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Study guide -Letter to the Philippians.

The Holy Spirit Opens Eyes to See the Glory of God

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.”

Acts 3:6 (NKJV)

Reading: Acts 3: 1-10

On the day of Pentecost (Jewish Festival of Harvest), the power of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2). They received new tongues or the ability to speak in different languages. They received power, courage, and strength to preach the Word of God. And many believed in the Word of God as they proclaimed the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. About 3,000 new Believers were added to the group, many of them were Jews who were visiting from other nations. Peter became the leader of the disciples when he received power from the Holy Spirit.

One day, Peter and John were walking up to the temple and saw a lame man begging at the gate of the temple. (Acts 3:1-2). The mercy and compassion of the Lord Jesus came upon Peter to help the man. Peter knew that giving the man food or money would not really help the man in the long run.  Even if he gave the lame man a large amount of money, the man would still be lame. Peter remembered that Jesus healed many who were sick when He was with them. With the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter declared healing to the lame man.

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.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. (Acts 3:6-8).

Thus, through His disciples, Jesus was able to continue His ministry of declaring the Word of God. The disciples also demonstrated the love and compassion of God through acts of kindness, miracles, and healings.  This was a direct result also of being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised them (See Acts 1:8).

The compassionate heart of God is to heal the sick, help the poor and make known His love and power. Jesus during His life and time on the earth, did the work of His Father, the Lord God. Jesus healed the sick, fed the poor and declared the Word of God to the people of Israel. In the same way, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ can receive the compassion of God to heal and help others. For 2,000 years, the followers of the Lord Jesus are still continuing His work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts and Reflection:

Peter shared with the lame man the most precious thing he had – the faith and love of the Lord Jesus and His compassion to heal. The same power and spirit of compassion that Jesus had is also available to us, His followers, to heal the sick, to help others, and to proclaim the kingdom of God. As Peter said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your compassion and mercy to heal the sick. Thank you, Holy Spirit for empowering those who follow Jesus to preach the Gospel and heal the sick.

Help me Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit fill me with your compassion to share the love of God with others.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

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