Josh Pratt NT Readings: Acts Dr. Garland Questions and Insights 3:1 Interesting use of the word now. Still doesn t seem to provide an idea of how long after Pentecost that this took place. Ninth hour, Hour of Prayer: 3pm. Look up the practice of the Hour of Prayer. o Peterson: Even though Jesus had implied that he would replace the temple in the plan and purpose of God, his disciples did not immediately disengage themselves from the temple and separate themselves from the traditional practices of their religion. 1 3:2 whom they used to set down (NASB) This could mean at least two different things: o they used him for something. Perhaps they got a share of the alms he received? The man was a tool for their gain? o they used to set down, meaning past tense and they no longer do it. This option seems unlikely since they were in the process of carrying him, which makes a better case for the first option. o None of the commentaries said anything about this ESV uses whom they laid daily, so perhaps the above notes are moot? Who is they? Any significance to the Beautiful Gate? o Stott: Commentators mostly identify this as the Nicanor Gate, which was the main eastern entrance to the temple precincts from the Court of the Gentiles. Because Luke names it the Beautiful Gate, it is probably the one made of Corinthian brass which Josephus said greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and gold. 2 Is this begging for alms the same type of thing as the homeless people we see out on the streets asking for money? Or was it a different thing back then? 3:4 The man saw Peter and John and began asking. Why then did they say look at us? Did the man typically avoid eye contact? o Peterson: When Peter said, Look at us! it was an indication that the man was about to get more than the usual response to his begging. The apostles had made up their mind to offer him healing, without waiting for a specific request. 3 3:6 1 David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2009), 165. 2 John R. W. Stott, The Message Of Acts. The Bible Speaks Today. (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990), 90. 3 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 169. 1
Peter addresses that what the man wants is money and addresses that he has none immediately. o Recognizing that what the man thinks he needs most is money, but they have something far more valuable and better for him. What is the object of what Peter says he has? Holy Spirit? Jesus? A gift/miracle? Why in the name of? Why not something like by the power of Jesus? o Peterson: The name of Jesus Christ represents his divine authority and continuing power to grant the blessings of salvation. 4 Interesting that the apostles have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, yet when doing a miracle like this, it is Jesus who is named, not the Holy Spirit. Being that I cannot perform miracles, how is it that the apostles knew that they would be able to perform one? Interestingly, Peterson points out that this miracle is the only detailed account of such activity in Jerusalem. 5 3:7 The ordering of first lifting up, and then feet and ankles being strengthened is interesting. I would have thought it to be the other way around. Being lame from birth, it is doubtful that the issue was solely strength. This miracle speaks only to the strengthening of the ankles and feet. I m guessing though that the focus is not at all on the specifics of what happens to the feet and ankles, but rather on the fact that he walks for the first time in his life. Why throw in the Nazarene? Why the name Jesus Christ? This has always boggled me, as it sounds like Jesus is his first name, and Christ is his last name. Jesus, the Christ would seem to make more sense. 3:8 It is especially interesting that a man who has never walked in his life is able to leap and walk. For people who have had spinal injuries and need to learn how to walk again, the process is very difficult. Did the healing not only strengthen the legs, but also impart the learning necessary in the muscles and the brain? Did the man believed in God prior to this experience? I imagine even if you didn t, going through an experience like that would change anyone s mind in a hurry. o Peterson: Praising God does not mean that he has yet identified Jesus as the one who has healed him, but Peter s address is clearly designed to help him and all those standing by to make that connection and to acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and Lord. 6 Does this cause issues with 3:16? What was Luke s idea of praising God? What was the man saying? Was this the first time he had ever been inside of the temple? Were the lame allowed to go inside? 4 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 169. 5 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 167. 6 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 171. 2
o Peterson: There is no ground for suggesting that he was prevented from entering the temple because of his condition, though it is true that the lame are included among social and religious outcasts in passages such as Luke 7:22; 14:13; 21. 7 3:9 I m sure he was making quite a scene and drew a lot of attention. Word probably spread very rapidly around the temple of what happened. 3:10 They recognized him and knew it was the lame man who was now walking and praising God. Did they all realize that a miracle had happened, or did some of them possibly think that the man had been faking his lameness and actually could walk? Clearly there were those who thought it was a miracle, otherwise they would not have been filled with wonder and amazement. o Peterson: Such a response is often noted by Luke at the end of miracle stories (e.g., Lk. 4:36; 5:9; 7:16), without suggesting that the observers believed in Jesus. Peter s sermon would now seek to persuade them of the implications of this event. 