A Healing and Its Results

15. What happened as Peter and John entered the temple, and how did people react?

¹⁵ Jehovah supported Jesus’ followers by means of “signs.” (3:1-10) Thus, as Peter and John entered the temple at 3:00 p.m. for the hour of prayer associated with the evening sacrifice, a man lame from birth was near the Beautiful Gate asking for “gifts of mercy.” ‘Silver and gold I do not possess,’ said Peter, ‘but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’ The man was healed instantly! As he entered the temple “walking and leaping and praising God,” people were ‘filled with ecstasy.’ Perhaps some recalled the words: “The lame one will climb up just as a stag does.”​—Isaiah 35:6.

When questioned before Jerusalem’s high court, Peter said that the lame man was cured “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,” impaled by them but resurrected by God. This “stone” rejected by Jewish “builders” had become “the head of the corner.” (Psalm 118:22) “Furthermore,” said Peter, “there is no salvation in anyone else.”

19. When ordered to stop preaching, how did the apostles reply?

¹⁹ An attempt was made to stop such talk. (4:13-22) With the cured man present, it was impossible to deny this “noteworthy sign,” yet Peter and John were charged ‘nowhere to speak or to teach on the basis of Jesus’ name.’