One day Peter and John. These two worked together. The Jewish Christians naturally made the temple the center of their worship, and continued to keep many of the rituals (Acts 21:20-21). They also made new disciples among the crowds in the temple court.... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE AT THE "BEAUTIFUL GATE." Thought to be the gate which opens toward the Mount of Olives. Charity was nonexistent, and the man was forced to _beg._ Beggars had their best prospects at the temple.... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE NO MONEY AT ALL. Peter had not made himself rich. [Compare 1 Timothy 6:3-5.] IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. The miracles were done in the name of Christ. Note the incident in Acts 19:14-17.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HELPED HIM UP. Faith is action! Note _when_ the man's feet and ankles became strong.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE JUMPED UP. This shows his happiness!... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH SURPRISE AND AMAZEMENT. The beggar was well known by the people, and they saw him "walking and jumping and praising God.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND RAN TO THEM. The healing draws a crowd!... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN PETER SAW THE PEOPLE. Here was an opportunity to proclaim the Good News of God's act in Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB. The God whom they and their ancestors worshiped. TO HIS SERVANT JESUS. Peter sees in Jesus, the _fulfilled promise_ of God to Abraham. God _has given_ glory to Jesus. But these people had killed him (Acts 3:15).... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD. Peter and the others were chosen witnesses of this fact. See Acts 10:41; 1 Corinthians 15:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
IT WAS THE POWER OF HIS NAME. On the basis of faith in his name. His name is not a _charm_ for driving out evil spirits (Acts 19:13). When nine of his apostles could not drive out a demon, Jesus said: _"It was because you do not have enough faith "_ (Matthew 17:19-20).... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE OF YOUR IGNORANCE. _"Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing"_ (Luke 23:34).... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD LONG AGO ANNOUNCED. It is a paradox that God _knows_ before it happens and announces through the prophets, yet gives every man _free will_ and allows him to choose.... [ Continue Reading ]
REPENT, THEN, AND TURN TO GOD. Both verbs are _active_ [not passive] and are to be understood as requiring action on their part. Compare James 4:8; John 3:14-15. This verse is the counterpart of Acts 2:38_. Repent_ is an act of the mind [heart] in which you turn _from_ sin _ta_ God. TOM to GOD. This... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTIL THE TIME COMES. Christ must reign (1 Corinthians 15:25) during the Gospel Age, until the time for the New Heavens and New Earth (2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1-4).... [ Continue Reading ]
AND DESTROYED. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. The Jews could be saved only through Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
ALSO ANNOUNCED THESE PRESENT DAYS. The promise of the Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ, and Peter identifies this fulfillment with the time they were right then living in! Compare Acts 2:16-17.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PROMISES. ARE FOR YOU. Compare Galatians 3:8; Galatians 3:16_; Romans 3._ The Good News of God's act in Christ was first presented to the Jews. Notice God's Servant [Jesus Christ] would bless them by making them turn away from their wicked ways. He blesses us all in the same way!... [ Continue Reading ]