Peter Preaches and Then Heals a Listener
The second sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 3:1-4:4 (specifically, Acts 3:12-26). After he speaks, Peter heals a lame man.
Setting: Jerusalem, in the temple
Speaker: Peter
Audience: Jews
Preceding Events: Peter, through the power of Jesus, heals a lame man who was crippled from birth.
Overall Theme: Jesus, God’s servant, was foretold in the Old Testament. His execution at the hands of ignorant people was part of God’s plan, as was his rising from the dead.
Scripture Quoted: Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, 19, Genesis 22:18; 26:4
Central Teaching: Jesus’ name has the power to heal.
Subsequent Events: Peter is interrupted by the temple guards and he and John are thrown in prison, yet thousands more believe in Jesus.
Key Lesson: A miraculous healing provides an opportunity for truth about Jesus to be shared, which results in mass conversions.
If, at church, you saw a wheelchair-bound man get up and walk, what would you think?
Should healing others in Jesus’s name be a normal occurrence? Consider how the biblical account can better inform our perspectives, expectations, and actions today.
This post is from the series “Sermons in the book of Acts.” Read about sermon #1 or sermon #3.
Read more about the book of Acts in Tongues of Fire: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church from the Book of Acts, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.