The story of the man who was healed by Peter and John and began “walking and leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:8) contains important lessons for all believers. Though the actual miracle was unique, the principles and spiritual truths revealed in this account remain relevant today. By exploring the context, characters, and content of Acts 3:1-10, we can gain insight into faith, healing, evangelism, and worship.
Context of the Healing
To properly understand this healing, we must first consider the context. Acts 3 opens by locating the events at the temple in Jerusalem (v.1). Peter and John were going there to pray at the accustomed ninth hour, or 3:00 pm. As they approached, they encountered a man lame from birth being carried to beg for alms (vv. 2-3). That he was lame from birth and reduced to begging underscores the hopelessness of his condition. Yet God was about to powerfully transform his life.
The broader context is also essential. The healing occurs in the early days of the church after the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2). The apostles are just beginning their Spirit-empowered ministry. The miracle demonstrates that though Jesus had ascended, His power remained at work through them (Acts 1:8). God was confirming His word and the name of Jesus Christ through signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; 3:6, 16; 4:30).
The Healed Man
Though unnamed, the healed man plays a central role in the narrative. As a beggar unable to walk since birth, he represents complete helplessness and desperation. He could do nothing to help himself.
Yet Acts 3:2 notes that he was “carried” to the temple gate daily to seek alms. Though disabled, he did not isolate himself but joined the religious life of his community. This suggests he had some measure of faith and hope. When Peter commands him to walk in Jesus’ name, he readily responds in obedience and is instantly healed (vv. 6-8). His response illustrates the power of faith to activate blessing (Mark 5:34).
The man’s dramatic response also shows his exuberance and gratitude. He entered the temple with Peter and John “walking and leaping and praising God” (v. 8). His joyful worship testified to God’s goodness. This models how we should respond to God’s blessings with heartfelt praise.
Peter and John
A key lesson is the apostles’ compassion and willingness to help someone in need. Though headed to pray, they took time to address the man’s situation. Peter’s command to “look at us” (v. 4) suggests making eye contact and paying full attention to the man. Despite his desperate state, they saw him as a person worthy of dignity and care.
Their power to heal also flows from their relationship with Jesus. Peter makes clear that it is through faith in “His name” that the man is made strong (v. 16). They understood their inability apart from Christ. Peter later testified, “we have no power to perform miracles by ourselves. We are merely instruments that God uses to show His greatness” (Acts 14:15). All glory for the miracle belonged to Jesus.
The Content of the Healing
The core content is seen in Peter’s command: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” (v. 6). This reveals key truths about divine healing. First, it is Jesus Himself who heals. The apostles knew they were only channels of His power. Second, healing comes by calling on His name in faith. The power resides in Jesus Himself. We must look to Him alone.
The healing was also instant and complete. The man immediately “leaped up” (v. 8). There was no gradual recovery but an immediate strengthening of ankles and feet that had never functioned in over 40 years (4:22). This underscores Jesus’ unlimited power. He is able to fully restore in an instant what was broken from birth.
The Man’s Response of Praise
The healed man responds with exuberant praise and thanksgiving. The fact that he entered the temple “walking and leaping and praising God” vividly conveys his joy and gratitude. His first impulse was to worship God for this amazing blessing.
Several key principles emerge here. First, God seeks those who will praise Him from upright hearts (Psalm 15:1-2). Our most fundamental calling is to glorify God (1 Cor 10:31). Second, God delights in the sincere praise of His people more than ritualistic religion (Psalm 69:30-31; Isaiah 29:13). The man’s heartfelt praise pleased God more than mere routine.
Third, our praise is God’s due for all His goodness. The man did not deserve healing, but God graciously gave it. Praise recognizes and thanks God for undeserved grace. Fourth, praise demonstrates faith. By praising God first, the man affirmed his confidence that this miracle was by God’s hand alone. His praise was rooted in faith.
Fifth, praise bears witness to others. The man’s exuberant worship within the temple compound pointed others to the source of healing – Jesus. His praise testified that Jesus had powerfully transformed his life. Our praise witnesses to God’s goodness and glory.
Implications for Us
This account holds rich implications for our lives today. We see modelled the compassion and gracious words believers should extend to those in need. Though we may lack apostolic healing gifts, we can help through practical aid and words of hope from Scripture. We also learn of prayer’s priority – even amid ministry, the apostles first went to the temple to seek God. Prayer must undergird all we do.
The central lesson is that only Jesus Christ can fundamentally transform a life. First century culture despised disabilities; this man was utterly marginalized. But Jesus did not overlook him. His gracious healing reminds us to see others as He does. People matter supremely to God. Those we might disregard, He loves and longs to restore.
This account also reminds us of Jesus’ complete sufficiency. He possesses all authority and ability to meet our every need (Matt 28:18; Phil 4:19). We must look to Him alone, not human solutions. When we call upon His name in faith, He freely provides “above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). We can trust Him fully for every need.
Finally, we learn the centrality of worship. Like the healed man, we must respond to God’s goodness with heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. More than ritual observance, God desires expressions of authentic devotion. May this account inspire us to live with faith in Christ, compassion for others, and overflowing worship!