Acts 3:6, 16 (NKJV)
6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
16 “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
The account in Acts 3 presents one of the earliest miracles performed by the apostles after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. A man who had been lame from birth was laid daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful to beg for alms. When Peter and John encountered him, the man expected financial help. However, Peter offered something far greater—divine healing through the authority of Jesus Christ.
Peter openly declared that he had no silver or gold, yet he possessed something infinitely more valuable: faith in the name of Jesus. The miracle that followed was not produced by human ability, wealth, or status, but by the power of Christ activated through faith.
Acts 3:16 clearly explains the source of the miracle: “His name, through faith in His name.” This reveals a foundational principle of Christian ministry—miracles occur when believers exercise genuine faith in the authority of Jesus. The apostles did not perform miracles by personal power or holiness, but by trusting fully in Christ and boldly acting upon that faith.
Faith is the channel through which God’s grace flows into human situations. The grace of God provides the power, but faith appropriates it. When believers operate in faith, they become instruments through which God demonstrates His power, compassion, and truth.
In the context of this year’s theme, Grace and Truth, miracles represent the manifestation of God’s grace, while faith in the name of Jesus aligns us with the truth of who Christ is. The apostles understood that Jesus had entrusted His authority to His followers (Mark 16:17–18; John 14:12). Therefore, they acted with boldness, confidence, and unwavering trust in Him.
The story also teaches that faith requires action. Peter did not merely pray silently; he spoke with authority and commanded the man to rise. Genuine faith is active and courageous. It believes God’s promises and steps forward in obedience.
For believers today, the lesson remains powerful: God still works through faith-filled lives. While miracles ultimately belong to God, He often chooses to perform them through those who trust Him completely. When believers walk in faith, pray with conviction, and act in the authority of Christ, they become vessels through which God’s miraculous power can be revealed.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points
- To God be the glory, the Father of our faith: we thank You for being the Author and Finisher of our faith in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 11:2).
- Lord, cultivate in me a heart that expects miracles as I commit my prayers to You in faith in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 21:22).
- Lord, increase my faith beyond the size of a mustard seed, so I can perform Your miracles that move mountains away for my life and others in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 17:20)
- Father, empower me to walk in Your authority like Peter, manifesting miracles through my belief in Jesus’ name. (Acts 3:6).
- O Lord, I stand in faith, asking for healing for myself and others, knowing that You have forgiven us our sins in Jesus’ name. (James 5:15, 2 Corinthians 5:7).
- Father, help me to have the faith that trusts in Your promises without doubt, knowing that with You, nothing is impossible in Jesus’ name. (Luke 1:37).
- Father, let trials and challenges strengthen my faith. Let it produce patience and lead to greater miracles and breakthroughs in Jesus’ name. (James 1:2-3).
- Father, help me to serve You faithfully and increase my capacity to be a vessel through which Your miracles can flow in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 25:21).
- Lord, bring people of faith into my life, that we may agree on Your promises and perform miracles in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 18:19).
- Father, teach me to worship You in spirit and truth so that my worship may open the doors to miracles in Jesus’ name. (John 4:23).
- Father, give me enabling faith to ask for Your provision and believe that You will meet all my needs abundantly in Jesus’ name. (Philippians 4:19).
- Father, help me to remain devoted to prayer with a thankful heart, that I will not miss the performance of Your miracles in Jesus’ name. (Colossians 4:2).
- Father, I pray boldly in the name of Jesus, trusting that You will do notable things for Your glory in Jesus’ name. (John 14:13).
- Father, use me as an ambassador of Your miracle-working power to share faith and encourage others in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 5:20, Mark 16:17).
- Father, thank You for Your mercies that daily renew our faith in You in Jesus Christ’s name. (Psalm 136:1).
