What role does faith play in the miracle described in Acts 4:22? The Setting of the Miracle Acts 4:22 looks back to the healing of the man “over forty years old” who had been lame from birth (Acts 3:2). Peter had declared, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6), and the man instantly stood, walked, and leaped. The miracle is public, undeniable, and now officially certified by the Sanhedrin’s own investigation (Acts 4:14–16). In this setting, faith becomes the key explanatory factor for how and why the miracle occurred. Faith Named as the Cause Acts 3:16 spells it out: “By faith in His name, this man whom you see and know was made strong; it is Jesus’ name that has strengthened him, and faith that comes through Him has given him this complete healing in your presence.” The apostle doesn’t credit technique, personal power, or even compassion. He pins the entire result on faith—faith centered in the living, risen Jesus. Layers of Faith at Work • Peter and John’s faith – They speak with confidence that Jesus still heals (Acts 3:6, 12). – They refuse personal glory and immediately redirect attention to Christ (Acts 3:12–13). • The healed man’s faith – He “looked at them intently, expecting to receive something” (Acts 3:5), showing trust. – He obeys the impossible command to stand, demonstrating responsive faith (Acts 3:7–8). • The faith of onlookers awakened – The crowd is “amazed and astonished” (Acts 3:9–10), a prelude to many believing (Acts 4:4). – The miracle becomes an invitation to place faith in Christ for salvation, not just healing. Why Acts 4:22 Emphasizes the Man’s Age • Over forty years of continuous disability removes any chance of natural recovery, magnifying the role of faith in God’s power. • It silences skeptics: a man crippled for decades now walking cannot be dismissed as psychosomatic. • It illustrates that no condition—no matter how long-standing—is beyond the reach of faith in Jesus. Faith as the Channel, Not the Source • Peter insists that faith “comes through Him” (Acts 3:16). Jesus initiates, supplies, and honors faith; the apostles are merely vessels. • Scripture consistently portrays faith as the conduit for God’s power: – “Your faith has healed you” (Mark 5:34). – “According to your faith will it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29). – “The prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick” (James 5:15). • The miracle teaches that faith is never self-generated bravado; it rests on the finished work and present authority of Christ. Practical Takeaways for Today • Expectancy matters—looking to Jesus, not human ability. • Obedience often precedes the visible answer; the man acted on Peter’s word before feeling strength. • Long-standing struggles are not barriers when faith is placed in the all-sufficient name of Jesus. • Miracles are signs pointing beyond themselves, inviting deeper faith in the Savior who still forgives, restores, and empowers. |
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