A Study of Acts : Chapter 3

INTRODUCTION.

A.        In our study of Acts 2, we saw six important events:

1.         The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles as was promised by Jesus.

2.         Peter explained the miraculous events were a fulfillment of the prophecy written in Joel 2:28-32.

3.         Peter reminded the people of Jesus of Nazareth.

4.         The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, the promise of salvation.

5.         Those who obeyed continued in worship and serving the Lord.

6.         The Lord continued to add to the church those who were being saved.

B.        In Acts 3, we will see a miracle used to confirm the word as well as a gospel lesson calling for repentance and conversion

C.        Let us begin our examination of Acts 3.

I.         THE HEALING OF THE LAME MAN.

            A.        As Peter and John were going to the temple at the hour of prayer, they came across a lame man asking for alms (donations). (Acts 3:1-3)

            B.        Peter and John gave the man what they had available. Peter lifted up the man and the lame man was healed. The people who saw the lame man walking were filled with wonder and amazement. (Acts 3:4-11)

II.       PETER PREACHES TO THE PEOPLE.

            A.        Peter began by asking the people why they marveled at the miracle. Peter then told the people about Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:12-15)

                        1.         The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob glorified Jesus. (v 13)

                        2.         The God of their fathers glorified Jesus. (v 13)

                        3.         Peter referred to Jesus as:

                                    a.         The Holy One. (v 14)

                                    b.         The Just. (v 14)

                                    c.         The Prince of Life. (v 15)

                        4.         God raised Jesus from the dead. (v 15)

                        5.         Peter charged the people with sin.

                                    a.         The people delivered up Jesus. (v 13)

                                    b.         The people denied Jesus, the Holy One. (v 13,14)

                                    c.         The people asked for a murderer to be released. (v 14)

                                    d.         The people killed the Prince of Life. (v 15)

            B.        Peter then explained that the lame man was made strong through faith in Jesus’s name. (v 16)

            C.        While the people and the rulers crucified Jesus “in ignorance,” their actions were a fulfillment of prophecies. (v 17-18)

            D.        Peter called for the people to repent and be converted. By doing such, God would blot out the sins of the people and prepare them for Jesus’s return. (3:19-26)

                        1.         In verse 21, Peter said, “. . . which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” (v 21)

                        2.         Peter used Moses as a specific example. (v 22-23)

                        3.         Peter also referred to Samuel, and those who followed him, as having foretold those days. (v 24)

                        4.         Peter explained that the people were “sons” of the prophets and “sons” of the covenant God made with Abraham. God sent Jesus first to the Jews to bless them in turning them away from their iniquities or wickedness. (v 25-26)

III.      KEY EVENTS FROM THIS CHAPTERS.

            A.        Key Event # 1: The healing of the lame man is a specific example of God confirming the word through the use of miracles. (Acts 3:4-11)

                        1.         God used miraculous works to confirm the word being taught by the apostles. (Hebrews 2:3-4)

                        2.         In Acts 2:43 we read, “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” (NKJV) The healing of the lame man was just one of many “wonders and signs” done through the apostles.

                        3.         This healing caused great amazement among the people.

            B.        Key Event # 2: Peter declared to the people the glorification of Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:12-15)

                        1.         The Bible is filled with passages which talk about the glorification and exaltation of Jesus Christ. Consider the following examples:

                                    a.         “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33, NKJV)

                                    b.         “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:30-31, NKJV)

                                    c.         “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV)

                        2.         Let us teach the world about the glory and exaltation of Jesus Christ.

            C.        Key Event # 3: Peter convicted the people of their sin. Peter instructed the people to repent and be converted. (Acts 3:13-15)

                        1.         Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world. (John 16:7-11)

                        2.         The Holy Spirit continues to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the written word of God. This is why we must teach others about Jesus Christ and God’s will that all men repent and not perish. (cf. 2 Peter 3:9)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Acts chapter 3 closes with Peter’s “second” gospel lesson.

B.        Acts 4 will pick up where chapter 3 left off. We will see how the people responded to Peter’s message of repentance and conversion.

A Study of Acts : Chapter 3 -- August 15, 2004 -- File # 705 - Acts of the Apostles

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK