A New Community and a Life-Changing Miracle (Acts 2:41-3:11)
After Peter boldly preached about Jesus on the day of Pentecost, something amazing happened—thousands of people believed. But that was only the beginning. The early church quickly became a vibrant, caring community, and God began to work through them in powerful ways.
Let’s look at what happened next in Acts 2:41–3:11.
A Growing and Loving Church
After Peter’s message, about 3,000 people believed and were baptized. These new believers didn’t just go back to their old lives—they stuck together and formed a close, loving community.
Here’s what they did:
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They learned together, listening to the apostles’ teaching.
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They shared meals, including the Lord’s Supper.
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They prayed together.
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They shared everything they had, helping anyone in need.
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They praised God and found favor with others.
This wasn’t just religion—it was real life change. People weren’t just attending a gathering; they were living like a family, putting love and generosity into action.
And every day, more people joined them. God was growing His church.
A Man Who Couldn’t Walk Meets a Powerful God
In the next scene, Peter and John were heading to the temple to pray. As they walked in, a man who had been lame from birth was sitting by the gate, asking for money. He had been carried there every day—it was the only way he could survive.
When he saw Peter and John, he asked them for help, expecting some coins. But Peter said something surprising:
“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Then Peter took his hand and lifted him up—and instantly, the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He stood up, walked, and started jumping and praising God!
Can you imagine the joy he felt? For the first time in his life, he could walk—and it was all because of Jesus’ power.
Wonder and Amazement
Everyone at the temple knew this man. They had seen him sitting by the gate for years. When they saw him walking, leaping, and praising God, they were amazed.
He held on to Peter and John as people rushed over to see what had happened. This miracle opened the door for Peter to explain that it wasn’t their power that healed the man—it was faith in Jesus.
What This Means for Us
This story gives us two beautiful pictures:
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The Church as a Family
The early believers showed us how the church is meant to be—a community of love, learning, sharing, and prayer. It wasn’t about buildings or programs; it was about people walking with Jesus together. -
Jesus Still Changes Lives
The man who couldn’t walk didn’t just get coins—he got his life changed. When we call on Jesus, He meets us with more than we expect. He brings healing, hope, and new beginnings.
Jesus invites us to be part of His family and His mission. Just like in Acts, He still works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
So whether you need healing, hope, or a place to belong—Jesus is still reaching out His hand.
Acts 2:41-3:11 (WEB)
2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
3:1 Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. 4 Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, “Look at us.” 5 He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7 He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. 8 Leaping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.