Begging Being Bold Viewing Acts Chapter 3 Prepared

Begging & Being Bold… Viewing Acts Chapter 3 Prepared by: Soon Siak. January 2010

Topics covered. . . l. A begging moment turned to be something else – Chapter 3. l Some pictures of the temple. l Video on Chapter 3 (5) l An in-depth look into Peter’s sermon l

Can you think of a time when you wanted something really, really badly, but you received something else instead that turned out to be even better? Cannot go for school trip to Penang but got a job in Pacific Mall & make lots of money.

Cripple at the Beautiful Gate (3: 1 -3) Peter and John had an encounter with a beggar who thought he knew what he wanted. What is your first impression when you see someone begging? How do you think this man felt?

Cripple at the Beautiful Gate (3: 1 -3) Will you entertain such beggars? There are proper avenues to give (social welfare, NGOs) and be aware of tricksters.

The Beautiful Gate (or Golden Gate) The Golden Gate or Sha'ar Harachamim in the 1890 s.

Beautiful Gate – Where?

Cripple at the Beautiful Gate (3: 4 -7) l l What did the beggar want? Why? He wanted money because he had been disabled from birth and had no way to make a living. Do you think this was a reasonable request? During this time, before there were any government or private social agencies, the man’s options would have been very limited. What do you think of the way Peter and John responded to this man (v 4, 5)? They wanted to establish eye contact with him. Then what did they do (v 6, 7)? Rather than give the man money, Peter used the power of God to heal him.

Cripple at the Beautiful Gate (3: 4 -10) l l How did the man respond to their unanticipated gift (v 8)? He made good use of his legs for the first time in his life – not only walking, but jumping as well. And though he followed Peter & John, he praise God. How did the people find out about this miracle (v 910)? They recognised the man and were amazed at the change. Physically, the legs would be so weak and manage a wobbly walk but he jumped! (This should be true whenever God works in someone’s life. The “before” and “after” should be so significant that other people sit up and take notice. )

SOLOMON'S PORCH: Next slide is a photo of the model of Solomon's Porch next to Herod's temple in Jerusalem. The 162 Corinthian columns were up to 100 feet tall! The background of this image was edited to make it look more realistic. The porch extended some 800 feet. Courtesy of Morris Cromer.

SOLOMON'S PORCH

SOLOMON'S PORCH - where is it?

Peter Addresses the Crowd in the Temple (3: 11 -26) l l How did other people know it was Peter and John who had helped the man (v 11)? The thankful beggar continued to hold on to them. Note the account of the healing! Listen to a recital by a BK student. Now you read Peter’s speech to the crowd (v 11 -26). Using the “Spur-of-the-Moment Sermons, ” fill up the top half. Give a title to Peter’s sermon, jot his main point, identify any Scripture texts he used and develop a brief outline of his remarks. (20 minutes)

Peter Addresses the Crowd in the Temple (3: 11 -26) Some possible answers: l Title – God Did It! l Main Points – It was God’s power that healed the man; you can experience God’s power by repenting and having faith in the name of Jesus. l Scripture text – Isaiah 52: 13 -53: 18 (v 18); Deuteronomy 18: 15, 18, 19 (v 22 -23); Genesis 22: 18 (v 25). l Outline – v 12 -14 = recent events; v 15 -18 = God’s plan; v 19 -26 = your choice.

Peter’s Address to the Multitude (3: 11 -26) How was Peter’s “sermon” in this chapter similar to the one he gave in Acts 2? 1. Accusations that the religious leaders put Jesus to death. 2. Old testament references. 3. An outline of God’s plan for the salvation of mankind including Christ’s resurrection and the need for repentance. l

Peter’s Address to the Multitude (3: 11 -26) l Peter dispelled the misconceptions of the people by giving all the glory to Jesus and disclaim all the credit for themselves. l Who was the murderer that Peter was referring to? Yes, Barabbas! l Peter charged the Jews: 1. You delivered Him to trial. 2. You denied Him before Pilate, a heathen. 3. You denied His righteousness. 4. You preferred a murderer. 5. You killed the Prince (or Author) of Life.

Time of Refreshing (3: 19) • Have you ever experienced a “time of refreshing” after telling God that you were sorry for committing a sin (v 19)? Is confession a regular part of your life? Some people try to justify all their “little” sins. Others hope to keep them hidden. Some people just don’t care. No wonder they say confession is good for the soul!

Good News (3: 22 - 26) • What was the good news for the people listening to Peter (v 22 -26)? The prophecies of the prophets were now coming to pass. Moses, Samuel and many others had foretold the coming of Jesus and the benefits that would be received. Now, these people were the first “heirs of the prophets and the covenant God made. ”