Reading for May 3rd

 Read Acts 3.1-16. In 3.1-26: The power of the prophet like Moses. In verse 1: The hour of prayer was one of many daily daily observances, again reflecting Luke's attention to the practice of the Temple (Lk 1.8-10; 2.22-24, 37). In verse 2: The lame had a special place in Jesus' messianic priorities (Lk 7.22; 14.13, 21) in contrast to their exclusion in Lev 21.16-18. The beautiful gate could be any of the several entrances to Jerusalem. In verse 3: Giving alms is a traditional Jewish obligation (Lk 11.41; 12.33; Acts 9.36; 10.2, 4, 31; 24.17). In verses 4-5: Peter's looking intently at the lame man not only contrasts with the tendency to avert the eyes from a beggar, but emphasizes the riveted gaze of an intense interchange (Lk 4.20; 22.56; Acts. 1.10). In verse 6: Peter's command in the name of Jesus Christ (2.38) echoes Jesus' word to the paralyzed man in Lk 5.23. In verse 8: Jumping up, walking, and leaping and praising God into the Temple marks his healing as a fulfillment of Israel's promised restoration like leaping lame man in Isa 35.1-10. In verses 10-12: Wonder and amazement and being utterly astonished are still short of understanding or belief at what has happened (Lk 4.36; 5.26; Acts 2.12), but they provide the occasion for Peter's message. In verses 13-15: The thorough identification with Israel (the God of our ancestors) marks this as prophetic speech among Jews. The oracles are structured as in 2.23-24.36, highlighting the conflict between "you and God"; God has glorified his servant Jesus  whom we you handed over and rejected. As servant (Acts 3.26' 4.25, 27, 30), Holy (Lk 1.35), and Righteous (Lk 23.47; see comment on Acts 7.52), Jesus is fulfilling a host of scriptural roles. The title Author of life is unusual (see 5.31, translated "Leader"), but clearly contrasts Jesus, the source of life, with those who deal in death. The witnesses are again focused on Jesus' resurrection (1.22). In verse 16: Faith in his name becomes the very agency of divine power (see 2.38, and contrast the misuse of Jesus' name by those who are not witnesses in 19.11-16).  Comments or Questions..