One of the Twelve

* Simon Peter was a fisherman when Jesus called him to be a disciple. Peter was the most prominent of the twelve disciples in the gospels. He was the natural spokesman of the twelve. Peter was part of the inner circle of disciples, along with James and John.

* At times Peter was impulsive (e.g., Matt.16:22-23; Mark 9:5-6; John 13:6-9; 18:10), but God used his good qualities to make him an outstanding leader in the early church.

Meeting Needs

* Not long after Jesus ascended to God the Father (Acts 1:9), Peter and John were going up to the temple. Read Acts 3:1-10.

1. What does the crippled man ask for? What does he need (besides what he asks for)? What is his greater need?

Reflection

† When we attempt to help someone with a need, do we only help meet their surface needs (or symptoms), or do we attempt to help meet their deeper needs?

2. How does Peter meet the crippled man's need? What is Peter's role or function?

3. Considering Peter's example, in what ways can the Christian help others? What are some specific examples? What do we have?

Explaining the Solution

* The miraculous healing gains the attention of many people. This gives Peter an opportunity to explain the "Solution" to the crippled man's greater need. Read Acts 3:11-16.

4. The people who see the results of the healing are astonished and begin to stare at Peter & John. How does Peter respond to this attention, and why? What is he attempting to do?

5. What was required for this healing to take place? (3:16) How does this apply to today?

* After telling the people that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets (3:18), Peter tells them to "repent" (change direction in mind, heart, and action) and turn to God.

6. Read Acts 3:19-21. What reasons does he give for them to repent?

Standing Firm When Opposed

* The Jewish religious leaders were greatly disturbed by the teaching of Peter and John (Acts 4:1-2). So they arrested them and put them in jail (4:3). The next day, the leaders questioned Peter and John (4:5-7). They asked, "By what power and authority do you do this?" (4:7)

* Peter boldly answered, "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead" (4:10). Read Acts 4:13-22.

7. How do Peter & John respond to the religious leaders' command to stop speaking about Jesus? What do you think of their response?

* "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20, NIV)

Reflection
† As a "Christian," is it easy for you not to tell others about Jesus? Or do you feel like Peter, who said, "We cannot help speaking about [Jesus]"? Where do you stand?

Reflection/Application
† What are your needs? What do you seek? What do you pray for? Reflecting on this lesson, identify your greatest and deepest needs. Consider how Jesus Christ can meet those needs. Do you need to turn away from your sins and turn to God?

† As a Christian, evaluate your part in helping meet the deepest needs of others. Think of friends, family, or coworkers who have expressed felt needs in their lives. Think of ways you can help them, not just with their surface needs, but with their deeper, spiritual needs.