Peter and John were headed to the temple at the hour of prayer – the ninth hour, making it about 3:00 in the afternoon if one reckons time by Jewish standards. As they approached, a lame man was being carried to the entrance of the “Beautiful Gate.” We do not know which gate this was, although many suppose it was the one known as the Nicanor gate in the east.

English: folio 11 recto of the codex with the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The lame man was laid at this gate every day, so that he could ask for “alms” or gifts for the poor from those entering the temple. As he caught the eye of Peter and John, Peter told him that they had no money, but that he did have something to give him. He then healed him “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” and the man rose up and walked and began leaping and praising God.

This drew the attention of many who frequented the temple because they saw him every day, and he was known to have been lame from birth. This particular act of wonder is singled out for us above all others that we are told that the apostles performed for a couple of reasons. First, it was done to allow for the maximum number of credible witnesses to be present, so they could “testify” to it to others. Secondly, it was designed to attract attention, as there was inevitably to be a “showdown” between the apostles as the Jewish leaders. This would serve to hasten that process.

Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Acts here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 2 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.