Study #3 Acts 3:1-23 & 4:13-22
Recap
In our last study, we explored the response to and impact of Pentecost in Acts 2. We saw that everything happened according to God’s plan and that many came to faith because of the miracle and Peter’s first sermon. Peter called those who were “cut to the heart” to “repent and be baptized,” and we caught a glimpse of the earliest church’s communal life. The Spirit was clearly at work in amazing ways, both seen and unseen.
Introduction
This week, we continue our story of Jesus and the Holy Spirit at work in the early church,
We are going to read through Acts 3. As we do, it is helpful to keep Jesus’ words from John's gospel in mind.
In John 14:12-14, while in the upper room, Jesus said to his disciples, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Today’s story is the first clear example of the disciples doing what Jesus did—through the power of his name and for his glory. Once they begin to act like him, they also begin to preach like him.
As we read Acts, keep this passage from John in mind. It’s a lens for understanding the book: over and over, the disciples do what Jesus did, through the power of his name. Luke highlights these moments to show that even though Jesus is in heaven, he continues to work through his followers—the church.
With that in mind, let’s read this week’s passage.
Read Acts Acts 3:1-23 &4:13-22
(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)
Three Quick Questions:
Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?
Questions for Diving Deeper
In Acts 3:1–10, the disciples heal a crippled man. This story echoes some of Jesus’ healings. Read Luke 5:17–26 and/or Mark 2:1–12.
What connections do you notice?
What is different?
What stands out?
After the miracle, Peter preaches again, recounting Jesus’ story. How does this sermon compare to his sermon in Acts 2?
What’s different?
What’s similar?
Why do you think Luke is so quick to record another sermon?
“Reread verse 16. According to Peter, what was the true source of power behind this healing?
Why do you think he made sure to point people to Jesus’ name instead of letting them focus on him and John?”
In 3:19, Peter calls for repentance, and he describes three gifts that come from repentance.
How might those same gifts shape the way we think about repentance in our own lives today?
In 4:13, Peter and John are described as ordinary, unschooled men. They often didn’t understand Jesus’ work in the gospel accounts, but now they seem transformed.
What caused this change? How could this same change happen in our lives today?
In 4:18-21, we see the first resistance to the proclamation of the Gospel in the book of Acts, but the disciples remain strong, saying, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Are there times when it feels hard to speak openly about your faith? What helps you remain strong in those moments?
Benediction:
If you are using the daily offices, save this till the end
May the God who makes the blind see, and the lame walk, strengthen us, with the goodness of his love, and send us out in the power of his name, to love and serve him, wherever we go. Amen.
