Far Better Than Gold!

Acts 3:1-10

I. Purpose of the Miracle

1.  Miracles validated the Apostles’ message and ministry

• Jesus performed a very similar miracle (Luke 5:17-26)
• The crowd was in “awe” because of the signs being performed by the Apostles (Acts 2:43)

2.  Healing of a lame man fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 35:6)

II. Power Behind the Miracle

1.  This miracle was performed in the name of Jesus (v. 6)

2.  The hand was Peter’s but the power was Christ’s!

III.  Portrait within the Miracle

1.  The healing of the lame man illustrates the miracle of salvation

• He was lame from birth, we are sinful from birth
• He was materially poor, we are spiritually poor
• He was cut off from Temple worship, we are cut off from God’s holy and loving presence
• He was physically healed in Jesus’ name, we are spiritually healed in Jesus’ name
• He gave evidence of his physical healing, we give evidence of our spiritual healing

2.  Like the lame man, many of us look to God for temporary relief from our problems, but what God has given us in Christ far exceeds our expectations!