6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. Acts 3:6-7

There’s a little detail in this passage that is always overlooked because of the “big picture.” The big picture, of course, is that a lame man was healed by God. Hallelujah. This was not a miracle that could be contrived or faked. Jesus healed a man who had been lame from birth. God still heals, there’s no question about it.

But a seemingly insignificant detail of this healing is found in verse seven, “Taking him by the right hand…” Why was this detail entered into the healing account? Peter grabbed his right hand and pulled him up, not the left hand and not simply “by the hand.” The writer of Acts, who most people believe to be the writer of the Book of Luke, thought it was an important detail to include.

For some the right hand was one of authority. “From now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” Luke 22:69

For parents, the right hand was used to bless children. “Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim.” Genesis 48:14

For God Almighty, the right hand was one of strength. “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

And in the Book of Revelations, the right hand was one of sovereignty. “In his right hand he held seven stars…” Revelations 1:16

We certainly see blessing and strength in Peter’s act of grabbing the lame man’s right hand, but why stop there?

What’s important to note, though, is that the Scriptures are filled with little nuggets of truth like this. Tomorrow we will discuss more about this big picture healing, but today we get to wonder and praise anew, because no matter how many times you read through the Scriptures, there’s always something new and interesting for each of us.

Glory to God!