King James Version
Acts 3
26 verses with commentary
A Lame Man Healed
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter and John's visit to the temple at 'the ninth hour' (3 PM) shows continued Jewish observance by early believers. The 'hour of prayer' corresponded to the evening sacrifice. Their temple presence demonstrated that early Christianity didn't immediately break from Jewish worship patterns.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**III.**
(1) **Now Peter** **and John went up.**—Better, *were going up.* The union of the two brings the narratives of the Gospels into an interesting connection with the Acts. They were probably about the same age (the idea that Peter was some years older than John rests mainly on the pictures which artists have drawn from their imagination, and has no evidence in Scripture), and had been friend...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing--**(See on Lu 5:11).
**that night ... caught nothing--**as at the first miraculous draught (see on Lu 5:5); no doubt so ordered that the miracle might strike them the more by contrast. The same principle is seen in operation throughout much of Christ's ministry, and is indeed a great law of God's spiritual procedure with His people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And 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;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The lame man 'from his mother's womb' emphasizes the miracle's magnitude - this wasn't recent injury but lifelong disability. Being 'laid daily' at the gate called Beautiful shows his begging was systematic and well-known. The contrast between his helplessness and coming transformation illustrates spiritual regeneration.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **A certain man lame from his mother’s womb.**—The careful record of the duration of his suffering is more or less characteristic of St. Luke (Luke 9:33; Luke 14:8). The minuteness in this narrative suggests the thought that St. Luke’s informant may have been the cripple himself.
**Was carried.**—Better, *was being carried.*
**The gate of the temple which is called Beautiful.**—Literally, *doo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing--**(See on Lu 5:11).
**that night ... caught nothing--**as at the first miraculous draught (see on Lu 5:5); no doubt so ordered that the miracle might strike them the more by contrast. The same principle is seen in operation throughout much of Christ's ministry, and is indeed a great law of God's spiritual procedure with His people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The lame man 'asked an alms' - he sought temporal relief rather than healing he didn't dare imagine. His lowered expectations parallel sinners who seek improved circumstances rather than radical transformation. The contrast between what he asked and what he received illustrates God's exceeding generosity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing--**(See on Lu 5:11).
**that night ... caught nothing--**as at the first miraculous draught (see on Lu 5:5); no doubt so ordered that the miracle might strike them the more by contrast. The same principle is seen in operation throughout much of Christ's ministry, and is indeed a great law of God's spiritual procedure with His people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter's command 'Look on us' demanded attention beyond casual glance. The Greek <em>atenisas</em> (fastening eyes) indicates focused gaze. This prepared the man for what he was about to receive - not silver or gold but healing power in Jesus' name.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Peter, fastening his eyes upon him . . .**—See Notes on Luke 4:20, Acts 1:10, where the same characteristic word is used. The gaze was one which read character in the expression of the man’s face, and discerned that he had faith to be healed (Acts 3:16). And he, in his turn, was to look on them that he might read in their pitying looks, not only the wish to heal, but the consciousness of pow...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. that disciple whom Jesus loved, said, It is the Lord--**again having the advantage of his brother in quickness of recognition (see on Joh 20:8), to be followed by an alacrity in Peter all his own.
**he was naked--**his vest only on, worn next the body.
**cast himself into the sea--**the shallow part, not more than a hundred yards from the water's edge (Joh 21:8), not meaning therefore ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The man 'gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something' - his expectation was still material. His focused attention, though misdirected toward money, created openness for unexpected blessing. God often works through our seeking, even when we don't fully understand what we need.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. that disciple whom Jesus loved, said, It is the Lord--**again having the advantage of his brother in quickness of recognition (see on Joh 20:8), to be followed by an alacrity in Peter all his own.
**he was naked--**his vest only on, worn next the body.
**cast himself into the sea--**the shallow part, not more than a hundred yards from the water's edge (Joh 21:8), not meaning therefore ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →Then 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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter's declaration 'Silver and gold have I none' demonstrates apostolic poverty while highlighting greater spiritual wealth. Healing 'in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth' establishes that miraculous power flows from Christ's authority, not human ability. The command 'rise up and walk' echoes Jesus' healing ministry, showing apostolic continuity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Silver and gold have I none.**—The narrative of Acts 2:45 shows that the Apostles were treasurers and stewards of the sums committed to their charge by the generous self-denial of the community. Either, therefore, we must assume that the words meant that they had no silver or gold with them at the time, or that, as almoners, they thought themselves bound to distribute what was thus given the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. that disciple whom Jesus loved, said, It is the Lord--**again having the advantage of his brother in quickness of recognition (see on Joh 20:8), to be followed by an alacrity in Peter all his own.
