Page 35 - acts_study_book1

The primary purpose of miracles, signs, and wonders is for the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8).

THE LAME MAN’S DAILY ROUTINE

Act 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at
the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Being laid at the temple gate has been the lame man’s daily routine for many years. He is placed

at the opening of the temple at the main gate, and all who entered the temple pass by him. If
Peter and John had not seen the lame man on this particular day, he would have been seen on
many days preceding it.

This man and his condition are well known outside of the temple. Religion has not helped him,
but the power of Jesus stands in opposition to religion on this day even as it had during His earthly
ministry.

As the man sits at the gate, many pass him on their way into the temple, especially at the hour
of prayer when the gate gets very busy. As people pass, the man asks for a small portion of the
money they are going to offer in the temple. Their alms are what keep him alive.

Outward problems, like this man’s dependency on alms, always have a root cause, and this man
does not fully realize that cause. It is not his lack of money, but his lameness. His financial
situation is a result of his problem, not the problem itself. Peter and John minister to the root of
his problem.

Act 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

This man asks to be rid of the symptoms, but Peter and John are going to remedy the cause.

Act 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

While John and Peter are standing there, the lame man is probably looking beyond Peter and
John and trying to catch the attention of others. The man has given them a glance after catching
their attention and expects to receive money, but at the same time continues speaking to others.
Peter now asks the man to put his attention on them. Faith always demands our full attention.

FAITH DEMANDS ATTENTION

Act 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

The lame man’s faith is in operation, even if it was for money. Peter uses his attention and simply
diverts it toward the Lord; the lame man expects to receive.