On Sunday, we continued our sermon series, Multiply: The Book of Acts. Pastor Michael preached on Acts 3:1-26, where we read of a miracle performed and Peter’s bold proclamation of the gospel. As we heard the word preached, we were reminded of the message we are called to proclaim: Jesus alone can restore our brokenness and forgive our sins.

In the passage, we see that Peter and John encountered a lame man asking for alms from those who entered the temple. Peter spoke to the man, not merely to give him alms, but to command him in the name of Jesus Christ to rise up and walk. Miraculously, the man was healed! 

The people were amazed when they saw the man, a person whom they recognized as lame, walking and praising God. They gathered around him, astonished. This miracle provided Peter the opportunity to proclaim the gospel to the people and call them to repentance.

Peter made it clear that it was not by his or John’s power or piety that the man had been healed. He brought their focus to Jesus, the Author of life, whom they had killed and God had raised from the dead. Peter made clear that the name of Jesus, by faith in His name, had brought healing to the once lame man. As Peter spoke to the Jews, he brought their attention to how Moses, Samuel, and all the prophets who came after Samuel spoke of these days. Peter called them — the sons of the prophets — to repent.

In his sermon, Michael noted three purposes of miracles like the one described in this passage: they reveal the Messianic age has come, anticipate the kingdom to come, and confirm the message of the gospel. The miracle of the healing of the lame man revealed that the Messiah had come, and it anticipated a time when all would be made right. It confirmed the message of the gospel and gave Peter the opportunity to call those around him to repentance.

We can learn much from Peter’s evangelism. We, likewise, should bring people’s focus to Jesus, be honest about sin, and call people to respond to Christ. Doing so can be hard, and the gospel may offend, but it’s a joy to be able to share the good news with others. Nobody we cross paths with is insignificant, and the gospel must be declared. Let’s be faithful with the message of salvation.

Resources:

• Why We Share the Gospel - John Piper

• Do You Get Excited About Evangelism? - Randy Newman

Reflection Questions:

• Read Acts 3. What stands out to you about how Peter spoke to the people?

• How do you treat people who don’t do anything for you?

• Do you treat sharing the gospel as an urgent matter?

Listen to the Sermon:

• The Author of Life - Acts 3:1-26