Bible Reading
Acts 3:1-10 “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
[09:33]John 9:1-3 “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
[06:51]Acts 3:11-16 “While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
[00:13]Observation questions
- In Acts 3:1–10, how do Peter and John respond to the man’s request, and what changes in his actions and surroundings after he is healed? [12:18]
- In John 9:1–3, what assumption lies behind the disciples’ question about the man’s blindness, and how does Jesus challenge it? [10:19]
- In Acts 3:11–16, what explanation for the healing does Peter reject, and whom does he identify as its source? [19:47]
- What kinds of healing and care, besides a sudden physical miracle, were described as ways God works? [07:00]
Interpretation questions
- Why does it matter that the man’s story moves from begging outside the temple to entering it and praising God? What might this suggest about healing beyond physical change? [07:53]
- How does Jesus’ response in John 9:1–3 challenge the way a church might treat someone living with a disability or ongoing illness? [10:19]
- Why is Peter careful to turn attention away from his own power or godliness? How might that protect someone seeking healing from misplaced trust or blame? [19:47]
- The healing in Acts 3 is immediate, but not every person experiences that outcome. How does the promise of complete healing in the future allow believers to pray with hope without promising an immediate cure? [05:10]
Application questions
- Have you ever felt pressure to choose between trusting God and seeking medical or mental health care? What would it look like for you to receive prayer and practical help together? [06:25]
- If you are comfortable sharing, where are you still waiting for healing or relief? What kind of support would help you experience God’s presence without feeling pressured to report that everything is better? [05:10]
- Who might you regularly walk past or overlook—in church, at work, or in your neighborhood? What is one way you could learn their name, hear their story, or help them feel welcome this week? [12:47]
- A church is called to be a hospital for the hurting rather than a country club for insiders. What part of our church’s welcome might feel difficult for someone who is hurting, and what could our group do to help? [14:08]
- Who in your life could use a listening ear, practical generosity, or prayer right now? What could you realistically offer without assuming you need to fix everything? [14:24]
- Ordinary and unfinished stories can still point to Jesus. If you feel comfortable, share one moment when you experienced his grace, including anything that remains difficult. Who else might be encouraged to hear that story? [25:03]