8 3:11 The man was clinging to Peter Was this because he couldn t walk well yet, or was it because he was so amazed, he didn t want to lose them before he could learn more about what happened? o Peterson and Stott have different, though not conflicting, thoughts: o Peterson: Luke emphasizes that the man held on to Peter and John, attaching himself enthusiastically to the men who had brought such a dramatic change into his life. 9 o Stott: cured but still clinging to them and not yet confident 10 All the people ran together to them It is one thing to hear about something, and walk to its location, but it states that they were running. This exemplifies the amazement that the people were thinking. so-called portico of Solomon Why does the NASB say so-called? Is there any significance to this specific location? o Peterson: Solomon s Colonnade was a covered portico that ran the entire length of the eastern portion of the outer court of the temple known as the Court of the Gentiles. Jesus had taught there (Jn. 10:23), and it soon became a favoured place for all the Jerusalem Christians to meet together (Acts 5:12). 11 3:12 Peter asks the crowd, why are you amazed at this There are two different ways to take this question: 7 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 168. 8 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 171. 9 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 172-173. 10 Stott, The Message Of Acts, 91. 11 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 172. 3
o Peter feels that they shouldn t be amazed by what has happened. o The second option is best understood by asking the question with the emphasis on are. Peter could be trying to get at the root cause of the amazement. This option makes sense in light of what he says starting in verse 13. why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? They are eager to not take any credit for the healing, using the event to point to Jesus. 3:13 Pointing out that the God of Jesus is the same God of their forefathers. What was Luke s understanding of glorified his servant Jesus? o Peterson: This is apparently an allusion to Isaiah 52:13, a verse which introduces the so-called Fourth Servant Song in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. The glorification of the servant refers to his exaltation over the nations and their kings, after terrible humiliation and suffering. Peter s sermon goes on to describe Jesus rejection, death, and exaltation by God in a way that mirrors the portrait of the Servant in Isaiah 53. When Peter insists that God has fulfilled what the prophets said about the suffering of his Christ (v. 18), it is logical to conclude that Isaiah 53 is a key text in his thinking. 12 Peter has no problem continuing to point out that it was Israel who delivered and disowned Jesus, driving home the responsibility even further by remembering that Pilate originally wanted to release him. o Calvin: With this teaching Peter delivered a sharp but necessary rebuke. It was impossible to bring them to God without their first of all acknowledging their sins. 13 3:14 Further driving home the guilt of Israel by stating they wanted a murderer instead of Jesus in their midst. Holy and righteous one where is Luke getting this? Is it an OT reference? 3:15 Prince of life Another OT reference? Or something Peter made up? Jesus was raided from the dead, and Peter and John were eyewitnesses. 3:16 The phrase faith in his name is interesting. Isn t it more important to have faith in his person than his name? Why the importance and focus on name? Peter says that the man was healed because of his faith. Did the man even know who Jesus was, or what he did? Luke does not say that Peter and John presented the gospel first when they encountered the man. Did the man really have faith in Jesus before he was healed? Not only were the man s legs healed, Peter says he had perfect health. Peterson: The Greek of v. 16 is awkward, reading literally: By faith in his name has his name made strong this man whom you see and know, and the faith 12 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 174. 13 John Calvin, Acts. Edited by Alister McGrath and J. I. Packer, The Crossway Classic Commentaries. (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 1995), 54. 4
which is through him has given him [the lame man] this complete healing in the presence of you all. Such awkwardness is uncharacteristic of Luke s style and may reflect an unwillingness to smoothe over difficulties in a written source where critical issues are at stake. It may also simply be the result of trying to link two seemingly contradictory notions together. 14 3:17 Shift in the sermon. Recognizes that ignorance played a part in Jesus death. o Calvin: Peter now lifted up his hearers to prevent them from becoming too despondent should they refuse his teaching. We should preach in the same way, offering the hope of pardon. 15 3:18 Interesting explanation of the role of the prophets in that God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets. The prophets specifically stated that the Christ would suffer, and this indeed has been fulfilled through Jesus. 3:19 Therefore Because of what has been said in 12-18, Peter urges repentance. o As believers, we are called to daily repentance because we cannot avoid sin. The repentance that Peter is calling for, is it the general teaching of repentance, or is he calling specifically for repentance for Israel s involvement in the death of Jesus? return Why the call to return? Return to what? o Peterson: The related verb epistrephein ( to turn, return ) is extensively used by Luke. It is added here and in 26:20 to indicate that genuine repentance involves a radical reorientation of life, turning back to God to seek reconciliation and to express a new obedience. 16 Recognition of the existence of sins (plural) and that they can be wiped away by repentance o Was this, at the time, crazy? The Jews, by the law, had a process for having their sins cleansed. Peter is suggesting they can be removed simply by repentance and faith in Jesus. This is the second time in Acts this has been preached (first time in 2:38). times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord This is really interesting. What was Peter s idea here? Was this a very time-specific message, as we see in 2:43-47 that things were going very well for believers? Or is there a timeless element to this? o Stott: The Greek word anapsyxis can mean rest, relief, respite, or refreshment. It seems here to be the positive counterpart to forgiveness, for God does not wipe away our sins without adding his refreshment for our spirits. 17 14 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 176. 15 Calvin, Acts, 55. 16 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 179. 17 Stott, The Message Of Acts, 93. 5
