When The Light Shines, Preach Series

“When The Light Shines, Preach”

Acts 3:9-19

When Esther was placed as a queen a plot to destroy the Jews came to light.

Her uncle said in Esther 4:14 “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

The point I am trying to make is very simple; God places His people in places for His glory.

In our text we see this truth.

In verse 10 we see the reaction from this miracle.

Vs. 10 “And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.”

They knew - OR: they knew this man that was carried each day and sat in the same spot calling for Alms.

To know means that they observed by sight and what is it that changed?

This man was not just up on his feet, he was walking and leaping.

They were filled with wonder - to render immovable, astonished.

In other words they were speechless.

They were filled with amazement - a throwing of the mind out of its normal state, its root means “to stand in awe.”

At that which had happened unto him. - To come to pass to another.

Vs. 11 “And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.”

Picture this; Lame man Peter on one side and John on the other and they were sharing the moment together until the crowd ran together unto them.

Wondering - terrifying, dreadful, or marvel greatly

Here is where I received my title in Vs. 12 “When The Light Shines, Preach”

Vs. 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?”

Peter saw it - to perceive with the eyes, to perceive by any of the senses, to pay attention.

Let’s take a moment and ask a simple question; what did Peter see?

He saw people gathering around him.

He saw the bewilderment on their faces.

He saw some who were confused.

I believe he saw a problem arising, because they could easily expect Peter and John to heal more than just one man!

Perhaps there were many more who are now gathering around Peter and John who needed a touch, a healing.

I also believe that Peter saw an opportunity to magnify Christ.

“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?” –

I remind you once again that Peter has addressed them as “Men of Israel.” - As Paul said it in 1 Corinthians 1:22 “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:”

Power - strength, ability

Holiness – godliness, respect

So Peter said, “what makes you think that it was us who carry such power and able to heal a person?”

I. Jesus Was Crucified Because Of You

Vs. 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.

II. You Rejected The Messiah

Vs.14 “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;”

III. You Killed The Prince Of Life

Vs.15 “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”

IV. The True Healing Came From Jesus Who Is Alive

Vs.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.”

Comment: Isn’t it great that Peter was so gracious and kind to these, who gathered together to hear of the wonder of God?

NO! He preached with truth and truth is a two edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”