The healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple may not have been the first miracle which had been worked by the Apostles since the Day of Pentecost; but it is mentioned here because it brought the Apostles under the notice of the Jewish rulers, and it resulted in the first serious opposition to the Christian Church.
The description of this miracle is interesting, instructive, and dramatically vivid. The agents through whom the marvel is done are Peter and John. Just as in the Gospel-narrative, they are united in closest fellowship with Christ; so also, we find them here as companions in the leadership of His Church. These two Apostles “were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer.” Surely it would be well for all the people of God to always have their fixed places and times for prayer.
They are about to pass from the outer to the inner court of the Temple. Their way leads through the gate which was called Beautiful, because of its superb doors of Corinthian bronze. Their attention is drawn to a poor cripple who has been lame from his birth. For years, he has been carried daily to this public place so that he might have opportunity “to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.” When he makes his appeal to the Apostles, his hopes are aroused by the reply of Peter: “Look on us.” Then he is startled as he hears the words, “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.” Peter meant, of course, that he had for the man something even more valuable than the silver and gold that he was begging for; he offered him healing in the name of Christ – that is, in virtue of all that had been revealed and declared concerning Christ as the living, Divine Savior. To this promise, the faith of the cripple made an instant response! Peter “took him by the right hand, and raised him up” – not to strengthen his feet, but his faith – “and leaping up, he stood, and began to walk; and he entered into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him … and they were filled with wonder and amazement.” It was indeed a notable cure! The man was well-known; there were countless witnesses to identify him; he had been a cripple for over 40 years; and he was given perfect healing in an instant of time, as he put his trust in the living Christ.
It is not unwise to dwell upon the truths which such a narrative may symbolize. The whole human race may be pictured as lying outside the Temple of true life, of real service, and of actual worship. Weak and helpless and hopeless, mankind is in need of the transforming power which comes to all those who put their trust in Christ. Men have less need of alms than of spiritual renewal. It is the duty of the Church to stretch out the right hand in loving ministry, and to offer relief and to express sympathy; but she must do so “in the name of Jesus Christ,” and inspire faith in Him alone Who can heal and save!
The notable miracle which had been done at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple provided Peter with an eager audience, and it also gave him a proof of the truth which he wished to establish. To the throng gathered in the great portico on the eastern side of the Temple, Peter delivered his second recorded sermon. The theme (verses 12-18) of this message was the same as it had been on the Day of Pentecost – namely, the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Servant of God, and the Divine Savior. Pointing to the man who had been healed, Peter declares that this marvel had been produced by no power of his own, but only by faith in Jesus; it was this faith which had given healing to the cripple. This Jesus had been “delivered up” and “killed,” but such a miracle of healing – worked by no human wisdom – was a certain proof that He had indeed risen from the dead and was manifesting His Divine presence and power.
The call to repentance (verses 19-21) naturally follows. It is brief and serious; yet it is enforced by no threat, but based upon most gracious promises. These point to blessings both individual and universal, both for the immediate present and also for the distant future. If the people would sincerely repent of their unbelief and turn from their evil ways, their sins would be blotted out; and – more marvelous still! – Peter promises that Jesus Christ will come back again from heaven, and that the whole world will experience the glad “times of restoration” which all the poets and prophets had sung about. Forgiveness of sins has been made possible by the first coming of Christ, by His sufferings and death; but universal blessing is conditioned upon His appearing a second time. Every repentant believer prays for the hastening of that day.
An appeal to Scripture (verses 22-26) closes the sermon, and it bases both its warnings and its promises upon the words of Moses and the prophets. Even the great lawgiver had specifically predicted the coming of Christ, and he had declared the doom of all who refuse to accept Him. However, “all the prophets from Samuel” had foretold the present days of grace; they had spoken of the atoning work of Christ, and of His coming glory. The promises of blessing were for “all the families of the earth”; but first of all, the offer of salvation had come to Israel. To them, Christ had been sent to bless them, by turning every one of them from his sins. The same Savior is still being presented to us today; His appointed messengers declare His pardoning grace, the peril of rejecting Him, and the possibility of sharing the blessedness of His perfect heavenly Kingdom.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your promise of times of refreshing. Hasten that time when all things shall be restored and reorganized under Your dominion! Amen.
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