By Steve Niemeier
Synopsis: In Acts 3-4, a normal day turned into a life-changing day for a man who was born blind, and those who responded to the gospel in faith.
For the lame man, it was just another day. He would be taken to the temple and be laid by the gate that was called Beautiful and do his normal begging in order to make his way through life. For Peter and John, it was also just another day to do what the Lord had trained them to do—teach the gospel to all, whether it be one person at a time or a large group. As they enter the temple, the lame man does what he does—asking alms of passersby. Having been lame from his mother’s womb, he was simply striving to survive. Pleading from Peter and John, he hopes to receive something from them. He didn’t single them out, but was begging from all entering the gate. The response he received from the apostles was not what he was expecting. The gift he received was greater than he could have comprehended.
This story is found in Acts 3. How many times have we read this text and quickly passed over these aforementioned events? I know I have. However, when reading and studying Acts 3-4, especially as it relates to the lame man, I realized that, while many were converted because of the miracle, the underlying story is about carrying the gospel to those that are suffering. Doing so can yield unexpected results.
The answer that the lame man received from Peter and John was wholly unexpected: “Silver and gold, I do not have, but what I do have, I will give you.” Can you imagine the thoughts that must have flashed through the lame man’s mind? “If this man has no silver or gold, what does he have to give?” Peter does not waste any time! Stating that the blessing that he will give is offered “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” he said, “Rise up and walk.” The lame man received more than he asked for—he leaped, stood, walked, and entered the temple! This day was far from normal. It was an extraordinary day when the gospel of Jesus Christ touched a suffering lost soul!
This is where I would usually stop the story. However, it continues, and the significance of this miracle is reflected in the following text. Because of the great gift that had been given to the lame man—leaping, standing, and walking—a gift that could only come from our almighty and wonderful God, others were amazed!
The formerly lame man went around praising God. All the people who were present witnessed this great miracle. Here is where we find another door of opportunity opening for Peter and John. The people were amazed, and as they gathered on Solomon’s portico, Peter began to speak. He starts with a question that would send cold chills up the spines of all who were assembled, believers and unbelievers alike: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this?” A lame man from birth has been healed, and Peter asked why they were marveling at this event? Peter continued with another question: “Why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” The apostles took no credit for this amazing event.
Peter then continued with this answer to his own question: “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.” He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to these people, instructing them to repent and be converted. Many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of those who obeyed grew to about five thousand. Now, that is an amazing story!
At the end of this beautiful and enlightening story, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin. Jewish authorities order them to speak no more in the name of Jesus Christ. However, the apostles will not be silenced. Hear the answer given by the apostles: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Their accusers had no choice but to threaten them and send them on their way. Acts 4:21 states, “So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.” What a powerful account of carrying the gospel to one that was suffering, and how that one event led to many hearing and obeying the gospel of Jesus!
Not long before this event, Peter himself had denied Christ. When Jesus was crucified, all the apostles had gone into hiding. After being filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, they better understood the life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Instead of cowardice, they manifested courage. How can we have the same confidence? We have passages, such as 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, that confirm what Peter and John had seen! That is our basis for courage!
Peter and John were concerned for the lost, and recognized the opportunity to help a suffering soul to know about Jesus Christ, the Great Physician. No matter the physical condition of individuals, their spiritual condition must also be addressed. When we are in a right spiritual condition, then physical issues become a little easier to bear. While we may still suffer physically, believers are filled with the powerful tool of prayer because of their obedience to God through Jesus. If others do not obey the gospel message, at least we have fulfilled our responsibility in teaching the truth, which is the responsibility of every New Testament Christian. May we all develop a greater concern for those who are lost in sin, regardless of what their physical condition may be.
The apostles did not hesitate to tell the lame man they had no silver or gold to share. Many times, we may dig into our pockets to give financial aid to someone who is suffering without considering that the best gift we have to give them is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The reason we do this is maybe we fear being rejected. Remember, if one does not obey the gospel as a result of our teaching, we have not failed. God’s word always accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent. He gives the increase—we are the sowers!
Around the world, many are suffering because of political conflicts and war, financial difficulties, the continuing Covid crisis, serious and terminal health issues, emotional depression, mourning over the loss of loved ones—as well as those struggling to figure out issues about God and what is the truth of His Word. These souls need help from those of us who are New Testament Christians. Let’s manifest a genuine concern for these souls—recognizing their need, taking advantage of opportunities to teach them. Be not afraid, but have compassion for them by sitting down with them and helping them understand the word of God. The Great Physician can bring spiritual healing to those who are suffering!
Will today be just a normal day for the suffering soul with whom you come in contact, or will you make it a very special day—as Peter and John did for the lame man and the 5000 men who obeyed the gospel? Will this be a day of self-absorption or will you go about with a concern for lost souls who are suffering and take advantage of opportunities that God brings you to introduce them to the Great Physician?
