Acts 4:22 – “For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.”

Extended Explanation

This verse serves as a final statement in the account of Peter and John’s trial before the Sanhedrin. It confirms that the man who had been healed at the temple gate was over forty years old, which emphasizes the greatness of the miracle.

Why is this detail important? Because a man who had been crippled for over four decades and suddenly regained his ability to walk was a public and undeniable miracle. This wasn’t a minor injury or a short-term sickness—this man had never walked before, and now he was standing, jumping, and praising God (Acts 3:8).

This miracle was so widely known that the religious leaders had no way to deny it. Instead of acknowledging God’s power, they chose to suppress the message of Jesus. But the healed man’s presence was a testimony that they could not silence.

Historical Context

The healing of the crippled man at the temple gate happened at one of the busiest places in Jerusalem—the Beautiful Gate of the temple (Acts 3:1-2). Every day, this man sat there, begging for money because he had never been able to work.

For over forty years, he had been a fixture of Jerusalem’s daily life. Many people had walked past him countless times. When Peter and John healed him in the name of Jesus, the impact was massive. Everyone knew this was a real miracle—this was not some unknown person being healed in private.

This detail about his age also highlights the severity of his condition. If someone had been crippled from birth for that long, medical science of that time would consider him beyond hope. But Jesus’ power changed that in an instant.

Theological Implications

1. God’s power is undeniable. The longer a person has suffered, the greater the miracle when they are healed. The Sanhedrin wanted to reject Peter and John’s message, but they could not argue against what God had done.

2. Faith is strengthened by seeing God’s works. The people in the temple praised God because they saw undeniable proof of His power. When we witness God’s work in our lives and in others, our faith grows.

3. The gospel is about transformation. The healed man was a picture of what Jesus does for people spiritually. Just as he was physically restored, Jesus restores people from sin and spiritual brokenness.

4. Opposition to Jesus does not come from lack of evidence. The religious leaders had proof right in front of them, yet they still refused to believe. This shows that rejecting Jesus is a matter of the heart, not the mind.

Literary Analysis

This verse serves as a conclusion to the miracle’s impact.

• “For the man who was miraculously healed” – The wording reinforces that this was not an ordinary event but a divine act.
• “Was over forty years old” – This detail adds historical credibility and weight to the miracle. The older he was, the more impossible his healing seemed.

Luke, the author of Acts, often records specific details to emphasize the historical accuracy of the events. He wants readers to understand that this miracle was public, verifiable, and could not be explained away.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 9:1-3 – Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth, showing that God’s power is revealed in lifelong conditions.
• Luke 13:10-13 – Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for 18 years, proving that no one is beyond His reach.
• Acts 3:6-8 – The actual miracle, where Peter says, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”
• Psalm 118:23 – “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” The people in Jerusalem were experiencing this firsthand.
• Ephesians 2:1-5 – Just as the man was healed physically, we are made alive spiritually through Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God is still in the business of changing lives. Just as He healed this man, He can restore brokenness in our own lives—whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.

It also challenges us to think about our own response to God’s work. The religious leaders ignored the evidence and rejected Jesus. The people in the temple praised God. Which response do we have when we see God working?

Additionally, this verse encourages us to never lose hope. This man had suffered for forty years, yet his story was not over. No matter how long we’ve struggled, God is able to bring healing and restoration.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He cares for those who are overlooked. This man had been a beggar for decades, likely ignored by many people. Yet God saw him, knew his pain, and chose to heal him.

This verse also shows that God’s miracles are meant to bring people to Him. The healed man’s testimony led to thousands of people praising God. When God works in our lives, it is an opportunity to give Him glory and point others to His goodness.

Additionally, God’s love is demonstrated through His patience with those who reject Him. The Sanhedrin resisted the truth, yet God continued to offer them opportunities to repent. He does the same today—He desires that all people come to know Him (2 Peter 3:9).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This miracle points directly to Jesus in several ways:

1. It was done in His name. Peter and John clearly stated that this healing was not by their own power but through Jesus (Acts 3:6).

2. It mirrored Jesus’ own healings. Jesus often healed people who had suffered for many years, proving that He had authority over sickness and brokenness.

3. It demonstrated the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The religious leaders thought they had eliminated Jesus, but this miracle showed that His power was still at work through His followers.

4. It was a picture of salvation. Just as this man was physically healed, Jesus offers spiritual healing to all who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Luke specifically mentioned that the healed man was over forty years old?
2. How does this miracle encourage us to trust in God’s ability to work in our own lives?
3. What does this passage teach us about how people respond differently to God’s power?
4. How can you share your personal experiences of God’s work in your life with others?
5. What areas of your life need healing or restoration, and how can you trust God in those areas?

This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s power is real, His love is personal, and His truth cannot be ignored. May we respond by trusting Him, praising Him, and boldly sharing what He has done in our lives!