Introduction

Acts 3:1–10: For the remainder of this month, we will be reading selected passages from the book of Acts. Also known as the Acts of the Apostles, it describes how Jesus’s early followers, led by the Holy Spirit, spread the good news about him. In today’s reading, Peter and John—two of Jesus’s first apostles—encounter a lame man begging for money, outside the Temple, and Peter heals him.

Today’s Key Verse: Acts 3:6 GNT

Peter said to him, “I have no money at all, but I give you what I have in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I order you to get up and walk!”

Read

3 One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o’clock in the afternoon, the hour for prayer. 2 There at the Beautiful Gate, as it was called, was a man who had been lame all his life. Every day he was carried to the gate to beg for money from the people who were going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John going in, he begged them to give him something. 4 They looked straight at him, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So he looked at them, expecting to get something from them. 6 But Peter said to him, “I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I order you to get up and walk!” 7 Then he took him by his right hand and helped him up. At once the man’s feet and ankles became strong; 8 he jumped up, stood on his feet, and started walking around. Then he went into the Temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. 9 The people there saw him walking and praising God, 10 and when they recognized him as the beggar who had sat at the Beautiful Gate, they were all surprised and amazed at what had happened to him.

Reflect

According to Leviticus 21, people with physical ailments, such as this man had, were considered unfit to enter the Temple. How did the people react when they saw that the man was healed (verses 9–10)? How does Peter’s healing of the man at the Beautiful Gate demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus? In what ways do you experience the power of faith?

Pray

Lord Jesus, continue to guide me each day so that my faith increases. Teach me to share your love, compassion, and hope with all people. In your holy name, I pray Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 3:11–26: Peter speaks in the Temple.