Acts 4:9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed…
In today’s verse, we see Peter and John defending themselves before the Sanhedrin when questioned about the healing of man born lame (Acts 3:1-10). They were arrested and questioned about how they were able to do this healing, by what power or name was it possible. They start with their response in Acts 4:9 and conclude in Acts 4:10.
It is interesting how the story progressed. When they had further threatened them, the Sanhedrin let them go, finding no way to punish them. All the people were praising God for what had happened (Acts 4:21). How amazing is that? They chose to be kind and heal a man who was in need of it and the people were praising God for the miracle, so much so that the ruling religious leaders had no choice but to release them from prison.
It is amusing how Peter acknowledged they were being questioned for a kind act (healing the lame man) but framed it as a “good deed.” By doing so, he was subtly challenging their harsh treatment. It is also important that we remember that the man’s healing wasn’t done by human power but by the name and authority of Jesus. Jesus was given all the credit for the healing because it was by His name and His power that this miracle took place.
In today’s day and age it is often difficult for us to see how verses like this apply. Healing power is not typically on display like it was in this case. But the verse reminds us that with God anything is possible (Mark 9:23). Through Jesus healing can come, including healing by our own hands. Whatever we ask in His Name, if it is His will, we will see done (John 14:14).
We also have verses like today’s that remind us to be kind to others. The Apostles acted out of kindness toward the lame man and healed him. We may not find ourselves helping heal physical conditions, but we can still be kind to others. And through our kindness we might just heal their hearts.
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