Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the Temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

 

The Third Chapter of the Book of Acts begins to describe the actual Ministry of the First Century Church which had grown to several thousand people in a short time. Freedom from the Law was very attractive to the Jewish population and the Joy and Peace that they saw in the followers of Christ intrigued them. After thousands of years of bondage, they were eager to know of this Freedom in Christ.

 

Peter and John had been long-time friends and now they would step out in ministry together. The Jews prayed at the Temple three times a day; 9:00 am; Noon and 3:00 pm. This account tells us that Peter and John went to the Temple at 3:00 in the afternoon which was the time of the evening sacrifice.

 

It was there at the Gate named Beautiful that they performed their first Miracle. 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 who entered into the Temple. (Acts 3:2) As a side note, the great Historian, Josephus, described the Gate named Beautiful to be 62 feet wide and 31 feet tall made completely of Corinthian brass. It was a thing of beauty to be sure!

 

Apparently, this man was born crippled and unable to walk. He had been carried to the Temple every day of his life where he begged for money in order to survive. We don’t know how many times Peter and John had passed him before, but this day would be the day his life would be changed forever!

 

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John said, “Look at us.” And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I to you: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:2-4)

 

The crippled man had been focused on his condition. He only saw his need and when Peter and John came by he saw them as someone who might give him a few coins which would get him by another day. However, God supplies far more than our immediate needs. Paul wrote: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that works in us. (Ephesians 3:20)

 

We all have needs but when we focus on them, that’s all we get. God wants us to have so much more! It is the Power of God (the Holy Spirit) who moves in Miraculous ways in our lives to do things that are exceedingly abundantly above and beyond what we ask or think.

 

The crippled beggar at the Temple just wanted to survive another day. He asked for a little money or a scrap of food to eat. God wanted him to have life and life more abundant! When Peter and John came by that day, he got far more than he asked for!

 

Don’t limit God. He has no limits. He is able to do all things. Unleash the Power of God to work in your life.

 

And watch Him……..….…….turn the tide……..in you.

 

Without limits,         Doreen

 

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