Acts 3
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
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. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Acts 3 Meaning
Acts 3 tell the story of Peter and John healing a man who had been disabled from birth. This miraculous event takes place at the temple in Jerusalem, where Peter and John encounter a beggar who asks them for money. Instead of giving him money, Peter declares, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). Immediately, the man’s legs are strengthened, and he begins to walk, leap, and praise God.
Acts 3 Commentary and Explanation
Chapter 3 of the book of Acts is a significant continuation of the early church’s journey after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In this chapter, we witness a remarkable miracle, a powerful sermon by Peter, and the response of the people.
Verse 1: As we start this chapter, we find Peter and John going up to the temple at the hour of prayer. This act reminds us of the importance of regular prayer and communal worship. The Jewish custom of going to the temple for prayer still held significance for these early Christians.
Verse 2: Here, we encounter a man lame from birth being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. The mention of this man’s lifelong disability serves as a reminder of the brokenness and suffering present in the world. It also sets the stage for a miraculous healing.
Verse 3: Peter and John notice the man, and their response is immediate. They don’t turn a blind eye but instead engage with compassion. This reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of caring for the marginalized and needy (Matthew 25:35-36).
Verse 4-5: Peter and John do not have silver or gold to give the beggar, but they offer him something far more valuable—the healing power of Jesus Christ. Their words, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” are reminiscent of the authority and power given to believers by Jesus Himself (Matthew 10:8).
Verse 6-7: As Peter extends his hand to help the lame man up, a miraculous transformation occurs. The man’s feet and ankles become strong, enabling him to stand and walk. This miraculous healing demonstrates the power of faith and the authority of Christ’s name.
Verse 8: The man, who had never walked in his life, not only walks but also leaps and praises God. This physical healing symbolizes the spiritual transformation that occurs when we encounter Jesus and accept Him as our Savior (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Verse 9-10: The people who witness this incredible miracle are astonished and gather around Peter and John at Solomon’s Portico. This provides an opportunity for Peter to address the crowd and share the gospel.
Verse 11-12: Peter seizes this moment to deflect attention away from himself and John and directs it toward Jesus, emphasizing that the healing was not their doing but the result of faith in the name of Jesus Christ. This underscores the importance of giving glory to God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Verse 13-15: Peter reminds the crowd of their complicity in crucifying Jesus, but he also offers hope and the opportunity for repentance. This reference to the death and resurrection of Jesus is a central theme of the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Verse 16: Peter highlights the faith that comes through Jesus, which made the healing possible. This faith can bring about restoration and transformation in our lives as well, both spiritually and physically (Mark 11:22-24).
Verse 17-18: Peter acknowledges that the people acted in ignorance when they crucified Jesus, echoing Jesus’ own words on the cross (Luke 23:34). He encourages them to repent and turn to God for forgiveness and spiritual refreshment.
Verse 19-21: Repentance is seen as the way to experience times of refreshing and the fulfillment of God’s promises, a concept rooted in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 18:30-32, Joel 2:25-32).
Verse 22-26: Peter goes on to cite the prophecy of Moses about a prophet like himself whom God would raise up. This prophet is Jesus, whom they should listen to and obey. Peter emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of all the prophetic promises in the Old Testament.
Overall, Acts 3 reveals the transformative power of faith in the name of Jesus Christ and the importance of repentance and turning to God. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for the marginalized and proclaim the gospel boldly. This chapter serves as a foundational moment in the early church’s history, highlighting the centrality of Jesus Christ in their message and mission.
Also Read: John 13:7 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Acts 3
Acts 3 takes place shortly after the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. The early church was growing rapidly, as more and more people were coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit’s boldness and were actively ministering and proclaiming the gospel message.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 3
“Silver or gold I do not have” – Peter recognizes that material possessions cannot bring about true transformation or healing. Our worth is not determined by our possessions or wealth, but by our relationship with God.
“But what I do have I give you” – Peter acknowledges that he possesses something far more valuable than silver or gold. He has the power and authority of Jesus Christ, bestowed upon him by the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that as Christians, we have been given the authority to share the message of salvation and to pray for healing in Jesus’ name.
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” – Peter speaks with confidence and authority, knowing that it is through the name of Jesus that miracles can happen. It is not Peter’s own power or ability that brings about the healing, but the name of Jesus.
“Immediately his feet and ankles became strong” – The beggar’s physical healing is instantaneous and complete. This demonstrates the power and effectiveness of Jesus’ name when invoked in faith.
Lessons From Acts 3
- Our true worth is found in our relationship with God, not in material possessions. We should prioritize spiritual healing and transformation over worldly wealth.
- As Christians, we have been given the authority to pray for healing and transformation in Jesus’ name. We should not underestimate the power and effectiveness of calling upon the name of Jesus in faith.
- Physical healing is not always guaranteed in this life, but a relationship with Jesus brings about spiritual healing and eternal life. We should seek salvation and restoration of our souls above all else.
Final Thoughts
The story in Acts 3 reminds us of the power and authority we have as Christians through the name of Jesus. Just as Peter and John brought physical healing and transformation to the beggar, we too can bring hope and restoration to those in need.
Let us remember that our true worth and value come from our relationship with God, not from material possessions or worldly achievements. Let us be bold in invoking the name of Jesus in our prayers, trusting in his power to heal, transform, and bring about restoration.
May this story inspire us to seek spiritual healing and transformation, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. May we continually rely on the authority and power of Jesus’ name, knowing that through him, miracles can happen.