A New Book
Today, we begin the book of Acts by reading chapters 1–3.
I was wrong to say John was the only one to discuss what happened after Jesus arose. Luke, in chapter 24, ends his Gospel with Jesus ascending (Luke 24:50–53). He stops the Gospel there but continues the story in a second volume—Acts. Like I’ve split my devotional path through the Bible into three books, there was a practical size that limited how long of a scroll people would carry or read. So Luke writes a sequel and sends it to the same party: Theophilus.
This could be an individual, but it translates in Greek to “Lover of God,” so it may be a general title. I pray this would include you.
Casting Lots
There is too much happening to discuss it all in this brief space. We have the disciples choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15–26). Not based on specific qualifications—though I am certain both men were righteous and worthy to be chosen—but when it came down to the two, they prayed and cast lots. Matthias was the chosen one.
We have Pentecost and the Holy Spirit being poured out (Acts 2:1–4). People speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4–6), and the group of believers—which was 120 (Acts 1:15)—adding 3,000 more in a single day (Acts 2:41), and more daily thereafter (Acts 2:47). All worthy subjects to talk about, but what I fixated on was in chapter 3.
Solomon’s Colonnade and the Beautiful Gate
I am a history geek, so I couldn’t help but lock on to the mention in Acts 3:11 of Solomon’s Colonnade. It’s a term I had heard before, and I wanted to know more about it. I thought since I found it interesting, perhaps you would as well.
We know the Babylonians destroyed the temple Solomon built, as described in 2 Kings 25 and Ezekiel 10–11. Later, Hezekiah rebuilt the temple, and they found part of the wall from the earlier temple. To honor Solomon and their ancestry, they built this portico—a large porch near that wall. The Romans and an earthquake destroyed it in AD 70, but archaeologists have unearthed enough of it to know it could hold over 10,000 people.(1)
This location ties their past—from Solomon—to Jesus, who often preached on the steps there (John 10:23), and to the new church as mentioned here in Acts. There is continuity in the mention of this location.
The historian Josephus wrote about it in his book Antiquities, as well as in Wars. (2) These are both available online—translated to English—and fascinating to read. In Antiquities he mentions the Nicanor Gate as a candidate for what Luke calls the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:2). That makes sense because Corinthian bronze made the Nicanor Gate more valuable than gold-plated gates. It had a relief of the city of Susa carved into it. (3) This may have given rise to the nickname “Beautiful Gate,” though in Greek the word hōraios means “timely” or “well-suited,” not “pretty.” (4)
The Man They Healed
This is where the man who was born lame could walk—leaping and jumping and praising God—after John and Peter healed him in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:6–8). I related to this man, being disabled. We see the apostles looked at him and had him look at them (Acts 3:4). People often ignore and pass over people with disabilities. I admit I used to do the same thing before I was disabled. You don’t know what to say. Should you ask if they were in an accident? Are they comfortable talking about it? Is their condition progressive or terminal? Not wanting to be insensitive, they find it’s easier to avoid eye contact and not engage with us at all.
I’ve always loved the honesty of children, who will come up and ask me why I’m in a wheelchair or walking on crutches. The kids will ask if they can use my crutches or sit in my chair. Adults won’t do that.
Therefore, it is significant that Peter reached out and took the man by his hand and helped him to his feet (Acts 3:7). This man had lived without human contact for most of his life. It does not surprise me he was still clinging to them when they arrived at Solomon’s Colonnade (Acts 3:11).
A Way to Talk About Jesus
If you ever want a great way to talk to someone with a disability about Jesus, you might ask if they’re familiar with how the apostles reached out and touched this man. They might tell you they don’t like people touching their equipment—but most will appreciate that you didn’t avoid them. Perhaps you can lead them to the Lord.
Tomorrow, we will read Acts 4-6.
Footnotes
- Ritmeyer, Leen. “The Beautiful Gate of the Temple.” Ritmeyer Archaeological Design, December 14, 2010. https://www.ritmeyer.com/2010/12/14/the-beautiful-gate-of-the-temple/.
- Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 15.11.3; Wars of the Jews 5.5.1.
- Keener, Craig S. Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, Vol. 1. Baker Academic, 2012, 1004–1006.
- Bible Hub, “Greek Lexicon: hōraios.” https://biblehub.com/greek/5611.htm.