“Superhero” stories are familiar to us in modern pop-culture, and are depicted here with the events occurring at the start of Acts. Ordinary people (The Disciples) are subject to extraordinary experiences (the indwelling of The Holy Spirit at Pentecost) and suddenly exhibit superhuman abilities. In this passage, we see the disciples Peter and John immediately following Pentecost encountering a beggar at the gates of the temple. Alone, this is nothing out of the ordinary. But, what the passage reads is extraordinary. Instead of giving the beggar the money he’s asking for, they give him something much greater, healing in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and along with it, restoring his self-stability. Today we view events like this in the realm of fiction and movies and comic books, but, clearly, that was not the case in the early church. Let us remain open to the possibilities that The Holy Spirit brings to every Christian…even if we don’t expect them. Are you more “super” than you realize?

[Acts 3.1-10]

1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What changed in the Disciples after Pentecost?

+ Disciples have the ability to perform miracles in Jesus’ name.

+ The beggar believed money would help his situation.

+ Healing is about our spiritual health, not financial wealth.

+ Have you ever experienced something you can’t explain?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Are people still being healed in Jesus’ name today?

+ Am I praying for others?

+ What does spiritual providership look like?

+ How do I measure my personal spiritual health?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can I encourage non- believers?

+ Who can I invite to a Sunday gathering?