Tyndale Open Study NotesActs 3

Jesus promised that his disciples would do greater works than he did (John 14:12; see Mark 16:20). This promise came true through the signs, wonders, and mighty works of the apostles (Acts 2:43; 5:12; 8:4–8).

The apostle Peter showed the power to heal in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (3:6, 16). The healing was immediate and evident (3:8). It led the man to praise God (3:8–9; compare 2:47; 16:25; Luke 2:20; 17:15–18; 18:43; 19:37; 24:53). This event is the first of many displays of divine power given to the apostles in Acts (Acts 4:24–31; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6; 9:33–42; 28:8).

In the name of Jesus: Speaking the name of Jesus demonstrates who he is and his power to heal (see Mark 9:38–39).

• The Beautiful Gate was probably the Nicanor Gate, made of bronze from the city of Corinth. It was on the east side of the temple (see Josephus, War 5.5.3). It had rich decorations of silver and gold plates on its panels. The gold and silver were heavier and more valuable than the plates on other gates.

• Solomon’s Colonnade was a covered place to walk on the east side of the temple (see Josephus, War 5.5.1–3; Antiquities 20.9.7).

The speeches in the book of Acts about telling others the good news focus on Jesus, who was put to death on a cross and raised to life. These speeches call people to repent and to place their faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah and the judge God has appointed (2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 26:20). They also announce the same good news for the people of Israel and for Gentiles everywhere: there is "peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" (10:36).

Many Jewish people could not imagine that God himself, the author of life, could be killed. They did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah (compare 13:27; Luke 23:34). They also did not understand that the Messiah would be divine, that is, sharing God’s nature (see John 1:1–18; compare Daniel 7:13–14).

• brothers: This was a common way to address each other (13:15, 26, 38; Genesis 27:29; Leviticus 10:6; 25:46; Numbers 20:3; Deuteronomy 1:28; 24:7; Joshua 22:3–4; 2 Samuel 2:26; Ezekiel 11:15).

• in ignorance: See Acts 17:30; 1 Timothy 1:12–14. The Christian message challenges this lack of knowledge. The gospel calls everyone to respond with faith and to repent (Acts 2:38).

The message of the good news about Jesus (the gospel) brings comfort (see Matthew 11:28–29). The second coming of Jesus will bring times of refreshing from God. He will send Jesus to his people again.

Other sections of the book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke explain the good news of "forgiveness" in more detail (see Acts 5:30–32; 10:36–43; 13:26–38; Luke 24:25–27, 45–47).

Jesus fulfills the ancient promise that God would raise up a prophet like Moses (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; compare John 6:14; 7:40).

Refusing to obey Jesus, who is God's ultimate prophet, will lead to severe consequences (John 3:16, 17, 36).

all the families of the earth will be blessed: God always intended the covenant people to share his blessings with the world, not for the Jews to be selfish and keep God's blessing only for themselves.