Why was Les amazed at Israel's response to God's power in Acts 3?
The teacher was amazed because Israel, throughout its history, had repeatedly seen manifestations of God's power, yet those displays seemed to have very little effect on the nation. Even in Acts 3, the miraculous healing produced wonder, but Israel's long pattern of indifference to divine power was striking.
Les explains that in Acts 3, Peter and John healed the lame man by the power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The man leaped, stood, walked, entered the temple leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the same one who sat for alms at the beautiful gate, and they were filled with wonder and amazement. But Les notes that what amazes him is especially the nation of Israel: throughout their history they had seen manifestations of the power of their God, and it seemed to have so little effect on them.
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.
And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
More Questions
Why did the people recognize the healed man in Acts 3?
The people recognized the healed man as the same one who used to sit begging for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.
What does Les say amazes him about Israel in Acts 3?
Les is amazed that the nation of Israel, throughout their history, had seen manifestations of God's power, yet it seemed to have so little effect on them.