Acts (Part 22) - Acts 3:6-10

---

 

Acts (Part 22) - Acts 3:6-10 1. Acts 3:6 – Then 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. A. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; i. Peter was not wealthy. a. God’s ministers and His followers are not promised wealth. b. Jesus had no place of His own (Mat 8:20). c. At times, Paul was poor (2Co 6:10), had no certain dwelling place (1Co 4:11), and suffered hunger and deprivation (2Co 11:27). d. Some Christians are blessed with wealth with which to bless others (1Ti 6:17-19). e. Other Christians are impoverished (Jam 2:5), but are nevertheless blessed. ii. “His expectation of an alms was disappointed. Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none, and therefore none to give thee;” yet he intimated that if he had had any he would have given him an alms, not brass, but silver or gold. Note, (1.) It is not often that Christ's friends and favourites have abundance of the wealth of this world. The apostles were very poor, had but just enough for themselves, and no overplus. Peter and John had abundance of money laid at their feet, but this was appropriated to the maintenance of the poor of the church, and they would not convert any of it to their own use, nor dispose of it otherwise than according to the intention of the donors. Public trusts ought to be strictly and faithfully observed. (2.) Many who are well inclined to works of charity are yet not in a capacity of doing any thing considerable, while others, who have wherewithal to do much, have not a heart to do any thing.” (Matthew Henry) iii. “There is a legend that has circulated for years about a discussion between Pope Innocent II and Thomas Aquinas. While counting a large sum of money, the Pope said, ‘You see, Thomas, the church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’’ Thomas answered, ‘That is true, Holy Father, but neither can she still say, ‘Arise and walk.’” (International Christian Fellowship) B. but such as I have give I thee: i. Even if a Christian is not blessed with wealth to help others, he can still give what he has. ii. This might include his prayers, time, help, advice, encouragement, compassion, and love. iii. “Note, Those who are poor in the world may yet be rich, very rich, in spiritual gifts, graces, and comforts; certainly there is that which we are capable of possessing which is infinitely better than silver and gold; the merchandise and gain of it are better, Job 28:12, etc.; Pro 3:14, etc.” (Matthew Henry) C. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. i. Rather than giving the man alms which would help him for a fleeting moment, Peter heals him. ii. Peter healed him, not by his own strength (Act 3:12), but by the power of Jesus Christ (Act 3:16; Act 4:10).  iii. “Christ sent his word, and healed him (Psa 107:20); for healing grace is given by the word of Christ; this is the vehicle of the healing virtue derived from Christ. Christ spoke cures by himself; the apostles spoke them in his name. Peter bids a lame man rise up and walk, which would have been a banter upon him if he had not premised in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth: ‘I say it by warrant from him, and it shall be done by power from him, and all the glory and praise of it shall be ascribed to him.’” (Matthew Henry) 2. Acts 3:7 – And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. A. Peter, of his own power, did nothing to heal this man. B. God miraculously healed his feet and ankles through His word (Psa 107:20). C. Both Peter and the impotent man exhibited faith in Jesus Christ by taking action to rise up and walk, and God blessed it. D. “Peter lent his hand, and helped him (Act 3:7): He took him by the right hand, in the same name in which he had spoken to him to arise and walk, and lifted him up. Not that this could contribute any thing to his cure; but it was a sign, plainly intimating the help he should receive from God, if he exerted himself as he was bidden. When God by his word commands us to rise, and walk in the way of his commandments, if we mix faith with that word, and lay our souls under the power of it, he will give his Spirit to take us by the hand, and lift us up. If we set ourselves to do what we can, God has promised his grace to enable us to do what we cannot; and by that promise we partake of a new nature, and that grace shall not be in vain; it was not here: His feet and ankle-bones received strength, which they had not done if he had not attempted to rise, and been helped up; he does his part, and Peter does his, and yet it is Christ that does all: it is he that puts strength into him. As the bread was multiplied in the breaking, and the water turned into wine in the pouring out, so strength was given to the cripple's feet in his stirring them and using them.” (Matthew Henry) 3. Acts 3:8 – And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. A. And he leaping up stood, and walked, i. The healing of this lame man was a fulfillment of prophecy which foretold of the days of the Messiah in which the lame would leap (Isa 35:4-6). a. Jesus healed the lame (Mat 11:5; Mat 15:30; Mat 21:14; Joh 5:8- 9). b. Philip healed the lame (Act 8:7). c. The apostle Paul also healed the lame (Act 14:10). B. and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. i. Rather than running home to see his family and friends, the first place the healed man went was the temple to praise God. ii. By this he showed himself to be the exception, not the rule when it comes to people who experience the mercy of God (Luk 17:11-19).  iii. Never forget to thank God for answered prayer, healing, and blessing in your life (Psa 30:1-2, 11-12; Psa 103:1-5; Psa 107:20-22). iv. Unthankfulness and ungratefulness are odious sins (Rom 1:21; 2Ti 3:2; Psa 106:12-13). v. If your desire to be healed is due to wanting to be in the house of God, you are more likely to be granted your request (Isa 38:19-22). 4. Acts 3:9 – And all the people saw him walking and praising God: A. He was not ashamed to praise God publicly (Psa 22:19-25; Psa 107:32). B. Those who have experienced great deliverance from their afflictions, troubles, or sins are not bashful to praise God for it in the company others. 5. Acts 3:10 – 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. A. Having seen this man who was lame from birth (Act 3:2), walking and leaping caused the people to be filled with wonder and amazement. i. Wonder n. – II. 7. a. The emotion excited by the perception of something novel and unexpected, or inexplicable; astonishment mingled with perplexity or bewildered curiosity. ii. Amazement n. – 1. The condition of being mentally paralyzed, mental stupefaction, frenzy. 2. Loss of presence of mind; bewilderment, perplexity, distraction (due to doubt as to what to do). B. One of Jesus’ names is Wonderful (Isa 9:6) because He does wonderful things that cause men to wonder.