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Acts 3:6 |
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Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Note 3 at Acts 3:6: This cannot be interpreted to conclude that the disciples were poverty stricken. They simply said they didn't have any money. That could mean that they didn't have any money with them. We know from Acts 2:45 that all their needs were met.
Note 4 at Acts 3:6: Notice that Peter said, "such as I have give I thee." Peter and John knew what they had. They had been given the power and ability of Jesus to heal. They didn't just pray that Jesus would heal the man. They didn't even pray! They just gave because it was theirs to give.
That does not mean that we can use God's power contrary to His will. That's the reason Peter fastened his eyes on the man to perceive if he had faith (see note 2 at v. 4, p. 584). We must know God's will which is revealed to us in His Word (see note 31 at Mt. 6:10, p. 134), and any requirements that must be met on the person's part who is receiving the miracle (see note 2 at Mk. 6:5, p. 219; see note 2 at Lk. 7:13, p. 173).
But once we know God's will, it is inappropriate for us to be in a passive position of simply asking for the Lord to heal. He has given us the power to heal (Mt. 10:1, 7-8; Mk. 16:17-18; Jn. 14:12). We need to boldly exercise our authority. The signs follow us (Mk. 16:17), we don't follow them. Many people have desired the miraculous from God but have not received it because they didn't know their authority and didn't exercise it.
Note 5 at Acts 3:6: The early church had more power than money. Today the church has more money than power (1 Cor. 4:19-20).

