Model Traits - Acts 3

I suppose it might seem too easy to describe a scene like that in Acts 3. A familiar account of Peter and John, a lame beggar, a miraculous healing, and another sermon by Peter. Just another day’s work for the apostle. As we are reading through this book at home, I am trying to pull out features and characteristics of the Christian walk, as on display to those to whom that message was brand new, and from the viewpoint of those who first brought that message to others.


I see at least four remarkable traits in Peter here, which we would be wise to own ourselves.

First, Peter (and John) had his priorities straight. It was time to pray, he prayed. Granted, he very likely did not just wait for the appointed times to pray, but we see him faithful to his relationship with the Lord. Do we regularly take such time, daily? Would our routine of prayer be disrupted by unforeseen events today?

Second, Peter is humble. Sure, he is bold and brash, but he wants nothing to do with the credit for the healing that takes place. He knows from where his strength comes. He gets the big picture and the small part he plays (though major by our standards, perhaps). How well do we judge our role in God’s plan? How eager are we to be used, seriously?

Third, we see Peter ready to make use of an opportunity. People were praising God, in sheer amazement. We might be content to praise God, too, and generally talk about how wonderful and awesome He is. That would be fine, and Peter takes it to a different level. He asks the people why they are amazed. They love the healings and the miraculous “shows”, and will even praise God for them. Yet they fail to connect the dots; this same God they are praising is the one whose Son, their messiah, they just killed. It is this same God who just raised that messiah from the dead! And Peter drives the point home with stating that it is that very same Messiah, Jesus, who strengthened the lame beggar and healed him. How equipped are we to take ANY conversation, ANY event, and turn it toward a conversation about Christ?

Finally, Peter remains focused on the right task. He rightly reminds people of the Scriptures they should already know. While it is a wonder of God that the events took place as they did, He already told them of these days and events they were witnessing. Peter, speaking on behalf of God, as an apostle, reminds them that God said long ago that He would raise up “another prophet”, to whom the people should listen and follow. That person was Jesus Christ, Peter says, and he offers them the challenge to repent and follow the Savior. Where is our focus today?

Pray with me today for clear opportunities to discuss Christ. Pray for our humility to point people to Him, as opposed to us. Pray for the desire to learn, to be ready to defend the faith we say is dear to us. I praise our Savior, and strive to please Him today.

Holding fast to the Name of our Creator