“And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? . . . And his name (the Lord Jesus) 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 3:11-12, 16.
The lame man’s healing raised quite a stir in the vicinity of the temple. The shouts of joy and praise that the man made and also his thankfulness directed at Peter and John, attracted a great crowd. Seeing that crowd, Peter addressed them.
I. THE FIRST THING PETER DID WAS DISCLAIM ALL CREDIT OR MERIT FOR THE HEALING!
“Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” Verse 12.
1. In everything we do we must give the glory to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31. Even in the smallest matter we must ever glorify, always give honour, to the Lord. This is why we must always give thanks to the Lord before we eat! The food, in reality, comes from the Lord.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” James 1:17.
2. It is obvious that Peter was very anxious that the people not honour him. It is something that is ever a temptation to a preacher. It would have appealed to old natures to welcome the praise of men and be considered great by them. But this Peter and John immediately refused. Paul and Silas were of the same mind: Acts 14:8-18. The Lord says: “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images,” Isaiah 42:8.