By TA York
Acts 3:1-2
“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.”
What is this gate? It is the eastern entrance of the Herodian Temple in Jerusalem. It wasn’t the outside that was impressive—it was the inside, with ornate walls and domed ceilings, intricate carvings. The doors were made of Corinthian bronze, which was more splendid than the gates overlaid with silver and gold. Some scholars believed the name was given to the gate (beautiful), by the Greek speaking Jews.
The eastern entrance is debated, but majority of scholars believe that it was the Nicanor gate. Located between the Court of the Women and the Court of Israel (men’s court).
it was used for entry into the inner court! Where men could approach closer to the sanctuary = fitting the symbolism of access and healing.
This entrance to the temple was the major entrance for pilgrims. Mornings and afternoons were the times for sacrifices. Thus, the beggars would gather near the entrance to ask for money.
Acts 3:3-5
“When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.”
Jewish tradition encourages giving to those in need (tzedakah). It was a communal responsibility to care for the less fortunate.
The man was expecting something—money, food, anything.
But something different was about to happen. It wasn’t by coincidence that Peter and John showed up. This was the first recorded miracle after Pentecost, and it happened at the gate. The temple entrance was both an entry and an exclusion to people.
The lame man, unable to enter the inner courts, represents us—banned by sin and brokenness.
We Are That Beggar!
We are that crippled man, begging out in the street. “Someone have pity on me! Someone help me please! This life is almost unbearable!” Yet we don’t cry out to Jesus! Three words is all that’s needed to start the healing: Help me, Jesus.
Yet no! People live their lives with painted smiles and fake masks. “Look how well I’m doing!”
But here’s the truth: Stop crying on the inside. Listen to Jesus: “Look at me!” Jesus is looking straight at you!
What do you expect from Jesus? He came all the way from heaven to claim you as His own. LOOK UP! CRY OUT!
Acts 3:6-7
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.”
Money is not going to heal you. It will be spent and you’ll be empty again!
Instead, take what Jesus is offering you: salvation. A new start, a “walk” with Him! Being filled with the Holy Spirit is by all means worth more than anything the world can give.
Can you see Him? He has your hand. God has made you strong when you are weak. Instantly there is fire in your bones. What do you want to do?
Acts 3:8
“He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”
You will go to God’s temple (the church) and give Jesus the highest praise! Now is the appointed time to walk with Jesus! Let that fire in your bones out.
Yell it: “Jesus has set me free!”
The beautiful gate in reality is the Son of God. The door to the Father!
Do you get it? God so loved YOU that He gave and He gave and He gave! Finally, He gave His Son. A love beyond measure.
I never knew love until Jesus came into my life. I will go anywhere, do what He asks of me. Wouldn’t you?
Acts 3:10
“They recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
God still does miracles! He transforms lives. Give over to Jesus completely and see the miracle in your life.
Isaiah 35:6
“Then shall the lame man leap as a deer.”
So, how beautiful is your walk with Jesus?
God bless
Called 4 Jesus 