The Standard September 26, 2026
“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now 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 going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:1-10
When this lame man got up on this particular morning, perhaps his biggest wish was that the templegoers would be generous to him. Silver and gold might have been the best for which he could have hoped. Of course, what God gave him through the faith of Peter and John was infinitesimally better than riches. Those who have faced severe medical issues understand how insignificant money is in comparison to good health.
We do not know if this lame man ever had heard or seen Jesus. Since he was brought every day to the Jerusalem temple gate called Beautiful, it is possible. Perhaps he heard of the miracles that Jesus had performed and of the commotion surrounding Christ’s teachings, death, and resurrection, but maybe he had not.
Peter goes on to explain to the men of Israel that the lame man was not healed due to his own or John’s power or piety. He lists some of the horrible things the Jewish leaders had done to the Messiah, but how God raised Christ from the dead.
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16
Jesus gave all twelve apostles the power to heal. We see here an example of Peter and John acting on it. A man who had spent his entire life not being able to walk had a life-changing day. The people who saw were amazed. If ever there were a reason to walk and leap and praise God, this was it.
