Page 25 - Acts Student Textbook

How did the miracle happen? (3:3-7)

The man's motive was originally only monetary (3:3, 5). They wanted his undivided attention ("look
at us" (3:4) blepō is in an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE form). Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ, The
Nazarene" (3:6). Uttly says, "’Name’" is a Hebrew idiom which speaks of one's character, authority,
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or power (cf. Luke 9:48,49; 10:17; 21:12,17; 24:47).” Finally Peter said "walk" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE
IMPERATIVE. Peter and John, like Jesus, used a chance encounter to demonstrate God's love and power
and also to confirm the gospel message (cf. v. 9). This healing drew the attention of the Jewish
worshipers (cf. v. 12ff). And Luke says "immediately" the miracle happened. This is the Greek term
parachrēma. Luke uses it ten times in his Gospel and six times in Acts (cf. 3:7; 5:10; 12:23; 13:11;
16:26, 33). It is used only twice in Matthew and nowhere else in the NT. It is used several times in the
Septuagint. Luke uses idioms and terms from this Greek translation of the Hebrew OT often. He must
have known the OT well, possibly from his contact with the Apostle Paul or involvement in Christian
catechism with new believers.

How did the general public react?

The evangelist says "They were filled wonder and amazement" Luke uses the term ‘filled’ often.
Humans can be "filled" with many things (i.e., characterized by): (1). the Holy Spirit, Luke 1:15, 41,
67; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9. (2). rage, Luke 4:28; 6:11. (3). fear, Luke 5:26. (4). wonder and
amazement, Acts 3:10. (5). jealousy, Acts 5:17; 13:45. (6). confusion, Acts 19:29. "Wonder and
amazement" These things are also common in Luke's writings: (1). Wonder: thambos, Luke 3:6; 5:9;
Acts 3:10 and ekthambos in 3:11. (2). Amazement: ekstasis, Luke 5:26; Acts 3:10; 10:10; 11:5; 22:17,
existēmi, Luke 2:47; 8:56; 24:22; Acts 2:7,12; 8:9,11; 9:21; 10:45; 12:16.

Peter and John wanted these who were amazed (he got their attention) to be filled with the gospel!
God's love and acts always cause amazement (these Greek words were used in the Septuagint for
fear and awe of God, cf. Gen. 15:12; Exod. 23:27; Deut. 28:28).

Let’s join the second preaching service

3:11-26 - Peter’s Sermon

Peter uses the miracle as an opportunity to preach. He starts, 3:12 "Men of Israel" Peter called them
this in 2:22. Peter is still addressing Jews.

Peter opens with a question:

"why. . .why" Peter asked why they were surprised by a miraculous healing. Had not Jesus performed
these kinds of miracles during the last week of His life? Also, why did they look at Peter and John so
admiringly, as if they did it? This was a sign of the trustworthiness of the gospel and the power of the
name of the resurrected Messiah.

Peter begins with a covenantal language "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob"(3:13). This shows
that Jesus' ministry and the gospel were vitally connected to the Covenant God and Covenant people
of the Old Testament (cf. Exod. 3:6,15; Luke 20:37).

18 Ibid, (Acts 3:6).
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