As every Bible student knows, the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament, time after time. Prophecy becoming reality.
Today’s Text illustrates the fact that even the Book of Acts participates in this miraculous phenomena.
Peter has just (via the power of the Holy Spirit) healed a lame man! The Apostle’s very words: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he (Peter) took him (the lame man) by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he LEAPING UP stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and LEAPING, and praising God.” Acts 3:6-8
Why this unusual emphasis, “leaping?”
One would have expected the man to have gingerly, softly tested his feet! A step at a time! But no … leaping!
Here’s why.
It’s something Isaiah wrote long ago. At least seven hundred (700) years prior to this healing! The Prophet is talking about the future time when Jesus would come, the Messiah … “Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. THEN SHALL THE LAME MAN LEAP as an HART (deer), and the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:4-6
Fulfillment of God’s Word!
Jesus (God the Son) has come!
Miracles have been enacted!
God’s Word authenticated, confirmed … yet again!
By the way, this is an Example of the Holy Spirit quoting the Holy Spirit! He is the True Author of both Acts and Isaiah!
Watch for these allusions, hints and direct quotations from the Old Testament as you study the New Testament Scriptures. They will further illuminate what you learn.
Lame man walking, well really … leaping too!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Actually the Isaiah 35 Passage I have mentioned is not just about the First Coming of Jesus, not particularly so. It is even more about the Second Coming of Jesus, the Millennium! That Golden Age the world yet will enjoy … after (as Peter says) “the restitution of all things!” (A phrase he used in Acts 3:21.)
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