Bible Commentaries
Acts 3

Verse 1

1.

One day Peter and John. These two worked together. The Jewish Christians naturally made the temple the center of their worship, and continued to keep many of the rituals (Acts 21:20-21). They also made new disciples among the crowds in the temple court.

Verse 2

2.

There at the “Beautiful Gate.” Thought to be the gate which opens toward the Mount of Olives. Charity was nonexistent, and the man was forced to beg. Beggars had their best prospects at the temple.

Verse 6

6.

I have no money at all. Peter had not made himself rich. [Compare 1 Timothy 6:3-5.] In the name of Jesus Christ. The miracles were done in the name of Christ. Note the incident in Acts 19:14-17.

Verse 7

7.

And helped him up. Faith is action! Note when the man’s feet and ankles became strong.

Verse 8

8.

He jumped up. This shows his happiness!

Verses 9-10

9–10.

They were all filled with surprise and amazement. The beggar was well known by the people, and they saw him “walking and jumping and praising God.”

Verse 11

11. And ran to them. The healing draws a crowd!

Verse 12

12.

When Peter saw the people. Here was an opportunity to proclaim the Good News of God’s act in Christ.

Verse 13

13.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God whom they and their ancestors worshiped. To his Servant Jesus. Peter sees in Jesus, the fulfilled promise of God to Abraham. God has given glory to Jesus. But these people had killed him (Acts 3:15).

Verse 15

15.

But God raised him from the dead. Peter and the others were chosen witnesses of this fact. See Acts 10:41; 1 Corinthians 15:6.

Verse 16

16.

It was the power of his name. On the basis of faith in his name. His name is not a charm for driving out evil spirits (Acts 19:13). When nine of his apostles could not drive out a demon, Jesus said: “It was because you do not have enough faith “ (Matthew 17:19-20).

Verse 17

17.

Because of your ignorance. “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Verse 18

18.

God long ago announced. It is a paradox that God knows before it happens and announces through the prophets, yet gives every man free will and allows him to choose.

Verses 19-20

19–20.

Repent, then, and turn to God. Both verbs are active [not passive] and are to be understood as requiring action on their part. Compare James 4:8; John 3:14-15. This verse is the counterpart of Acts 2:38. Repent is an act of the mind [heart] in which you turn from sin ta God. Tom to God. This is the act of baptism (compare Acts 22:16) where the sinner seizes the sacrifice of Christ and makes himself part of it! [Baptism does not stand alone, but is part of faith. Compare Titus 3:5; Acts 19:3-5 and notes.] So that times of spiritual strength. In Acts 2:38, the order is: (1) Turn away from sin; (2) be baptized; (3) so that your sins will be forgiven; (4) God’s gift, the Holy Spirit. Here it is: (1) Repent; (2) turn to God; (3) so that he will wipe away your sins; (4) times of spiritual strength may come. That he may send Jesus. Many see the Second Coming in this and cite Matthew 24:14 to show that the spread of the gospel will bring the return of Christ. But notice that Matthew 24:14 has already been fulfilled in Colossians 1:23. This must be understood, then, as the Promise fulfilled in Christ (Acts 3:13), and 1 Peter 1:20 seems to prove this. Christ “comes” to those who accept him (Romans 8:10).

Verse 21

21.

Until the time comes. Christ must reign (1 Corinthians 15:25) during the Gospel Age, until the time for the New Heavens and New Earth (2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1-4).

Verses 22-23

22–23.

And destroyed. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. The Jews could be saved only through Christ.

Verse 24

24.

Also announced these present days. The promise of the Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ, and Peter identifies this fulfillment with the time they were right then living in! Compare Acts 2:16-17.

Verses 25-26

25–26.

The promises . . . are for you. Compare Galatians 3:8; Galatians 3:16; Romans 3:0. The Good News of God’s act in Christ was first presented to the Jews. Notice God’s Servant [Jesus Christ] would bless them by making them turn away from their wicked ways. He blesses us all in the same way!