MPV Commentary

Wondering Multitude.

Peter and John, who had been associated with Jesus by their Master (Mark 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), now found themselves constantly together, but John was still young and played a silent role in this scene.

As they were going up to the temple, they saw a certain man who had been lame from birth. He was now over forty years old and was carried by his friends (Acts 4:22).

Peter fixed his eyes on the man with John and said, "Look at us." The man gave them his attention, and Peter continued, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Acts 4:10).

The power of faith was sparked in this poor man as he took hold of Peter's words, and he was instantly healed. He jumped to his feet, stood up, walked, entered the temple walking, leaping, and praising God.

All the people saw him, including those who had gathered for public prayer at the hour of prayer in the temple courts. They recognized the man who had been begging for alms, and they were amazed by the miracle (John 9:8).

The lame man held onto Peter and John as he walked, and all the people ran together to them in the porch of Solomon, astounded by what they saw.

Why are you marveling at this? Miracles are only remarkable when viewed through human limitations. We did not perform this miracle by our own power or holiness; we were merely agents of the one we preach (Acts 2:22).

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied, killing the Prince of life (Acts 2:36). His name, through faith in him, has made this man strong, and he is walking and leaping and praising God.

And now, brothers, I know that you acted out of ignorance. You did not realize what you were doing when you handed over Jesus to be crucified.

It was necessary for the Christ to suffer and die, just as the prophets had foretold (Acts 2:22). This event will bring about a time of refreshing, when God will send your predestined Messiah, Jesus. He will remain with you until the times of restoration of all things, which include the rectification of all the disorders caused by sin.

A prophet like Moses has appeared among you, one who is intimately connected with God and serves as the mediator of a new order of things (Hebrews 3:2-6). You must listen to him in everything he says, for he speaks on behalf of God. The prophets foretold these events, pointing to "the time of reformation" (Hebrews 9:10).

You are the children of the covenant and heirs to its promises, which include the blessing that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. God has raised up his Servant Jesus and sent him to bless you by turning you away from your sins.

With what skill does the apostle drive home to the conscience of his auditors their guilt in crucifying the Lord of Glory, then soothe their awakened minds with assurances of forgiveness on turning to the Lord, and a glorious future that will terminate with the Personal Return of Christ from heaven? He ends by warning them from their own Scriptures to submit to Him if they would not perish, and calls them to receive from Him the blessings of salvation.