Jesus had already stated the physical location of worship didn't matter because God did not reside in any man made structure. He was a Spirit in Heaven, desiring the worship of those whose spirits lived and could approach Him in the Spirit Realm. Rather than make the earthly Temple and rituals worthless, it was a matter of giving them their true meaning. After Pentecost (First Fruits), there was a long stretch of time without any standard festivals, and the visitors from the previous chapter were likely gone home to their far lands. The city was less crowded, and there weren't all that many trooping into the Temple during the hours of prayer. There were three: mid-morning ("morning offering"), mid-afternoon ("evening offering"), and sunset. This was the second of those.
We have yet to identify which of the gates was called "Beautiful," but that's not important here. Luke's sponsor likely would not have known, either. What matters is the city residents witnessing this sign knew where it was. They knew about the lame beggar set there every day. Beggars in that time and place typically called for donations without making eye contact. It maintained the notion such gifts were gifts to God. So he stared off into space as the two disciples approached and made his pitch. They called for his direct attention, which usually meant a large gift was coming, and they would expect some serious gratitude. He was willing to play this game to live. Instead, Peter offered the man something far more valuable, pulling him up to claim a miracle healing.
Peter did so "in the name of Jesus" -- as if Peter were a high ranking servant of some great ruler. We have no doubt the man would much rather have that compared to mere coins. In Jewish culture, it was not big arms which marked a big man, but a fellow with strong legs. This was more than just a healing, but a restoration of manhood and life. He was no longer a mere offering plate with a voice, but a real person. The three then went into the Temple to worship, but this fellow had more cause to celebrate than anyone else there that day. All during this ritual, he was clinging to Peter and John, jumping and dancing and yelling loud thanks to God. The crowd knew who it was, and their jaded urbanite senses were stunned. After the ceremony, they crowded around to see the spectacle. This was Peter's chance to represent His Lord to yet another audience.
Peter denied he or John were any kind of miracle workers, as some traveling hucksters might claim. Instead, he carefully called attention in language they could not mistake to Jesus as the Messiah. Using formulaic terminology, Peter called Jesus the highest Servant of God, a Messianic term. He then lowered the boom, as before, telling them they had become the enemies of their own God by having Jesus executed. It was this crowd in particular which had been manipulated by the Sanhedrin to ask for Barabbas, instead of Jesus that day before Pilate. Yet, God proved them mistaken by raising Jesus back to life. Peter made it a point both he and John had seen the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes. It was the divine authority of this Jesus Messiah who restored the legs of this man they all knew. By having committed themselves to following Jesus as their ruler, they had His authority to heal.
Peter was hardly in a position to hold it against them, having betrayed Jesus more personally. At that time, he didn't know what he was doing, either. Knowing he could be forgiven a greater crime than theirs, he was offering them the same forgiveness. Even the Sanhedrin could be forgiven, since the prophets together had foretold the Messiah would suffer and die. He died at the hands of those who should have been first to recognize and embrace Him. Now was their chance to seize the blessing God made from their sin. Peter phrased it as the whole nation's chance, as every good thing God had promised under the Covenant was tied up in this Messiah Jesus.
If Jews could embrace Jesus as their rightful ruler, could seek a renewed understanding of the Covenant as Jesus taught it, this would hasten Jesus' Return. Until that time, it was necessary for Him to reside in Heaven whence He came, until His Father had restored all things under His authority. Would they be on God's side as loyal servants, or remain as His enemies? Peter quotes a Messianic passage from Moses' own words (Deuteronomy 18:15-19), calling to mind a fearful confrontation with God. They had not wanted to face God again as at Sinai. However, the promised Prophet Messiah would have the same fearful authority to destroy anyone who rejected His Word. This threat was confirmed by all the prophets from Samuel forward.
Peter reminds them they had been appointed by God to take His revelation to all the world. That was the reason for having prophets, for calling Abraham in the first place. In keeping with His Covenant, God sent His Son to them first. Would they embrace His message and turn from their sins? Would they accept this offer of redemption?
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By Ed Hurst
16 May 2008
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