Acts 3

Peter & John, upon entering the temple one afternoon, were asked for money from a crippled beggar. They looked straight at him, and told him that they didn't have any money to give him, but that they could give something much more powerful: Healing. The man got up and accompanied them into the temple courts. All of the people recognized him and were amazed that he could walk. All of that to say this from verse 11: "While the beggar held on to Peter & John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade."

This miracle was attractive to the people, or if nothing else, it peaked their interest a bit. They wanted more information as to how or why this healing happened. Looks to me like Peter & John use it as leverage in speaking to the people. After giving God the glory for this man's healing, they speak frankly to the onlookers, reminding them that they had turned Jesus over to Pilate in return for the freedom of a murderer: "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses to this." (verse 15)

I believe this is some significant insight into the way the early church functioned. First, Peter & John performed a miracle that others would notice & be drawn to. Then, Peter & John gave glory to God for the miracle. Finally, they are able to speak boldly to people in a way that gives me the impression that they knew enough of this community that this type of boldness was effective in reaching the people. They of course balanced their message as well, such as in verses 17-19: "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..."

In other words, "Hey, you screwed up big time, but even in our folly, God works it out." In fact, Peter says that Christ will return at the appointed time, and God will "restore everything" (verse 21). Peter then refers to Moses' prophecy of Jesus, that He will come from among their own people, that the people must listen to everything He says, otherwise be cut off from among the people.

He also paints the picture in such a way that this knowledge of Christ is a blessing: "When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways" (verse 26). The Jews were first targeted by God for Christ's message, and they still had this opportunity despite their treatment of Him in calling for His crucifixion.

This is remarkable because the death of Jesus was recent news. At this point, the pain of it is still fresh on the disciples' minds, yet they are boldly attractive to all the people.