16Acts 3 presents us with an extraordinary account, full of profound teachings about faith and the power of God. In this study, we will explore every detail of this chapter, from Peter and John’s encounter with the lame man at the temple door to the lessons we can draw for our lives today.
The Meeting in the Temple – Acts 3:1-11
The chapter begins with Peter and John going up to the temple to pray, as usual. At that moment, they find a man lame from birth, being carried daily to ask for alms at the entrance to the temple, known as the Porta Formosa. This man, upon seeing Peter and John, asks them for alms, but receives something much more valuable: healing in the name of Jesus.This episode reminds us of the importance of being attentive to the opportunities that God places in our path, even in everyday situations. Just like Peter and John, who were going to the temple to pray, but were open to the move of the Holy Spirit when they encountered the lame man, we must be sensitive to God’s direction in our lives, ready to act as He leads us.And Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth. And a man was brought who was lame from his mother’s womb, and every day they placed him at the door of the temple, called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered. When he saw Peter and John entering the temple, he asked them to give him alms. And Peter, with John, looking at him, said: Look at us. And he looked at them, hoping to receive something from them. And Peter said, I have neither silver nor gold; but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up, and immediately his feet and toes were established. And he leapt up, and stood up, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; And they knew him, because he was the one who sat begging at the beautiful gate of the temple; and they were filled with astonishment and astonishment at what had happened to him. And when the lame man, who had been healed, clung to Peter and John, all the people ran to them in astonishment, to the porch called Solomon’s.Acts 3:1-11Verse 6 highlights Peter’s powerful statement: “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” Here, Peter recognizes that his true wealth is not in material possessions, but in the name of Jesus Christ. This is a fundamental lesson for all of us: true wealth lies in our relationship with Christ and the faith we place in him.Here the great highlight is Peter and John’s habit of going to the temple to pray. This simple act reveals the importance of communion with God and the practice of regular prayer in the life of a believer. While on the way to the temple, they encountered a lame man who was begging at the entrance, known as the Beautiful Gate.This man certainly represented many in society at the time and even today – those who are marginalized, needy and disadvantaged. But the meeting with Pedro and João completely changed his life. Instead of alms, he received something much more precious: healing in the name of Jesus Christ.Peter, when addressing the lame man, did not offer silver or gold, but something much more valuable – healing by the power of Jesus. This teaches us that as Christians we must look beyond people’s physical needs and seek to offer them the healing and deliverance that can only be found in Christ.