presence of the Lord What was Peter s understanding of this, knowing that Jesus had ascended and was no longer present on earth? 3:20 that he may send Jesus Interesting that repentance is tied in here with the return of Jesus. I wonder what the apostles were thinking in terms of when Jesus would return. the Christ appointed for you What did Peter mean here? The messiah specifically for Israel (first at least)? o Peterson: There is no specific mention of Jesus second coming elsewhere in the sermons in Acts, though Jesus role as judge of the living and the dead is highlighted (10:42; cf. 7:55-56; 17:31). 18 3:21 Why does Peter say that heaven must receive Jesus? until the period of restoration - Is this a sign that Peter understands that Jesus will not return until this period is ready to begin? Does he draw on what he learned in 1:7 for this? o Peterson: TNIV implies that this will take place when Christ returns. But the Greek could just as easily mean that a process of restoration is already underway and that Jesus return will mark its climax and dramatic conclusion. 19 Restoration of all things about which God spoke I wonder what Peter had in mind here. Does this enter at all in the premillennialism / postmillennialism debate? 3:22-23 Quote from Moses Look up OT reference. shall be utterly destroyed from among the people Definitely harsh sounding This raises the question: What about those on the earth that never get the opportunity to hear about Jesus? Peterson: Jesus functions for Israel now as Moses did at the time of the exodus. By their response to the resurrected Jesus, Peter s audience will show whether they belong to the true Israel or not! 20 3:24 Making the claim that all the prophets spoke about Jesus (Luke 24:27). Quoting Moses in 22-23, then Samuel onward. Were there any prophets between Moses and Samuel? 3:25 The Israelites, those present, are descendants of the prophets, by seed. The covenant to Abraham is fulfilled in Jesus. All the nations shall be blessed through him. 3:26 The promise is for the Israelites first. 18 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 181. 19 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 182. 20 Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, 184. 6
Jesus came to turn the every one of you from wicked ways. Not every Jew has turned from their wicket ways. Was Peter really thinking that every single Jew would come to believe? Text in Context At the end of chapter 2, the apostles and the growing number of believers are enjoying a time of peace, growth, and unity. In 2:46, it says that day by day they were with one mind in the temple, so it is clear that they were frequently visiting the temple together. We are unsure about how much time passed between the day of Pentecost, and the day that Peter and John go up to the temple in chapter 3, but it was most likely that not a lot of time had passed. The entirety of chapter 3 takes place within one day, perhaps even within an hour. They go to the temple, heal a lame man at the gate, enter, and then Peter preaches a sermon. Chapter 4 will continue the event with Peter and John in the temple. There we will witness the reaction of the people, and find that they are met with resistance. Structure of the Passage 1. Peter and John go to the temple 2. Encounter with the lame man 2.1. Healing of the man 3. Entrance into the temple with the healed man 3.1. Word spreads quickly, everyone gathers 3.2. Peter preaches to the people 3.2.1. Condemnation of Israel for rejecting Jesus 3.2.2. The Gospel repent and return 3.2.3. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the OT Interpretive Insights For You [Israel] First Within the first three chapters of Acts, there have been numerous times where the fact that salvation began with Israel is stated (1:8; 2:36, 39; 3:26). As a Gentile living in the United States, it is not difficult to lose this lens. Most of us have only been involved in fully Gentile churches, and we are not accustomed to practicing or being around Jewish traditions. 7
At this point in the story, even though Jesus has told them that they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. But, as we will see in the apostles experiences, salvation to the Gentiles is not yet on their radar. Peter is a Jew, speaking to Jews in Jerusalem to fellow believers in the Law and the prophets. These Jews have mostly rejected Jesus, especially the religious authorities. This is extremely important to note. It is one thing to preach the Gospel to those who do not know it or are not familiar with OT law, prophecies, and traditions. It is another to preach Jesus as the Messiah to devout, Law-practicing Jews. Jesus completely shakes the foundation of faith for these people in a way that it never could with Gentiles. Considering the audience is very important in understanding Peter s sermon here in Acts 3, and especially in the reaction we will see in chapter 4. Peter s Words, Luke s Book In reading an article called The Meaning of Peter s Genesis Quotation by Alexis Léonas, I realized how important it may be to understand that while Luke is quoting things that people said (e.g., Peter