How does Acts 3:12 connect with the theme of God's power in Acts? The Verse Under Study “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12) A Healing That Points Away From People • Peter immediately redirects attention from himself and John to God. • He denies any human source—“our own power or godliness”—and leaves no room for credit outside divine intervention. • The miracle becomes a signpost, not to apostolic greatness, but to the Lord who empowered it. Threading God’s Power Through Acts Acts opens with a promise of power: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). Acts 3:12 is an early fulfillment of that promise and joins several key scenes: • Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 33): the Spirit’s outpouring supplies supernatural speech and conviction. • The lame man’s healing (Acts 3:6-8): “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”—power publicly displayed. • Sanhedrin confrontation (Acts 4:7-10): Peter again credits “the name of Jesus Christ… whom God raised from the dead” for healing. • Prayer for boldness (Acts 4:29-31): believers ask God to “stretch out Your hand to heal,” and the place shakes—power confirmed. • Ongoing signs (Acts 5:12-16; 9:34; 14:15): apostles continually insist, “We are men too,” steering glory back to God. Key Connections Highlighted in Acts 3:12 • Ownership of power: The healing belongs to God alone (cf. Isaiah 42:8). • Validation of Jesus’ resurrection: The living Christ actively heals through His servants (Acts 3:15-16). • Continuity with Jesus’ ministry: Just as Christ healed on earth (Luke 5:24-26), He now works from heaven by the Spirit. • Kingdom advance: Miracles authenticate the gospel, leading to thousands believing (Acts 4:4). Living Implications • Expect God’s power today—He has not changed (Hebrews 13:8). • Guard against stealing glory; direct praise upward just as Peter did. • Lean on the Spirit, not personal charisma, when serving others (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). • Let every testimony become an invitation: “Why are you amazed? Let me tell you about Jesus who did it.” |
    |