What is the meaning of Acts 3:6? But Peter said Acts 3 opens with Peter and John heading to the temple “at the hour of prayer” when they meet a man lame from birth. Luke records that it is Peter who speaks. • Peter had already stepped forward as spokesman on Pentecost (Acts 2:14). His boldness signals the Spirit’s filling promised in Acts 1:8. • The wording “said” implies decisive, Spirit-led speech—no hesitation, no reliance on human plan (cf. Matthew 10:19-20). • By addressing the man directly, Peter models pastoral care that sees the individual, not just the crowd (John 10:3). Silver or gold I do not have Peter’s first words confess earthly poverty. • The apostles did not measure ministry success by material resources (Luke 9:3; 1 Peter 1:18-19). • Their lack of money contrasts with the temple’s wealth, underscoring that true help does not depend on silver or gold (Proverbs 11:4; 2 Corinthians 6:10). • It reminds believers not to be discouraged when means seem small; God’s work proceeds unhindered (Philippians 4:12-13). but what I have I give you Though penniless, Peter claims real possession. • He carries the gift of the Spirit received at Pentecost (Acts 2:38-39). • Ministry flows from stewardship of what God has already entrusted—whether gifts, time, or testimony (1 Peter 4:10). • Giving is immediate and personal: “I give you,” echoing Jesus’ call to freely give as we have freely received (Matthew 10:8). In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth The authority behind the gift is spelled out. • “Name” stands for the full authority, character, and power of the risen Lord (John 14:13-14). • Peter specifies “Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” grounding the miracle in the historical, incarnate Messiah the crowd knew (Acts 4:10-12). • This invocation shifts attention from the apostle to Christ, fulfilling John 16:14—“He will glorify Me.” get up and walk! A plain command releases divine power. • Miracles in Scripture frequently involve a faith-filled imperative (Mark 2:11-12; John 5:8-9). • The phrase proves that Jesus still works through His church, just as He promised in Mark 16:17-18 and confirmed later with Aeneas (Acts 9:34). • The healing previews the ultimate restoration foretold in Isaiah 35:6—“then the lame will leap like a deer.” summary Acts 3:6 shows an apostle with empty pockets yet overflowing with Christ’s power. Material lack cannot hinder ministry empowered by the Spirit. Peter gives what truly counts—the authority of the risen Jesus—resulting in immediate transformation. Believers today likewise carry this treasure: the gospel, the Spirit’s gifts, and Christ’s name, ready to be shared wherever God places us. |
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