s sermon in Acts 3), he has his own purpose in writing. Thus an important question must be asked: How much liberty did Luke take in his writing with quotes and sermons throughout Luke-Acts? Also, how much polishing or correcting did Luke do to the people he quotes? In the article, Léonas suggests that Peter may have understood one thing about the quote in Acts 2:25-26, and that Luke understood it differently. He attempts to prove that Peter understood the blessing in Abraham applied to Israel, and that Luke understood that it applied to everyone. In conclusion, Léonas states, In fact, a conscious play on double sense conforms well with my view on Luke s literary craft. Making Peter utter words of which he does not understand the whole sense, so that one part of what he says would be intended by Peter for Peter s audience within the book, while the other would be intended by the author for his readers in order to prepare them for the continuation of his story, - all this can only increase our admiration for the skills of Theophilus s correspondent. 21 While this is a difficult concept to interpret accurately, it is a worthwhile lens to consider when reading the Bible. Theological Insights (3:6) Money is not an uncommon issue for the NT writers. But, when it is in issue, it is because of the possession of it. In this case, the man is asking for it because he does 21 Alexis Léonas, A Note on Acts 3,25-26: The Meaning of Peter's Genesis Quotation, Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses 76 (1, 2000): 160. 8
not have it, and in his mind, it is what he needs most. However, what is given to him, through Jesus, is far better than silver and gold. He was given life, faith, and an incredible reason to praise God. (3:6) It is the power and acknowledgement of Christ, the cornerstone of the Gospel, that healed the man, not Peter or John. Jesus declared that the apostles would be his witnesses (1:8). The apostles are sure to always point to Jesus both in power (miracles), and sermons (Gospel). (3:12-13) Again, Peter the first thing Peter does in his sermon is to take the focus off of them (having performed the miracle), and shift it to where it belongs, namely, to Jesus. Nobody should ever take even an ounce of credit if they are involved in some kind of miracle when only such things can be done by God. Being that he is preaching to Jews, Peter connects Jesus to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers. (3:13) God glorified Jesus. The Gospel would be nothing had God not raised Jesus from the dead and enthroned him at his right hand. (3:13-15) Jesus is described as servant, Holy and Righteous one, prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead. (3:16) Jesus has the ability to transform a lame man who is unable to walk, to a man with perfect health. (3:18) God was the one doing the announcing of the prophecies about Jesus through the prophets. It was prophesied that the Christ would suffer, and this has been fulfilled. (3:19) Repentance is a key component to being forgiven. (3:20-21) Jesus will come again, as stated in 1:11. But until then, he will reign in heaven until the appointed time that only the Father knows (1:7). Restoration has certainly begun, but the restoration of all things will not be complete until Jesus comes again. (3:23) Those who reject Jesus will be utterly destroyed (at some point). (3:25) The blessing promised to Abraham was Jesus, and in him all of the families on earth shall be blessed. Through Jesus brought the invitation of salvation to all. Illustrating the Text The Converting Power of Healing Through Christ If I were to encounter a homeless man, sitting in a wheelchair on the side of a street corner asking for money, I often wonder what he will do with the money I were to give 9
him (though, that is for his conscience, not my own). If I were instead to bring him a meal, he would most likely be thankful, but it would provide only temporary relief, and though he may or may not be touched, it will not lead him to salvation and will not cure his problems. In Acts 3:2-10, a man who was lame from birth and could not use his legs was healed in the name of Jesus. This was an absolute life-changing event. It was so powerful that he most likely could do nothing but experience the healing and praise God for his newly given perfect health. This is the kind of power that not only changes lives physically, but changes lives spiritually. Though healings are not common today (I have yet to ever see one), the truth still remains that it is the risen and reigning Jesus who has the power to change lives and bring spiritual healing. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due Humanity, being sinful, has a bent toward wanting to please people, receive praise, and take credit for things that are not their own. We live in a time of ghostwriters, endless award ceremonies, and stealing ideas (Facebook). Having an ability to heal people causing crowds of people to run to see and be amazed would be a power that many people today would use for their own benefit. Peter and John make sure to declare at the healing, that it is by the name of Jesus Christ, and after the crowds have all gathered, the first thing they say is that the power was not of themselves that it was God. 10
Bibliography Calvin, John. Acts. Edited by Alister McGrath and J. I. Packer, The Crossway Classic Commentaries. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 1995. Léonas, Alexis. A Note on Acts 3,25-26: The Meaning of Peter's Genesis Quotation. Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses 76 (1, 2000): 149-161. Marshall, I. Howard. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Edited by G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007. Peterson, David G. The Acts of the Apostles. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2009. Stott, John R. W. The Message Of Acts. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990. 11