“A Nine O’Clock appointment”
BOOK OF ACTS - LESSON #5
Acts 3:1-11
Vs. 1 - Here is an incident of “divine appointment” - a “nine o’clock appointment.” Peter and John heard no voice saying, “Go heal the crippled man”. They received no special revelation. They were headed for a prayer meeting when they saw the lame man. Something drew them to him. The same Holy Ghost that filled them in Chpt. 2 is now guiding them and directing them.
“The ninth hour” - It was 3 o’clock in the afternoon. This is the same time that Jesus, when he was dying on the Cross said, “It is finished”. Mark 15:34
Vs. 2 - The lame man had accepted his condition and appeared to be content at the Gate Beautiful. Asking alms was common among those who were able to help themselves. His case was so hopeless that he had to be carried to his begging place. The Gate Beautiful was on the porch of the temple. It was on the East side.
Vs. 3 - The ‘Crippled Man’ was not blind.
Vs. 4 - Peter looked back at him and stares at him.
Vs. 5 - He is expecting silver and gold.
Vs. 6 - Peter and John are broke. They possess something far greater. It was the power of the Holy Ghost. This is a display of great courage and faith on Peter’s part. He uses the name of Jesus Christ, “Rise up and walk”! The command was in response to faith.
Vs. 7 - Peter demonstrates great faith by lifting him up.
*Essential to the healing:
1.) Prayer
2.) prompting of the Holy Ghost (anointing)
3.) A work of faith
John 14:12 - “Verily, verily I say unto you, that he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do because I go to my Father”.
Matthew 10:1 - “And He had called to Him his twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
I Cor. 12:9 - “To another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit”.
Vs. 8 - This man was completely healed. He also received a miracle as well.
He had never walked before in his life but now he is walking and leaping and praising God. That had to be a miracle! !
Vs. 9-10 - The people were amazed. (Greek - existemi - which means to be astounded) They were also perplexed at what had taken place.
The people saw the miracle and it could not be denied.
Matthew 19:25-26 - “When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed saying, ‘Who, then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible”.
Mark 6:5 - “And He went up unto them in the ship; and the winds ceased; and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondered.”
Vs.11 - The man became excited. To show his appreciation, he grabs hold of Peter and John. The people hurried to see what had happened.
