Ep 381 – Acts 3:11-16

Peter and John have just healed a man born lame. The crowds are amazed and perplexed by what they have just witnessed. They had just seen a miracle and it must have brought back memories of the kinds of things Jesus had done when He was still alive. The people of Israel had been amazed at His capacity to heal the sick and lame, cast out demons, and even raise the dead. In fact, just weeks prior to Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, news had spread regarding His raising of Lazarus from the dead. It had happened in the nearby town of Bethany, and when Jesus had arrived in Jerusalem, He had been accompanied by Lazarus. But Jesus had died. Lazarus had returned home. But here were the disciples of Jesus performing similar miracles and preaching in the name of Jesus, even claiming that He had risen from the dead. It was too much for the Jews to handle. They are at a loss as to how to explain what they have just witnessed. So, in Acts 3:11-16, Luke records Peter's response to their questions and concerns. For Peter, this was nothing more than the continuation of the very same works Jesus had done when He was with them. And it should have been more than enough proof that Jesus was risen from the dead. This man walked because Jesus lived. The Spirit had come because Jesus had left. And the disciples were doing the works of God, because they were filled with the Spirit of God.