Acts 3:1-10
The Gate Called Beautiful
Read the passage
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
Read aloud
Peter and John go to the temple at the hour of prayer. A man who has been unable to walk from birth is carried to the gate called Beautiful each day to ask for money. When he sees the apostles, he asks them too.
Peter and John look directly at him. Peter says he has no silver or gold, but gives a command in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth: get up and walk. Taking the man's right hand, he helps him up. His feet and ankles become strong immediately.
The man springs up and enters the temple courts with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. People recognize the man they have seen begging. Their amazement concerns someone they know, whose condition has changed before them.
The name Peter speaks matters. He does not credit his own ability or offer a method anyone can use to produce a miracle. This act points to the power of Jesus. The man asked for money and received strength to walk; his praise returns to God.
Questions
1 Where were Peter and John going?
AnswerThey were going to the temple at the established hour of prayer, carrying on worship while the risen Jesus’ name was changing their ministry.
2 What did the man ask for?
AnswerHe asked them for money from those entering the temple, expecting ordinary charity rather than a miracle.
3 What did Peter give him?
AnswerHe commanded him in Jesus’ name to rise and walk, then took him by the hand and helped him stand as God restored his strength.
4 How did the healed man respond?
AnswerHe entered the temple walking and leaping, praising God openly; his healed body became a public witness to Jesus’ power.
What This Means for Us
Peter and John give their attention to someone many people pass each day. We can begin there too: notice a person, listen to what they ask, and consider what help we can give.
We should not promise a healing that God has not promised us. This particular sign reveals Jesus' power; it does not make ongoing disability evidence of weak faith. Pray for people who are ill or disabled, respect what they tell you, and offer useful help.
The healed man praises God. When we receive help, gratitude can turn our attention toward the giver of every good thing, including when that help comes through ordinary care.
Prayer
Jesus, give us eyes to see people who are overlooked. Make us willing to help in your name and humble enough to let praise return to you. Amen.