We continue our study of the book of Acts with Chapter 3, where we see Peter and John going to the temple where they encounter a man lame from birth begging for alms at the gate called Beautiful. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Peter commands him to rise up and walk. Taking the lame man by the right hand and lifting him up, the man is healed instantly and completely. Walking, leaping, and praising God, he accompanies Peter and John into the temple to the wonder and amazement of the crowd. On Solomon's porch, Peter explains that the healing occurred by faith in the name of Jesus. God has glorified His Servant Jesus, the Holy One and the Just, the Prince of life, whom they denied and killed, but whom God raised from the dead as witnessed by Peter and John. While their crimes were done in ignorance, even foretold and fulfilled by God, they are commanded to repent and turn. Those that do are promised to have their sins blotted out and experience other blessings from Jesus who will remain in heaven until the times of restoration of all things. (Mark Copeland)

As you study this chapter, consider the following questions as an aid to gaining a better understanding of it. Put yourself in the place of the disciples.

1. In Acts 3:1, we see Peter and John headed to the temple to pray at the ninth hour. What other occasions have the two apostles been together? What was the ninth hour?
2. In Acts 3:2, we find a man lame from birth being carried to a gate called Beautiful. What was Beautiful? Why was the man taken there? Do you recall any references to gates by Jesus?
3. In Acts 3:6, we see Peter’s response to the beggar who asked him and John for alms. Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” What do you believe Peter had to give the man? What is the significance of Jesus’s name? What did Jesus instruct his followers in the use of his name?
4. In Acts 3:7-10, we read of the man being healed and his response and the response of others to this miracle. How was this beggar’s life changed? In what way is this a parable of all our lives? How was this healing a fulfilment both of Old Testament and New Testament prophecy?
5. In Acts 3:11-26 we see Peter addressing the people in Solomon’s Portico, telling them about the miracle that has taken place. What is special about the sermon?
6. In Acts 3:13 we see him speaking of Jesus as being the “servant” of “the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob”. What is the significance of these words?
7. In Acts 3:17, Peter tells the people they acted in ignorance when they put Jesus to death. In a court of law one cannot plead ignorance of the law to justify one’s crimes. What does the Church say about using ignorance as a defence of one’s sins?
8. In Acts 3:19-20, Peter speaks about repentance. What are the effects of repentance?
9. In Acts 3:22-23, Peter speaks about a prophecy Moses made about the coming Messiah. Where do we find this prophecy and what can we learn from it?
10. In Acts 3:25, quotes another Old Testament prophecy. Where do we find this prophecy and what can we learn from it?