Acts3
New International Version
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.
2Now 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.
3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.
4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”
5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then 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.”
7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.
8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
9When all the people saw him walking and praising God,
10they 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.
11While 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.
12When 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?
13The 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.
14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.
15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
16By 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.
18But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.
19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
20and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.
21Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
22For 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.
23Anyone 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.
25And 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.’
26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 3.
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.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
Πέτρος (Pétros): a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs): Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites
ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō): to go up (literally or figuratively)
εἰς (eis): to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἱερόν (hierón): a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere)
ὥρα (hṓra): an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
προσευχή (proseuchḗ): prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
ἔννατος (énnatos): ninth
Cross References
Acts 3Directly quoted by Peter here to prove Jesus is the prophesied Prophet like Moses.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Directly quoted to show the covenant promise of blessing in Abraham's seed is fulfilled in Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Prophetic fulfillment of the lame leaping as an hart, physically demonstrating messianic restoration.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Stephen's later sermon appeals to this identical Mosaic prophecy of Deut 18:15.
Supported by John Calvin
Quoted by Peter warning of divine judgment on those refusing to hear the Prophet.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Identifies the ninth hour as the evening sacrifice/prayer time, mirroring Daniel's prayer.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Explicit sequel where Peter confirms the miracle was done solely by the Name of Jesus.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Echoes Christ's prayer for forgiveness of those crucifying Him because of their ignorance.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Paul likewise attributes the execution of Jesus to the rulers' ignorance of the prophets.
Supported by JFB
Echoes Jesus' teaching that all prophets and scriptures foretold Christ's suffering and resurrection.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Self-referential parallel highlighting that faith in Jesus' name produced the perfect soundness.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels Daniel disclaiming personal wisdom, just as Peter disclaims personal power or holiness.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identifies God by His covenant title to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to address Jewish listeners.
Supported by John Calvin
Connects Jesus' mission of turning people from iniquities to saving them from their sins.
Supported by Matthew Henry