**he was naked--**his vest only on, worn next the body.
**cast himself into the sea--**the shallow part, not more than a hundred yards from the water's edge (Joh 21:8), not meaning therefore ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter's physical action - taking him 'by the right hand, and lifted him up' - accompanied the verbal command. 'Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength' indicates instant, complete healing. The Greek medical terms (<em>sphaira</em> for ankle bones) suggest Luke's physician's vocabulary.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **His feet.**—Better, *his soles.* The precision with which the process is described is characteristic of the medical historian. Both this term and the “ankle bones” employed are more or less technical, as is also the word rendered “received strength,” literally, *were consolidated, *the flaccid tissues and muscles being rendered firm and vigorous.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. that disciple whom Jesus loved, said, It is the Lord--**again having the advantage of his brother in quickness of recognition (see on Joh 20:8), to be followed by an alacrity in Peter all his own.
**he was naked--**his vest only on, worn next the body.
**cast himself into the sea--**the shallow part, not more than a hundred yards from the water's edge (Joh 21:8), not meaning therefore ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The healed man's response - 'leaping up, walking, and praising God' - fulfilled Isaiah 35:6 ('the lame man leap as an hart'). His progression from standing to leaping shows overflow of gratitude. Entering the temple 'with them' indicated immediate identification with Christ's disciples.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And he leaping up stood.**—The verb is a compound form of that in the LXX. version of Isaiah 35:6—“The lame shall leap as a hart.” First there was the upward leap in the new consciousness of power; then the successful effort to stand for the first time in his life; then he “began to walk,” and went on step by step; then the two-fold mode of motion, what to others was the normal act of walkin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. that disciple whom Jesus loved, said, It is the Lord--**again having the advantage of his brother in quickness of recognition (see on Joh 20:8), to be followed by an alacrity in Peter all his own.
**he was naked--**his vest only on, worn next the body.
**cast himself into the sea--**the shallow part, not more than a hundred yards from the water's edge (Joh 21:8), not meaning therefore ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The public nature of the healing - 'all the people saw him walking and praising God' - ensured widespread witness. The temple crowd became inadvertent witnesses to apostolic power. This visibility served God's purpose of authenticating the gospel message.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-14. none ... durst ask him, Who art thou, knowing it was the Lord--**implying that they would have liked Him just to say, "It is I"; but having such convincing evidence they were afraid of being "upbraided for their unbelief and hardness of heart" if they ventured to put the question.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And 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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The crowd's recognition - 'they knew that it was he which sat for alms' - established the miracle's authenticity. Their being 'filled with wonder and amazement' created the teachable moment Peter seized. Amazement alone doesn't save, but it opens ears to the gospel.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **They knew.**—Better, *they recognised him that it was he.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-14. none ... durst ask him, Who art thou, knowing it was the Lord--**implying that they would have liked Him just to say, "It is I"; but having such convincing evidence they were afraid of being "upbraided for their unbelief and hardness of heart" if they ventured to put the question.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →Peter's Second Sermon
And 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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The healed man 'held Peter and John' in gratitude and identification. The crowd running to 'Solomon's porch' - a colonnade on the temple's east side - provided Peter's audience. Physical healing led to opportunity for spiritual proclamation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **In the porch that is called Solomon’s.**—The porch—or better, *portico* or *cloister*—was outside the Temple, on the eastern side. It consisted, in the Herodian Temple, of a double row of Corinthian columns, about thirty-seven feet high, and received its name as having been in part constructed, when the Temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel, with the fragments of the older edifice. The people tr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-14. none ... durst ask him, Who art thou, knowing it was the Lord--**implying that they would have liked Him just to say, "It is I"; but having such convincing evidence they were afraid of being "upbraided for their unbelief and hardness of heart" if they ventured to put the question.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
A lame man healed by Peter and John.(1-11)
Peter's address to the Jews.(12-26)
**Verses 1-11**
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 J...
Read full commentary →And 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?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter immediately deflected attention: 'why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?' This redirection from instruments to source characterizes authentic ministry. All glory belongs to Christ, not His servants.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Why look ye so earnestly on us?**—The verb is the same as that in Acts 3:4. The pronoun stands emphatically at the beginning of the verse—*Why is it on us that ye gaze?*
**As though by our own. . . . holiness. . . .**—Better, *purity, *or *devotion.* The words refer to what may be called the popular theory of miracles, that if a man were devout, *i.e., *“a worshipper of God,” God would hear...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-17. when they had dined, Jesus saith--**Silence appears to have reigned during the meal; unbroken on His part, that by their mute observation of Him they might have their assurance of His identity the more confirmed; and on theirs, from reverential shrinking to speak till He did.
**Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?--**referring lovingly to those sad words of Peter, shortl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →The 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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter's proclamation centers on 'his Son Jesus' - emphasizing divine Sonship. The phrase 'glorified his Son' connects to Isaiah's Suffering Servant. Peter boldly indicts his audience: 'ye delivered up, and denied him' - confronting corporate guilt while offering mercy.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob.**—Here again we have an echo of our Lord’s teaching. That Name had been uttered in the precincts of the Temple, not improbably in the self-same portico, as part of our Lord’s constructive proof of the resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:32). Now it was heard again in connection with the witness borne by the Apostles that He Himself had risen....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-17. when they had dined, Jesus saith--**Silence appears to have reigned during the meal; unbroken on His part, that by their mute observation of Him they might have their assurance of His identity the more confirmed; and on theirs, from reverential shrinking to speak till He did.
**Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?--**referring lovingly to those sad words of Peter, shortl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The contrast intensifies: 'ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer.' Peter uses messianic titles ('Holy One,' 'Just One') to heighten the tragedy of rejecting Christ for Barabbas. The crowd's choice revealed distorted values preferring violence over righteousness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Ye denied the Holy One and the Just.**—The language, though startlingly new to the hearers, had been partially anticipated. It had been used of the Christ by the demoniacs (Mark 1:24). The best MSS. give St. Peter’s confession in John 6:69 in the form, “Thou art the Holy One of God.” Pilate’s wife, and Pilate himself, had borne their witness to Jesus as emphatically “Just” (Matthew 27:19; M...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-17. when they had dined, Jesus saith--**Silence appears to have reigned during the meal; unbroken on His part, that by their mute observation of Him they might have their assurance of His identity the more confirmed; and on theirs, from reverential shrinking to speak till He did.
**Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?--**referring lovingly to those sad words of Peter, shortl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Prince: or, Author
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The supreme irony: 'killed the Prince of life' - they murdered the source of all life. Yet 'God raised him from the dead' vindicated Jesus and provided the very life they tried to extinguish. Peter and John stand as resurrection witnesses, their testimony authenticated by the healing just performed.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And killed the Prince of life.**—The word translated “Prince” is applied to Christ here and in Acts 5:31. In Hebrews 2:10 we meet with it in “the *Captain* of their salvation;” in Hebrews 12:2, in “the *Author* and Finisher of our faith.” Its primary meaning, like that of prince (*princeps*)*, *is one who takes the lead—who is the originator of that to which the title is attached. The “Prin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. When thou wast young--**embracing the whole period of life to the verge of old age.
**thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest--**wast thine own master.
**when ... old thou shalt stretch forth thine hands--**to be bound for execution, though not necessarily meaning on a cross. There is no reason, however, to doubt the very early tradition that Peter's death was by cru...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →And 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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The healing occurred 'through faith in his name' - not faith of the lame man (who expected alms) but faith exercised through the apostles. The phrase 'his name' represents Christ's person, power, and authority. Perfect soundness came not gradually but instantaneously 'in the presence of you all.'
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **His name through faith in his name.**—We have, in technical language, the efficient cause distinguished from the indispensable condition of its action. The Name did not work as a formula of incantation; it required, on the part both of the worker and the receiver, faith in that which the Name represented, the manifestation of the Father through the Son.
**Hath made this** **man strong.**—Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. When thou wast young--**embracing the whole period of life to the verge of old age.
**thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest--**wast thine own master.
**when ... old thou shalt stretch forth thine hands--**to be bound for execution, though not necessarily meaning on a cross. There is no reason, however, to doubt the very early tradition that Peter's death was by cru...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Peter shows pastoral wisdom: 'through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.' This doesn't excuse guilt but opens a door for repentance. Ignorance mitigates though doesn't eliminate responsibility. Peter offers hope - their sin, though great, is not beyond forgiveness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **I wot that through ignorance ye did it.**—The Rhemish is the only version which substitutes “I know” for the now obsolete “I wot.” St. Peter’s treatment of the relation of “ignorance” to “guilt” is in exact agreement with St. Paul’s, both in his judgment of his own past offences (1Timothy 6:13) and in that which he passed on the Gentile world (Acts xvii 30). Men were ignorant where they mig...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. Peter, turning about--**showing that he followed immediately as directed.
**seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on Jesus' breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?--**The Evangelist makes these allusions to the peculiar familiarity to which he had been admitted on the most memorable of all occasions, perhaps lovingly to account for P...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Divine sovereignty shines through human sin: 'God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer.' What humans intended for evil, God ordained for redemption. The cross was both human crime and divine plan simultaneously.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Those things, which God before had shewed.**—As in Acts 1:16; Acts 2:23, we have again an echo of the method of prophetic interpretation which the Apostles had learnt from their Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. Peter, turning about--**showing that he followed immediately as directed.
**seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on Jesus' breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?--**The Evangelist makes these allusions to the peculiar familiarity to which he had been admitted on the most memorable of all occasions, perhaps lovingly to account for P...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
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,...
