Our Daily Dose
Day 221 of 365 · Week 32 · The Proverbs of Solomon
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The Healing of the Lame Beggar
Acts 3:1-10
Scripture · Acts 3:1-10
1One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. 8He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they recognized him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
The healing of the lame beggar by Peter and John at the temple gate serves as a powerful demonstration of the continuing work of Jesus through His apostles. This miracle not only brings physical healing to the man but also opens the door for the proclamation of the gospel to the crowds in Jerusalem. This event underscores the transformative power of the name of Jesus and the role of miracles in confirming the message of the gospel.
Exegesis and Study
- The Power of Jesus’ Name: Peter’s declaration, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk,” highlights the central theme that it is through Jesus’ name— representing His authority and power—that the miracle is
performed. This miracle serves as a public testimony to the power of the risen Christ and affirms that the apostles are continuing Jesus’ mission through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
- The Response of Praise: The healed man’s response—walking, jumping, and praising God—illustrates the joy and transformation that comes from encountering the power of God. His immediate reaction is one of worship, which also draws the attention of others, setting the stage for Peter to preach the gospel to the onlookers.
Practical Application
- Living in the Power of Jesus’ Name: The healing of the lame beggar reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we have access to the power of His name. While not all of us are called to perform miraculous healings, we are all called to live and act in the authority of Jesus’ name, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Practically, this might mean praying boldly for others, sharing the gospel with confidence, or serving in ways that reflect Christ’s love and power.
- Responding to God’s Work with Praise: The beggar’s response challenges us to recognize and celebrate God’s work in our lives and the lives of others. Whether through answered prayers, acts of kindness, or moments of grace, we should be quick to praise God and give Him the glory. This also serves as a witness to those around us, pointing them to the reality of God’s power and presence.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for the Boldness to Act in Jesus’ Name: Ask God to give you the boldness to act in the power and authority of Jesus’ name, whether through prayer, service, or sharing the gospel. Pray for opportunities to bring God’s healing and hope to others in your community.
- Pray for a Heart of Praise: Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and in the lives of those around you. Pray for a heart that is quick to recognize and respond to God’s goodness with praise and worship, drawing others to Him through your testimony.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
Read the full book in the KOS Library →
Read the full book in the KOS Library →
Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.