Art Toombs Ministries 

Online Bible Commentary

He has Made this Man Strong
Acts 3:11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (NKJV)

 

Peter and John were going to the temple for prayer and encountered a man who was lame from birth. The man was begging those entering the temple for “alms”, money or food given to the poor. Instead of alms Peter and John healed the man through the power of the Holy Spirit and all the temple goers were amazed. 

In this passage, we pick up the story as Peter, John, and the lame man are leaving the temple. As they exit onto Solomon’s porch “all the people ran together” toward them (v. 11). As the people looked upon Peter and John with amazement, Peter headed off their praise, denying that they had performed the miracle (v. 12). 

Instead Peter deflected the praise to Jesus, the One “whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go” (v. 13). Peter reminded the people that they had denied Jesus’ release, opting to release a murderer instead (v. 14). He reminded them that they killed Jesus, the One “whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses” (v. 15). 

Peter then claims that the lame man was healed because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Peter proclaims “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong” (v. 16). The disciples did not perform the miracle of healing. They were simply instruments of God. 

Peter and Paul could have promoted themselves in the eyes of the people by claiming that they had Godly powers. They could have accepted all the praise and glory for themselves. In days past, Peter may have done this, but now he has gained wisdom. He knows who is really in control. 

Today, doctors perform amazing feats. They are devoted, well trained, and very talented. For this, they can and should take credit. But they, like Peter and John, are simply instruments of God. 

Let us not forget who should get the ultimate praise. God is always in control. No matter how well the doctor does his job, if it is not God’s will for a good outcome healing will not happen. 

Jesus Christ is the Great Physician. He heals us of all our ailments; physical, emotional, and spiritual. He is the One in whom we should put our faith. He is the One who is always in control. His will is always perfect. It may not always be His will to heal us, but, if not, we know He has something better in store for us. He works all things together for our good. 

As I was writing this my brother was having brain surgery. Many people were praying for him. And now he has just come out of surgery and the report is that everything went well. Praise the Lord! Through faith, He has made this man strong!