Dr. Couch, what is the temple gate BEAUTIFUL all about in Acts 3:2?
ANSWER: This is a gate that led into the public area of the temple grounds. The reason the gate is called "Beautiful" is because it had a picture of the city of Shushan in Persia. Shushan was called "the town of lilies." Actually, the gate may not have been called "Beautiful" but simply described as beautiful. The beggars came to this gate and asked for alms in order to survive. That is what is going on in the first verses of Acts 3. Peter told the beggar "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: 'In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!'" (v. 6).
Nazareth was the city in which Jesus was raised and this identified Him with the crowd. The man was healed instantly and did three things almost at once. He walked, leaped, and praised God. These are three Present Tense Participles. He was walking, leaping, and praising God. The word "praise" means "to sing [to God] with praise and honor" The beggar was truly touched with his healing. He spiritually responded to the Lord for his blessing!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (6/11)
