DCLM Youth Search The Scripture Bible Study for September 28, 2025, Lesson 179 : Title - Healing Of The Cripple

DCLM Youth Search The Scripture Bible Study for September 28, 2025, Lesson 179 : Title - Healing Of The Cripple 

YOUTH STS 

LESSON 179

HEALING OF THE CRIPPLE

TEXT: Acts 3:1-26. 

MEMORY VERSE: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).

The book of Acts is filled with spectacular miracles, signs and wonders through the ministration of the servants of the High God. This is in fulfilment of Christ’s promise for those who are obedient to the preaching of the gospel (Mark 16:15-20). This happens as the result of prayers by the whole Church. It is interesting to know that the early church gave a special place to prayer in their lives and ministry (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:24-31; 6:4; 7:60; 9:11; 12:5; 13:1-3; 16:13,25; 20:36; 28:15). The chapter under consideration today opens with how ministers of God in the early church went to pray at the “hour of prayer”. Through this action of Apostles Peter and John, the first recorded miraculous healing by the apostles in the book of Acts took place. Apostle Peter took prayer seriously in his Christian life and ministry. He later declared, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). The psalmist also challenged us to give ourselves to prayer (Psalm 109:4).

Question 1: What is prayer and why is it important?

Prayer is communing with God (Psalm 5:3), crying to the Lord for assistance (Psalm 3:4), lifting up our eyes to the Lord for help (Psalms 121:1,2; 123:1,2), pouring out our hearts for God’s intervention (Lamentation 2:18,19), pouring out our tears before God for souls dying in sins (Jeremiah 9:1), crying to God when in affliction (Jonah 2:1,2), asking, seeking and knocking God’s throne for supply (Matthew 7:7-11), lifting up our hands in praise, worship and adoration to God (1 Timothy 1:8), making request with thanksgiving to God (Philippians 4:6) and desiring God’s mercy (Daniel 2:17-20). Prayer brings repentance, restoration, righteousness, revival, renewal, recovery and revelation. When we give ourselves continually to prayers, we will have the same results the early church had. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

MIRACLES THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS (Acts 3:1-11; Acts 4:8-12; 5:15; Mark 16:15-20; Acts 10:42,43; Luke 10:19; Philippians 2:9-11; Luke 7:21,22)

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour” (Acts 3:1). At the hour of prayer, Peter and John went to the temple to pray. These men were good companions as Christians and gospel ministers. This type of healthy companionship produces fruit of purity, love and fruitful Christian service. This kind of unity was seen in God’s original plan (Genesis 2:26), illustrated in the life of Moses (Numbers 10:31), emphasised by Solomon (Ecclesiastes 4:9), appreciated by Christ (Matthew 18:19), applied by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:1,2), practised by Paul the apostle (Acts 15:36) and commanded by God (Ephesians 4:3). “And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple” (Acts 3:2). At the beautiful gate was a man above forty years, begging for arms with the least expectation of a miracle. Peter and John looked steadfastly on him when they perceived the high degree of expectation from him. Peter then said, “Look on us”. With this expectation, the man of God said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”. He then took him by the right hand, lifted up the lame man and his ankle bones received strength. There is power in the name of Jesus. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God” (verses 8,9). This miracle opened the floodgate of the miracles in the early church. It also declared the power and presence of Jesus in the church and demonstrated His authority given to the believers to do “greater works” (John 14:12).

Question 2: Can God still heal today? Mention long-standing sicknesses and problems God healed in the Bible.

God still does miracles today. Some of the long-standing sicknesses and problems healed by God include the healing of the blind man from birth (John 9:1,6,7), the impotent man of 38 years (John 5:5-9), the deliverance of the demon possessed child (Mark 7:17-21), the woman with 12 years’ issue of blood (Mark 5:25-29), the lame man from his mother’s womb (Acts 14:8-10), the raising of Lazarus from the dead after four days (John 11:39-44) and healing of Naaman the leper from Syria (2 Kings 5:1,14). Just like the lame man at the beautiful gate had been in that hopeless condition for forty years before the healing virtue of Christ rested on his legs, so are several other hopeless cases on account of physical ailment, demonic depression or satanic attack. Only Christ can raise a man who was born lame. He still heals and delivers whosoever will trust in Him today. He is the hope for the hopeless. If forty years lameness was brought to an end at an instant, all other problems or crisis of life would certainly be solved. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Pray, believe and expect your miracles today. After receiving the miracle, the man followed Peter and John. He did not run away like some youths would have done. His continuation with the disciples brought more blessings into his life. This is a good example to follow.

MANIFESTATION OF FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS (Acts 3:12- 18; Ephesians 1:19-23; Matthew 9:22; John 14:12-15; 15:16)

As the lame man who was healed held Peter and John out of joy, the people ran to the temple wondering about what had happened. Peter immediately saw the need and opportunity to preach the gospel. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18). The effects of this miracle were positive on the recipient, the church and the world around. This miracle must have brought back the consciousness of the reality and power of Christ whom they crucified but who was raised up by God. Peter first pointed to God, His power and covenant with the people of Israel as the One who glorified His Son Jesus. “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” (Acts 3:13). The great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knows no impossibility (Exodus 3:6; 4:5; 1 Kings 18:36; 1 Chronicles 29:18; Matthew 22:32). The subject of Peter’s sermon was Jesus Christ and faith in His name. Today, Jesus only is our message. He is our Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer, Baptiser and coming King. He portrayed Christ’s betrayal, position, crucifixion, messiahship, suffering, ascension and exaltation (Acts 3:13,21) in his exhortation.

