“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.'” Acts 3:6
It was very soon after Pentecost, when the Spirit of God was poured out according to the prophecy of Joel, that Peter and John went together to pray in the temple of Jerusalem. No mention is made of the weather that day, nor of the Roman occupation of Palestine, and Jerusalem. Why? Something far more important than the matter of empires and economies was about to be revealed by God. As the Apostles were approaching the Temple, Scripture tells us that they would be passing by a specific gate. The name of that gate was “Beautiful.” Something is about to transpire at that gate, away from the halls of Roman power, but yet, visible to a certain lame man, who was more than forty years old. This man, whether by friends or family, born lame, would every day be placed at a vantage point at the temple in order to ask for alms, gifts, which would provide for his existence and well-being. This particular day, whether it was every day we do not know, he was placed at this gate called, “Beautiful.” Why is this fact mentioned twice in this narrative? Most certainly because God is about to do something that corresponded, even exceeded, the meaning of the name. It would be beautiful beyond expression.
For some reason, we do not know exactly why, the Spirit of God not only impressed upon Peter and John that they were to give this man their attention, but that both of them were to specifically act on this man’s behalf. Peter and John “fastened” their eyes upon this man, being fully persuaded, and convinced, in their actions toward him. Peter would address the man by saying the following: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I unto thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Now, why, among all of those in and around the temple, was this man singled out? Why is it that the Spirit of God clearly, convincingly directed Peter and John to address this man in his need, and in such a way that would bring great blessing to the man, and catch the attention of the people, so that Peter could preach to them the gospel?
First of all, in considering the man, there must have been true faith in his heart. We see this by the action of those who daily would bring him to the temple. Secondly, the fact that for years he would approach the temple, to be placed there specifically, indicates that he feared God. We do not know what the prayer life of this man, and his friends and family, was, but we do know that, as Jesus responded to the woman with the issue of blood in the crowd, singling her out because of her faith, so this man is singled out to receive the blessing of God. Thirdly, it is interesting that this man, absolultely helpless and hopeless with regard to his physical condition, similar to the condition of Abraham and Sarah, when they were very old, and beyond the years when they could have children, there is no mention of sin here. This does not mean that Christ did not need to meet this need, but it is not the great issue, or lesson, to be learned specifically here. Here is a man who has had over forty years to pray, seek God, call upon Him, and ask to be placed at the gate called Beautiful, because he sought the God who was, and is, Beautiful. The hope of this man, though certainly tried over the years, was ever looking, ever anticipating, the beautiful, wonderful work of God. What was the result?
When Peter took him by the right hand, and lifted him up, his feet and ankle bones received strength. He then worshipped by walking, leaping, and praising God.
Dear Father, Take our hand today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.