How does Acts 3:5 connect to faith and healing in the Gospels? Setting the Scene in Acts 3 • Peter and John meet a man crippled from birth at the Beautiful Gate. • “So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.” (Acts 3:5) • What he expects is money; what he receives is healing through Jesus’ name (Acts 3:6-8). Expectant Faith: Acts 3:5 in Focus • The beggar’s posture—eyes fixed, expectancy engaged—mirrors the heart-attitude Scripture calls faith. • Though his expectation is misdirected (alms, not healing), it positions him to receive. • Faith often begins with simple, hope-filled attention toward God’s servants and, ultimately, toward Christ Himself. Echoes of Expectancy in the Gospels • Woman with the hemorrhage: “If I just touch His cloak, I will be healed.” (Matthew 9:21) • Blind Bartimaeus: cried out, then “throwing off his cloak, jumped up and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:50) • Centurion of Capernaum: “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8) • Jairus: falls at Jesus’ feet, pleading for his daughter’s life (Mark 5:22-23). Common thread: – Focused attention on Jesus. – Confident expectation of receiving. – Verbal or physical act that demonstrates trust. Jesus Responds to Faith • “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” (Mark 5:34) • “Go; it will be done for you as you have believed.” (Matthew 8:13) • “Your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10:52) The beggar’s healing follows the same principle: Peter invokes Jesus’ name, the man believes, and strength floods his legs (Acts 3:6-8). The Name of Jesus as the Channel • Peter’s declaration: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” (Acts 3:6) • Gospel precedent: the seventy-two heal “in Your name” (Luke 10:17). • Authority resides not in the messenger but in the exalted, living Christ. Expectant faith reaches out; divine authority reaches in. Lessons for Today • Direct your full attention to Christ—Scripture, prayer, worship. • Nurture expectancy grounded in His promises (Mark 11:24). • Act on that expectancy: obedience, repentance, petition. • Trust the unchanging authority of Jesus’ name for both spiritual and physical wholeness. Acts 3:5 shows that the Gospel pattern of faith preceding healing did not stop with Jesus’ earthly ministry. The risen Lord continues to honor expectant faith—then and now. |
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