This post is Day 18 in a series of studies about “Followers of Jesus”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Followers of Jesus – Day 18

Peter and John were on their way to the temple at the time of prayer. That is an interesting statement to start this chapter. Even though Jesus had had much to criticise in the temple of His day, He never told the disciples to stop going there.

Acts 3:16

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

The Thought

Peter and John were on their way to the temple at the time of prayer (v 1). That is an interesting statement to start this chapter. Even though Jesus had had much to criticise in the temple of His day, He never told the disciples to stop going there. Many of them only started to go there once they met Jesus! He made “church” much more interesting.

God rewarded Peter and John’s faithfulness by putting people in their path that needed a miracle. The healing of this man astounded many who recognised him as being “the beggar at the temple doors”.

I always find this story interesting, because neither Peter nor John prayed for him! They just told him to get up and walk in Jesus’ name! It must have been a command full of authority, because the man didn’t hesitate to take Peter’s hand, and in a few seconds the invalid was no longer an invalid. He was dancing and jumping and praising God (v8).

Without preaching any message, this man became an evangelist.

That healing gave Peter the opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus to all who were listening (v12-26).

Action

Read Acts 3 today and ask yourself how many sick people you pass as you go about your daily life. Dare to ask Jesus to show you those who need to hear about Him, those who need a healing touch from Him.

Pray for those who come to your church, that they would be bolder to ask for healing when they need it, and for the confidence of those who pray, to see answers to their prayers.

Pray too for your church leaders to accept and expect miracles. The temple leaders in this story didn’t! (See tomorrow!)