Today’s passage: Acts 3:1-10
Helpful thoughts:
- The “Ninth hour” is 3 p.m. When you see hours written this way in Scripture, just count from 6 a.m.
- The Jews had three daily times of prayer; 9 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m.
- This miracle, done in the name of Jesus, took immediate and whole effect. No smoke and mirrors, no ushering of the healed back-stage…it was a real, open, observed by believers and unbelievers alike, miracle.
- The lame man expected to receive something (Verse 5), but it wasn’t a complete physical healing. His faith is not what made him well. His healing would serve to authenticate the message of the Apostle Peter in the next verses.
Questions to consider:
- What are the differences between this healing and those “performed” by modern day “faith-healers?” (Hint: the four characteristics of this healing were; 1.) It was not expected. 2.) It was done in the name of Jesus. 3.) It was instantaneous. 4.) It was complete.)
- What impact did the healing have on the now formerly lame man? What impact would his jumping and leaping and praising God have on the crowd who had been in a posture of prayer? Was the healing itself the climax of the day or what was to come after it?
- What is the ultimate healing we all need that far surpasses any physical healing we may desire? What is Isaiah 53:5 actually talking about? What problem did Christ’s death solve?