Healing vv.1-7

Peter and John were in a fishing business together before following Christ according to Luke 5:10. 

V.1- The ninth hour would have been around 3 in the afternoon, this would be the same time as the temple sacrifice, and the crowd would be larger than other times of prayer. 

v.2- The Beautiful Gate was located on the eastern side of the temple and it separated the court of Gentiles from the Court of Women.  Made of Corinthian brass, it was said to require 20 men to open and close the gate. 

The lame man was expecting money, not realizing he would receive God’s mercy.  Not everyone will be physically healed.  We don’t know why, but it’s based on God’s sovereign will.  Healing points to Jesus, both physical and spiritual healing, but also heeding endurance through trials can point to Christ also!  The Health, Wealth, and Prosperity movement, is a false doctrine that says that if you have enough faith, you’ll be blessed with health, wealth, and continued favor.  This is not biblical!  We should pray for healing, and God can heal, but God may also want us to show much of Him through enduring great trials.  That’s not easy for us to stomach, but this is not our home!  We’re living for a place we’ve never seen only because of a Savior who has radically healed us spiritually through salvation.

Joy v.8  

This healing brought the lame man great joy!  Our salvation, our relationship with Jesus Christ, should be the joy of our lives!  He will radiate out of us even in the worst of times! 

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Worship v.9

Worship comes from the word worthy!  Jesus is most worthy of the surrender of our lives, hearts, and priorities!  We don’t just worship Him because of the gifts, we worship Him because He is the Giver!  Let us never worship the gifts above the Giver!    

Isaiah 12:5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.”

Faith vv.10-16

Faith in Jesus brought healing!  Peter and John had faith and it was God’s will to heal the lame man.  It is only possible through faith.

Restoration vv.17-24

All must repent and be restored, reborn, and renewed from our past life!

Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Legacy vv.25-26

You are the legacy of God!  You are the fulfillment of the prophecy given to Abraham.  Because of Jesus you are turned from your wickedness to Christ, the legacy of faith in Christ!  Thank of the joy you have, you’re not able to contain yourself, therefore, everyone will see your joy!

Psalm 78:4 “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”