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Acts3

King James Version · Public Domain

1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

4And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

6Then 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.

7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

10And 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.

11And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

14But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

16And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

18But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

20And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

22For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

23And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

24Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

25Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

26Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 3.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: A lame man healed by Peter and John. (1–11). Peter's address to the Jews. (12–26).

vv1-11

The apostles and the first believers attended the temple worship at the hours of prayer. Peter and John seem to have been led by a Divine direction, to work a miracle on a man above forty years old, who had been a cripple from his birth. Peter, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, bade him rise up and walk. Thus, if we would attempt to good purpose the healing of men's souls, we must go forth in the name and power of Jesus Christ, calling on helpless sinners to arise and walk in the way of holiness, by faith in Him. How sweet the thought to our souls, that in respect to all the crippled faculties of our fallen nature, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth can make us whole! With what holy joy and rapture shall we tread the holy courts, when God the Spirit causes us to enter therein by his strength!

vv12-18

Observe the difference in the manner of working the miracles. Our Lord always spoke as having Almighty power, never hesitated to receive the greatest honour that was given to him on account of his Divine miracles. But the apostles referred all to their Lord, and refused to receive any honour, except as his undeserving instruments. This shows that Jesus was one with the Father, and co-equal with Him; while the apostles knew that they were weak, sinful men, and dependent for every thing on Jesus, whose power effected the cure. Useful men must be very humble. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name, give glory. Every crown must be cast at the feet of Christ. The apostle showed the Jews the greatness of their crime, but would not anger or drive them to despair. Assuredly, those who reject, refuse, or deny Christ, do it through ignorance; but this can in no case be an excuse.

vv19-21

The absolute necessity of repentance is to be solemnly charged upon the consciences of all who desire that their sins may be blotted out, and that they may share in the refreshment which nothing but a sense of Christ's pardoning love can afford. Blessed are those who have felt this. It was not needful for the Holy Spirit to make known the times and seasons of these dispensations. These subjects are still left obscure. But when sinners are convinced of their sins, they will cry to the Lord for pardon; and to the penitent, converted, and believing, times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord. In a state of trial and probation, the glorified Redeemer will be out of sight, because we must live by faith in him.

Cross References

Acts 3

Directly quoted by Peter here to prove Jesus is the prophesied Prophet like Moses.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v25Genesis 12:3quotation

Directly quoted to show the covenant promise of blessing in Abraham's seed is fulfilled in Christ.

Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB

v8Isaiah 35:6fulfillment

Prophetic fulfillment of the lame leaping as an hart, physically demonstrating messianic restoration.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v22Acts 7:37thematic

Stephen's later sermon appeals to this identical Mosaic prophecy of Deut 18:15.

Supported by John Calvin

v23Deuteronomy 18:19quotation

Quoted by Peter warning of divine judgment on those refusing to hear the Prophet.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v1Daniel 9:21thematic

Identifies the ninth hour as the evening sacrifice/prayer time, mirroring Daniel's prayer.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v6Acts 4:10thematic

Explicit sequel where Peter confirms the miracle was done solely by the Name of Jesus.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v17Luke 23:34thematic

Echoes Christ's prayer for forgiveness of those crucifying Him because of their ignorance.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v17Acts 13:27thematic

Paul likewise attributes the execution of Jesus to the rulers' ignorance of the prophets.

Supported by JFB

v18Luke 24:44thematic

Echoes Jesus' teaching that all prophets and scriptures foretold Christ's suffering and resurrection.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v6Acts 3:16thematic

Self-referential parallel highlighting that faith in Jesus' name produced the perfect soundness.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v12Daniel 2:28-30thematic

Parallels Daniel disclaiming personal wisdom, just as Peter disclaims personal power or holiness.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v13Exodus 3:6thematic

Identifies God by His covenant title to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to address Jewish listeners.

Supported by John Calvin

v26Matthew 1:21thematic

Connects Jesus' mission of turning people from iniquities to saving them from their sins.

Supported by Matthew Henry