COULD YOU EXPLAIN PETER’S FIRST MIRACLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Apostle Peter’s first miracle recorded in Scripture is in Acts chapter 3. We would do well if we surveyed that account and explained its elements. In doing so, we will better understand what Peter’s ministry, and that of the 12 apostles, is all about.

We read in Acts 3:1-11: “[1] Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. [2] And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; [3] Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. [4] And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. [5] And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. [6] 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. [7] And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. [8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. [9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God: [10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. [11] And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.”

Apostles Peter and John, going to the Temple in Jerusalem to pray at the “ninth hour” (3 P.M.), see a lame man sitting at the Temple gate called “Beautiful.” The man has been lame from birth, unable to walk for over 40 years (Acts 4:22). He begs for goods/money from those who pass by him to enter the Temple. When he asks something of Peter and John, Peter replies, “Look on us!” That is, Peter’s appearance—his clothing especially—was not that of a wealthy individual. Peter and John were just common people, who had recently sold all their material possessions as Jesus commanded (Luke 12:31-34). They were certainly not demanding “deserved personal jets” and “thousand-dollar suits” as many of today’s so-called “ministers (ha!) of Jesus Christ!” But, Peter and John can offer this lame man something. Spiritual healing pictured by physical healing!

By the way, the lame man symbolizes Israel, spiritually impotent from her beginning (dead in her sins; Matthew 1:21; Matthew 18:11). By performing this miracle through Peter, the Holy Ghost is signifying to lost Israel that He can heal them spiritually like He physically restored the lame man. Notice Acts 4:8-12: “[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; [10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Interestingly, in case you did not notice, the Temple gate by which the lame man sat was called “Beautiful” (Acts 3:2). He sat just outside God’s blessings (Israel’s kingdom), but he needed strength to get there. He needed God’s power to raise him up! After Peter healed him, he walked into the Temple, leaping and praising God (verses 8-10).

At His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will heal Israel of her existing lost, impotent state (Acts 3:19-21). As God gave the lame man strength to walk into the Temple, He will empower Israel to rise up in salvation (Romans 11:26-29) and literally walk into her kingdom (Isaiah 35:1-10; Ezekiel 37:1-28). In the name of Jesus Christ, Israel will be healed, delivered into her kingdom of everlasting salvation, peace, and prosperity (Jeremiah 23:5-8; Hosea 2:14-23; Luke 1:67-75; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Yes, in this the Dispensation of Grace, Israel lacks her once privileged position before God. Her Temple is destroyed. Jews are scattered worldwide, absent from the land that God promised their father Abraham. Sadly, Israel is lost, far removed from JEHOVAH who dealt with her patriarchs in time past (Romans 10:1-3; Romans 11:11-32; 2 Corinthians 3:14-16). This is only temporary! (This brings us to Paul’s first miracle recorded in Scripture. Please see the link below for this study’s companion article. The other two studies below are also supplemental, so please consult them for more information.)

Also see:
» Could you explain Paul’s first miracle?
» Why did Jesus Christ heal on the Sabbath day?
» Did John 10:16 predict the Church the Body of Christ?