A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 9
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Acts 3.1-10, Homily 8
Chapter 3 v. 1 – Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Peter and John were united in everything all the time
Ninth Hour – 3pm is also the same time Jesus died on the Holy Cross
Apostles maintained the cycle of Jewish Prayer and they are maintained (with different prayers) in the Church still
Temple is a place to encounter God
Chapter 3 v. 2-3 – And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
Laid daily to collect alms, NOT healing, but received healing
Showed great resolve by staring at Peter and John – SJC “Let this put us to shame who fall back in prayer”
Chapter 3 v. 4-6 – And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Peter and John show compassion rather than judgment – SJC “Such was also the way of Christ. Often He healed by word, often by act, often also He stretched forth His hand, where men were somewhat weak in faith, that the cure might not seem spontaneous.”
REMEMBER Jesus did the same to Peter (Matthew 14.31)
Chapter 3 v. 8 – So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them — walking, leaping, and praising God.
They continued on into the Temple for prayer
Gave God the credit
“Leaping” total proof of the miracle
Apostles not seeking notoriety so they just kept entering into the Temple
Chapter 3 v. 9-10 – And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
The crowd took notice because even though the Apostles did not seek notoriety, neither did they hide the truth
SJC compares the two events (Pentecost tongues vs. the lame man healed) In the former instance it was the circumstance of the tongues that aroused them to hearing; now it was this miracle; then he took occasion to speak from their accusations; now from their suppositions.”
Opens the door for Peter to teach the crowd (v. 11-26)
Miracles of God are for the purpose of drawing others to Christ, not for our sake.
Teaching on Spiritual Persistence –Recall the persistence of the lame man to keep staring (see Homily 8, pp 52-54)
- If you gain control over a vice and slide backward, keep trying even stronger
- As one vice is controlled, others will also fall because “earnestness begets earnestness”
- Spiritual growth is accomplished is small steps “For a time let us begin with the easier…” (p 53)
Historical Note – SJC was eventually exiled because of his constant attack on political and religious elite. He often complained about people not taking their faith seriously. “Better one man that doeth the will of the Lord, than 10,000 transgressors.” Salvation is not about a “numbers game” but quality of Christian zeal. Life Application – “Do exert yourselves, and attend to this, I entreat you; let us strive, and of a surety more will come of it. Fast, entreat God that his pernicious habit may be eradicated.” If your spiritual feet have grown weak, allow the Church to take your hand and rise up and keep walking. Others will take notice. SJC took this so seriously he warned people of how strict he could be if he wanted….for their salvation.