Acts 3 Overview:
The Miracle and the Message

Scripture Connections to Acts 1:1-14

graph TD A[Acts 3 Setting: Temple Gate] -->|"At ninth hour"| B[Lame Man Encounter] B -->|"Peter looks at him"| C[Healing Declaration] C -->|"In Jesus' Name"| D[Miracle Occurs] D -->|"Immediately"| E[Man Healed] E -->|"Enters temple"| F[Crowd Gathers] F -->|"At Solomon's Portico"| G[Peter's Sermon] style A fill:#1a365d,color:#fff style G fill:#2c5282,color:#fff

This diagram illustrates the rich tapestry of biblical connections surrounding Acts 1:1-14. The passage serves as a crucial pivot point, drawing from three main sources: Old Testament prophecies, Luke's Gospel, and foreshadowing later events in Acts.

The Old Testament connections include Joel's prophecy about the Spirit's outpouring, Isaiah's vision of global witness, Daniel's Son of Man prophecy, and the Psalms' reference to Christ's ascension. Luke's Gospel provides the historical foundation through its prologue and resurrection accounts. The connections to later Acts show how the promises in chapter 1 are fulfilled through the Spirit's work at Pentecost and beyond.

This interconnected web demonstrates how Acts 1 functions as a bridge between Christ's earthly ministry and the Spirit-empowered mission of the early church, grounding the narrative in both prophetic fulfillment and historical continuity.

Ninth Hour Prayer

Acts 3:1

Daily Prayer at the Temple

Healing Miracle

Acts 3:6-8

Isaiah 35:6

"Then will the lame leap like a deer"

Peter's Sermon

Acts 3:12-26

Deuteronomy 18:15

"The Lord will raise up a prophet"

Acts 3 marks a pivotal moment in the early church, demonstrating the power of Jesus' name and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This chapter unfolds in two connected events at the Jerusalem Temple: a miraculous healing and Peter's powerful sermon to the gathered crowd.

 Solomon's Portico
Jerusalem

Chapter Breakdown

1. The Miracle (3:1-11)
  • Setting: Beautiful Gate
  • Characters: Peter, John, lame man
  • Action: Healing through Jesus' name
  • Response: Wonder and amazement
2. The Message (3:12-26)
  • Explanation of the miracle
  • Proclamation of Christ
  • Call to repentance
  • Promise of restoration

Temple Setting

The Beautiful Gate, where this event occurred, was likely the eastern gate of the Temple, made of Corinthian brass and renowned for its magnificence. The ninth hour of prayer (3:00 PM) was one of the three daily prayer times, coinciding with the evening sacrifice.

Cultural Significance

  • Daily prayer times structured Jewish religious life
  • Almsgiving was considered a righteous act
  • The temple remained the center of Jewish worship

Scripture Connections

  • Isaiah 35:6 - Prophecy of the lame leaping fulfilled
  • Genesis 12:3 - Blessing to all families through Abraham's seed
  • Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - Moses' prophecy of the coming Prophet
  • Joel 3:21 - Promise of restoration for God's people

Major Themes in Acts 3

1. Power of Jesus' Name: The healing demonstrates Jesus' continued work through His apostles
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Multiple Old Testament prophecies find their fulfillment
3. Call to Repentance: Peter's sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual transformation
4. Times of Refreshing: Promise of restoration and blessing through Christ

Sermons and Resources