In this message, we examine one of the most powerful moments in the early church. Through the healing of a lame man at the temple gate, we discover timeless principles that mark churches empowered by God. These truths remain relevant for believers today who long to see God move powerfully in their communities.
They Were Concerned About the Needs of One Man
Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 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 (Acts 3:1-2, KJV).
As Peter and John approached the temple, they noticed this man who had been lame from birth and who was carried daily to beg for alms. They saw his hurt, felt compassion for him, and took time to address his need. Peter fastened his eyes upon him with John and said, Look on us. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength (Acts 3:4-7, KJV).
This act of compassion occurred even as the church grew rapidly from 120 to more than 5,000 believers. In the midst of caring for thousands, the apostles remained attentive to the need of one individual. Those who prove most effective at reaching the many remain passionate about reaching the one. Personal stories remind us of this truth. A single coworker who noticed a struggling marriage and invited a family to church set in motion generations of ministry, including salvations and calls to preach.
A powerful church begins when individual believers notice the hurting person at the gas station, in the workplace, at the lunch counter, or in their own neighbourhood. Canada will be reached for Christ one person at a time as believers live for God’s purpose of seeking and saving the lost.
They Were Consumed With the Name of Jesus
The name of Jesus stands as the central theme of this account. Peter declared, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk (Acts 3:6, KJV). Later he explained to the crowd, And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong (Acts 3:16, KJV). When questioned by the Sanhedrin, Peter boldly stated, By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole (Acts 4:10, KJV). The opponents of the gospel recognised the power in that name and commanded the apostles not to speak or teach at all in this name (Acts 4:17-18, KJV).
The early disciples used the name of Jesus because they knew His person intimately and trusted His power completely. They could not help but speak of Him. When the name of Jesus was preached, people were saved. When it was declared, demons fled. When it was magnified, revival broke out and entire regions heard the gospel.
Today many believers have lost confidence in the power of that name. Yet the conditions we face are no worse than those faced by the apostles in Rome or Corinth. The name of Jesus remains powerful, and churches consumed with it will see God work in remarkable ways.
They Were Committed To the Glory of God
When the healed man began walking, leaping, and praising God, the people ran together greatly wondering. Peter immediately deflected attention from himself and John: Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? (Acts 3:12, KJV). He directed all glory to the God of Abraham and to His Son Jesus.
Peter and John refused to take credit for the miracle. They sent the blessing and praise right back to God. Pride stops the flow of God’s power, for the Lord will not share His glory with another. When God sends blessings and power, His people must return honour and praise to Him alone.
There is no limit to what God can do through a man, a woman, or a church that gives Him all the credit. If every member of our church were as concerned for the lost, as bold with the name of Jesus, and as committed to God’s glory as we ourselves are, what kind of church would this be?
Conclusion
God’s power remains available today for those who live for His purpose. May we become a church concerned about the needs of one person, consumed with the name of Jesus, and committed to the glory of God alone. As we respond in obedience this week, may God move powerfully in our lives, our families, our church, and across our nation for the honour of Christ.