Question 3: From verses 13-26 of our text, point out the titles of Christ and state their implications. 

Peter’s message reveals Jesus Christ as: (1) the Son of God (verse 13,26; Matthew 1:21). As the Son of God, He came the first time to die for our sins. Hence, He is our Redeemer, Mediator and sin- Bearer. (2) The holy One (verse 14; Acts 4:27,30; Mark 1:23,24). Jesus is the holy One who qualifies to pay the penalty for our sins (Hebrews 7:26,27). (3) The Just (verse 14; Acts 7:52; Matthew 27:19,24). Christ is the only just Person to die for all men (the unjust). “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). (4) The Prince of life (verse 15; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:13-17). Jesus is the Prince of life that produces peace in the hearts and lives of those who have accepted Him. (5) The Christ (verse 18,20; Luke 24:46; Acts 17:3). He is the only appointed sin-Bearer for men (Isaiah 53:5). (6) The Lord (verse 19; 1 Corinthians 8:6). Jesus Christ is the Lord of lords. Allow Him to reign and rule in your life so you can reign with Him in His kingdom. (7) The Prophet (verse 22; Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19). He is the greatest Prophet that declares the word, way and will of God more perfectly than any other prophet. “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” (Acts 3:16). Peter in his message stressed that faith in Jesus’ name and ability secured the miracle for the lame man who was above forty years. Faith is essential in life. For without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). It has been rightly stated that, “Christ and Christ alone meets and meets abundantly the want of men, of any and every man. Faith and faith alone brings Christ and man so together that the one imparts and the other receives all that be needed, asked and desired’.

Question 4: What are the blessings we can receive by faith?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). All things spiritually and physically can be received by faith in God and His word. We can receive salvation (Romans 5:1), sanctification (Acts 15:9), Spirit-baptism (Galatians 3:14), healing and deliverance (Matthew 9:27-30), wisdom for success (James 1:5-8), spiritual revival, renewal and success in soul-winning.

MINISTERING FORGIVENESS THROUGH THE NAME OF JESUS (Acts 3:17-26; Matthew 18:3; John 3:3,5,7; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 20:19- 21; Matthew 3:16, 17; Luke 9:35; 2 Peter 1:16,21; Hebrews 1:1-3)

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you” (Acts 3:19). Peter systematically presented the gospel message to his hearers with humility yet with boldness. The secret of evangelism is a winsome, beautiful humble spirit that points to Christ as the Saviour. The offer of the gospel leads to abundant life through Christ Jesus. The life of Christ in us removes all darkness and its works. The name of Jesus procured both physical and spiritual blessings for man. As the lame man received the physical blessing, Peter urged his hearers to arise and walk in newness of life. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). To the heart oppressed with fear, the name of Jesus offers a divine refuge in which to hide. To the soul struggling with temptation, the name of Jesus provides sure victory. The summary of the message is, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

Question 5: What do you understand by repentance?

Repentance implies turning away from all known sins and evils. It is turning from Satan to the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10). It involves a change of one’s mind, purpose, direction and action from evil to a new life in Christ. It brings conversion or a change of life. Repentance with faith opens the way to God and makes one to receive His grace. Repentance occupies a central place in the preaching of the gospel. It is a universal command from God (Ezekiel 14:6), it was emphasised by Christ (Mark1:14,15) and the Apostles preached it (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:20,21). Repentance must, therefore, be preached to all men in the name of Jesus Christ. “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Sinners and backsliders should know that no one is excluded from the gospel to repent from his sins. From verses 22-25, Peter stressed that the miracle that took place was as a result of the fulfilment of Scriptures. Moses, Samuel and other prophets spoke of Jesus Christ and their words were now fulfilled. We can absolutely trust the word of God for all aspect of our lives. Peter emphasised that Christ is the Prophet whom Moses spoke about and through Him “shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you” (Acts 3:22).

Question 6: What are the consequences of not listening to or obeying the word of God?

“And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people” (Acts 3:23). Anyone who refuses to listen and obey the words of Christ shall receive eternal punishment from God.

Question 7: What steps should a sinner or backslider take to receive forgiveness of sins?

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake” (Psalms 79:9). To receive forgiveness of sins, one must pray to God in repentance and confession of his sins, believe in the atoning blood of Christ and receive the grace of God to go and sin no more. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). After receiving this gracious experience from the Lord, he/she must do everything possible to keep it. This can be possible through praying, reading, mediating, obeying and believing the word of God. “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts 3:26). God gave Jesus Christ as the Source of all blessings. These blessings include the fear of the Lord (Psalm 130:4), favour of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, protection, promotion and heaven as our eternal home.