In Acts 3:1-16 we have a record of a man lame from his mother’s womb that was carried daily to the gate of the temple, called “Beautiful”. On a particular day, he encountered Peter and John going into the temple to pray. This man asked of them an alms or a charitable gift, as we would say. Peter told the man, “Look on us”. Acts 3:6 “Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” The Bible records in Acts 3:7-10 how Peter took him by the right hand, lifted him up, and the man received strength in his feet and ankles. He began to go with them into the temple, “walking, and leaping, and praising God”. The people who were there recognized him and were filled with “wonder and amazement”. They ran together to Peter and John and he who was healed to “Solomon’s” porch (v. 11) Acts 3:12-16 “12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” It is worth pointing out that at no time did Peter and John bring any glory to themselves but plainly stated that all glory was to the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Certainly, there was ample opportunity for the apostles to get glory for themselves, with all the people being filled with amazement at what they had seen. But true to the teachings they had received from Jesus about humility, they gladly gave all glory to God. As a preacher of the gospel, who, thankfully, God has anointed a few times with the Holy Spirit, I realize the weakness of the flesh when it comes to desiring what it is not due. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit that dwells in me helps keep that subdued. I am only a man. Peter and John were only two men. Man is powerless without God. Only God is God! Ricky Wilborn Fort Payne, AL
