How does Acts 3:11 connect to Jesus' miracles in the Gospels? Setting the Scene in Acts 3:11 “While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in what was called Solomon’s Colonnade.” (Acts 3:11) A man born lame has just leapt to his feet (Acts 3:1-10). The miracle happens at the temple gate—public, undeniable, much like Jesus’ signs. The healed man “clings” to the apostles, drawing the crowd close enough to hear the gospel. A Familiar Pattern: Crowds Gathering After a Miracle Throughout the Gospels, healing leads to an immediate surge of onlookers who want to see more: • Mark 1:32-33—“That evening, after sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick… The whole town gathered at the door.” • Luke 7:16-17—After raising the widow’s son, “They were all filled with awe… and this news about Jesus spread.” • John 6:2—“A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He had performed on the sick.” Acts 3:11 echoes this same dynamic: miracle → amazement → crowd. Parallels to Jesus’ Own Signs 1. Restoration of mobility • Jesus heals a paralytic lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1-12). • Peter heals a lame man at the gate. • In both cases the healed man immediately walks—visible proof no one can deny. 2. Public verification • Jesus heals on Sabbath in synagogue; leaders can’t refute (Luke 6:6-11). • Peter heals at the temple; all worshippers witness it. 3. Opportunity for proclamation • After healing blind Bartimaeus, Jesus proceeds to teach in Jerusalem (Mark 10:52-11:11). • After healing the lame man, Peter preaches Christ’s resurrection (Acts 3:12-26). The Role of Astonishment and Witness • “All the people were astonished” (Acts 3:11) mirrors the Gospel reports: – “They were astonished beyond measure” (Mark 7:37). – “Fear seized them all, and they glorified God” (Luke 5:26). • Wonder is never an end in itself; it becomes the doorway for truth (Acts 3:12-13). • The same God who authenticated Jesus now authenticates His apostles (Hebrews 2:3-4). Continuity of Authority—From Jesus to His Apostles • John 14:12—“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing.” • Acts 3 showcases that promise fulfilled; Jesus’ power flows through His name (Acts 3:16). • This seamless handoff confirms that the risen Christ is still at work (Matthew 28:20). What This Means for Us Today • The miracle in Acts 3 is not an isolated marvel; it’s part of the unbroken chain of God’s redemptive acts recorded in Scripture. • The same Jesus who healed in Galilee now works through His church, proving His resurrection and calling people to repentance (Acts 3:19). • As then, so now: genuine works of God draw attention, create holy awe, and open doors for the gospel. |
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