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Spirit in the risen Christ. Together they go to the temple to pray. The dis ciples still clung to the outward form of the old Jewish worship. The tem ple was recognized until the final re jection of Christ by the Jews. The Church was in a transitional state. Going together to pray is indicative of the spiritual character of the mep. Prayer has a large place in the book of Acts. Prayer and power are hand maids. It is a gift to all believers. What mighty things are wrought by prayer! (2) The Poor Petitioner, vs. 2, 3. The scene of the miracle is laid at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, lead ing from the Court of the Gentiles to the Court of the Women. This gate was made of Corinthian brass, very rare. No sanctity attached to the Court of the Gentiles. The time is the time of the evening sacrifice. The Jews had three hours of prayer, 9:00, 12:00 and 3:00. The hours of sacrifice were 9:00 A. M. and 3:00 P. M. (Ex. 29:39). “ The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer in the evening.” These hours were observed by de vout Jews when absent from Jerusalem (Dan. 6:10). “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and, his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks be fore his God, as he did aforetime.” This indicates the advantage of hav ing hours of prayer. This man was a beggar,— a type of the sinner. Man was created perfect, but sin has crippled him. Men are hopeless by nature (Rom. 8 :7). Man has by nature no capacity to un derstand God (1 Cor. 2:14), and no
many signs and wonders, this one has been selected: Outline. (1) THE PARTNERS IN PRAYER, Y . 1 . (2) THE POOR PETITIONER, vs. 2, 3. (3) THE POWER OF PRAYER, vs. 4-7. (4) THE PROpF OF PRAYER, vs. 8 - 11 . (1) The Partners in Prayer, v. 1. Peter and John had been associated as companions in business (Luke 5:10). “ And sp was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were part ners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” They had been called as disciples to gether (Matt. 4:18). “ And Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren,— Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.” , They were colleagues in apostleship (Mark 5:37). “ And He suffered no man to follow Him, save Peter and James and John, the brother of James.” (Also Luke 4:38; Matt. 26:37; Luke 22 : 8 .) They are mentioned afterwards in this book of Acts as comrades in bear ing testimony (Acts 8:14). “Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent- unto them Peter and John.” Two by two is God’s order (Luke 1 0 : 1 ) . “ After these things the Lord ap pointed other seventy also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place whither He Him self would come.” This is a tender and wise provision. Peter and John are now united by the
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