keep walking”(v6) out of death and into life.
When I awoke this morning, the Holy Spirit prompted me to return to the CMC after Bible study this morning. Cindy and I were there yesterday seeing our neighbors coming for food assistance. I overheard the comment that Wednesdays were a little light on volunteers. So, I went this morning. It was a very busy morning where we saw 15 families in over an hour. I was able to speak to two Vietnamese families as best I could. I met a couple from Russia who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each one I met with I asked them about their faith. The Vietnamese people were Buddhists. The Russian couple’s answers was steeped in Jehovah Witness doctrine requesting no prayer. This taught me you do not know who the Lord is sending your way, and let Him do the talking, especially if there is a language barrier. Do the work of an evangelist and leave the results up to God’s Holy Spirit.
When you read the rest of this story – that lame man was over 40 years old – lame from birth. That means he was there in his circumstances when Jesus was alive. But he apparently never encountered Jesus. Some people Jesus sought out and healed- but not this man…yet in this healing …at this time …5000 people believed in the Risen Savior! I stuggle sometimes with medical issues and wonder why I am not healed- this story comforts me that it is not my time – but if I wait for His timing just a little longer God will be glorified in amazing ways!
Lord, I pray that your love and light will shine through me daily and that you will lead me specifically to the students at my school that have needs that aren’t being met, whether they be physical or emotional. Let them see you in me and know that they are valued and loved. Amen.
What a wonderful passage to read and great comments from all. I really needed this!
The power of Faith is demonstrated once more and the believe in the power of the name “Jesus Christ”.
God remove fear from us, your servants and instill in us the courage to do Your will that we may grow Your kingdom.
May we forever praise You.
This is the best way of how a prophecy is to be revealed and that this is the scripture of how Peter is helping us understand the prophecy of God.
When I see a person in need I almost always think about what if I was in their shoes how would I want someone to respond to me. It’s so humbly to think about a time when I was in need and how God showed up for me through other people. I feel I should reorient my attention by thinking about what is it that God is trying to show or grow me into with who and what he has placed in my path. We can always count on God to give us what we need.