Acts (3)

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 3 (Lesson 3) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 3.2-8
This is truly a “beautiful” story, and not just because of where it takes place. Luke uses that location to highlight the beauty of the story and make a point about the Kingdom and its impact.

For reflection
1.  This man was going about his usual business, seeking alms from passersby, hoping merely for enough to survive. He had no prospects of anything more, having been lame from birth. He was without hope or prospects, in a body that was crippled and dying. In what ways is this lame man an apt metaphor for the unbelieving world?

2.  We note the power of grace here: Even when this man looked at Peter, he was expecting nothing more than a coin or two. He wasn’t looking to be healed. But Peter was on a mission that was more than material in nature, and he gave this man something far more valuable than what any amount of money could buy. Should the Kingdom, as it comes in a community, merely minister to the material needs of that community? Or should it bring something more? Explain.

3.  We note the combination of the command to rise, the invocation of the name of Jesus, and the helpful gesture. Faith acts through works of various kinds to bring the blessings of God to men. Mediate on Psalm 48.1, 2. What kinds of actions might make a church the “beauty” and “joy” of its community?

4.  Luke’s emphasis that the man stood upright (was “lifted up”), became strengthened in his feet and ankles, and began leaping and walking about is a true picture of the healing, restoring, and reconciling power of the Kingdom of God. Human beings were made “upright” in every way (Eccl. 7.29). But sin has enfeebled us, and brings corruption into culture and society. Only words and works of grace and faith can restore us to our upright place before God – a place defined by wholeness and worship. In what ways have you experienced this healing, restoring, and reconciling Kingdom power?

5.  In Luke’s day it would have been pretty easy to validate Peter’s claim to poverty. Everyone would have known that the Apostles were not in the business of supplanting one kingdom with another for the money – unlike Achan, after the battle of Jericho (Josh. 7.1-26). What are some areas in your community where your church might speak a Kingdom word and give a helping hand to heal, restore, and reconcile?

Summary
The power of the Kingdom flows to other people and into cultural arenas like the temple, through the faith and work of Kingdom citizens, bringing healing and restoration in many ways. How do you expect the power of the Kingdom to flow through you today? Through your church?

Closing Prayer
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.
Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.
God is in her palaces;
He is known as her refuge…
We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness,
In the midst of Your temple.
According to Your name, O God,
So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is full of righteousness.
Let Mount Zion rejoice,
Let the daughters of Judah be glad,
Because of Your judgments.

Psalm 48.1-3, 9-11

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. For more insight to His work in our here and now, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus, from our online store by clicking here.

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