Season 2: When Faith is Tested
Power on Display
At the Beautiful Gate, a man who had never walked was healed in the name of Jesus Christ. Through this miracle, God revealed His power and opened the door for the gospel to be proclaimed.
2.1- Lesson 1- Power on Display
Acts 3:1–26
Season 2: When Faith Is Tested
Introduction
Not every miracle begins with a grand plan.
Sometimes it begins with an ordinary day.
Peter and John were simply going to the temple to pray when they encountered a man who had been unable to walk since birth.
The man expected money.
Instead, he received something far greater.
What followed became one of the first public demonstrations of God’s power through the apostles after Pentecost.
This miracle changed one man’s life, opened the door for gospel proclamation, and attracted the attention of both believers and opponents.
Scripture Reference
Acts 3:1–26 (NASB)
Key Verse
“In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” — Acts 3:6 (NASB)
Historical Background
The Church was still in its earliest days.
Many believers continued participating in temple worship while growing in their understanding of Jesus as Messiah.
The temple remained a central gathering place.
At one of its gates sat a man who had been unable to walk his entire life.
Every day people passed him.
Every day he asked for help.
On this day, however, God had something different in mind.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
A Divine Appointment
(Acts 3:1–5)
Peter and John were heading to prayer when they encountered the man at the Beautiful Gate.
The man expected money.
Peter offered something greater.
This encounter reminds us that God often works through ordinary moments and unexpected opportunities.
Healing in the Name of Jesus
(Acts 3:6–10)
Peter declared:
“I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.”
The healing occurred through the authority and power of Jesus Christ.
The man immediately stood, walked, leaped, and praised God.
People who had known him for years were astonished.
The miracle pointed beyond Peter and John to the power of Christ.
Peter Explains the Miracle
(Acts 3:11–16)
The crowd gathered in amazement.
Peter quickly redirected their attention.
The miracle was not about the apostles.
It was about Jesus.
Peter proclaimed that the risen Christ had healed the man and that faith in Jesus made him whole.
A Call to Repentance
(Acts 3:17–26)
Once again Peter proclaimed the gospel.
He called people to repentance and invited them to turn toward God.
Miracles alone do not save people.
They point people toward the Savior.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus Still Changes Lives
The same Jesus who healed in the New Testament continues to transform lives today.
God’s Power Has a Purpose
Miracles point people toward God rather than toward human achievement.
Faith and Witness Belong Together
Peter used the miracle as an opportunity to share the gospel.
The Gospel Remains the Central Message
The miracle gained attention, but Peter focused on Jesus.
The Church’s mission remains centered on Christ.
Obedience in Action
God may place opportunities before us every day.
Like Peter and John, we are called to:
Notice people in need
Respond with compassion
Trust God’s power
Point others to Christ
Use everyday encounters as opportunities for witness
Walk It Out
What does this miracle teach about God’s compassion?
Why did Peter focus on Jesus instead of himself?
How can God use ordinary moments in your life for ministry?
Who around you needs encouragement, prayer, or hope today?
Living the Message
The healing at the Beautiful Gate reminds us that God is still at work.
The Church exists not merely to admire what God did in the past, but to participate in what God is doing today.
Through prayer, service, compassion, and witness, believers continue pointing people to Jesus Christ.
Related Pages
Season 2: When Faith Is Tested
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Next Lesson
Lesson 2: Bold Under Pressure
Acts 4–5
The apostles face opposition for preaching about Jesus, but their courage and faith continue to inspire the growing Church.
Come and See. Continue the journey through the Story of the Church.