Read full commentary →Repent 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;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Repent ye therefore, and be converted</strong> (μετανοήσατε οὖν καὶ ἐπιστρέψατε)—Peter's second sermon command uses stronger language: 'epistraphō' (be converted) means radical turning, complete reversal of life direction. <strong>That your sins may be blotted out</strong> (εἰς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι)—the Greek pictures erasing or wiping away written debt, echoing Psalm 51:1's plea and Colossians...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Repent ye therefore, and be converted.**—The latter word, though occurring both in the Gospels and Epistles, is yet pre-eminently characteristic of the Acts, in which it occurs eleven times, and, with one exception, always in its higher spiritual sense. The use of the middle voice for “be converted,” gives the word the same force as in the “turn yourselves” of the older prophets (Ezekiel 14...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-23. Jesus saith to him, If I will that he tarry fill I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me--**From the fact that John alone of the Twelve survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and so witnessed the commencement of that series of events which belongs to "the last days," many good interpreters think that this is a virtual prediction of fact, and not a mere supposition. But this is very d...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
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 dispensatio...
Read full commentary →And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'times of refreshing' (<em>anapsyxis</em> - catching of breath, revival) promises spiritual renewal from God's presence. 'He shall send Jesus Christ' points to the Second Coming. Repentance now brings present blessing and future consummation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And he shall send Jesus Christ.**—Better, as before, *and that He may send.*
**Which before was preached unto you.**—The better MSS. have, *which was fore-appointed, *or *fore-ordained*,* for you*.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-23. Jesus saith to him, If I will that he tarry fill I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me--**From the fact that John alone of the Twelve survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and so witnessed the commencement of that series of events which belongs to "the last days," many good interpreters think that this is a virtual prediction of fact, and not a mere supposition. But this is very d...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
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 dispensatio...
Read full commentary →Whom 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Christ remains in heaven 'until the times of restitution of all things' (<em>apokatastasis</em>) - complete restoration of God's purposes. This phrase doesn't teach universal salvation but creation's full renewal. God's prophetic promises 'since the world began' find fulfillment in Christ.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Whom the heaven must receive.**—The words have a pregnant force: “must receive and keep.”
**Until the times of restitution of all things.**—The “times” seem distinguished from the “seasons” as more permanent. This is the only passage in which the word translated “restitution” is found in the New Testament; nor is it found in the LXX. version of the Old. Etymologically, it conveys the though...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things--**thus identifying the author of this book with all that it says of this disciple.
**we know that his testimony is true--**(Compare Joh 19:35).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
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 dispensatio...
Read full commentary →For 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:15-18, identifying Jesus as the 'Prophet like unto Moses.' This Prophet-Messiah must be heard 'in all things whatsoever he shall say.' The reference establishes Jesus' authority as greater than Moses, demanding complete obedience.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **For Moses truly said unto the fathers.**—Better, *For Moses indeed said, *the word being one of the common conjunctions, and not the adverb which means “truthfully.” The appeal is made to Moses in his two-fold character as lawgiver and prophet. As the words stand, taken with their context, they seem to point to the appearance of a succession of true prophets as contrasted with the diviners ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. And there are many other things which Jesus did--**(Compare Joh 20:30, 31).
**if ... written every one, I suppose--**an expression used to show that what follows is not to be pressed too far.
**even the world itself would not hold the books, &c.--**not a mere hyperbolical expression, unlike the sublime simplicity of this writer, but intended to let his reader know that, even now that...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-26**
Here is a powerful address to warn the Jews of the dreadful consequences of their unbelief, in the very words of Moses, their favourite prophet, out of pretended zeal for whom they were ready to reject Christianity, and to try to destroy it. Christ came into the world to bring a blessing with him. And he sent his Spirit to be the great blessing. Christ came to bless us, by tur...
Read full commentary →And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
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KJV Study Commentary
The warning - 'every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed' - applies Deuteronomy's curse to Christ-rejectors. Being 'destroyed from among the people' means covenant exclusion. Rejection of Jesus excludes from God's people regardless of Jewish lineage.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Shall be destroyed from among the people.**—The original has it, “I will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:19). The words which St. Peter substitutes are as an echo of a familiar phrase which occurs in Exodus 12:15; Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 17:4; Leviticus 17:9, *et al.* This, again, looks like a citation freely made.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Commentary by David Brown
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-26**
Here is a powerful address to warn the Jews of the dreadful consequences of their unbelief, in the very words of Moses, their favourite prophet, out of pretended zeal for whom they were ready to reject Christianity, and to try to destroy it. Christ came into the world to bring a blessing with him. And he sent his Spirit to be the great blessing. Christ came to bless us, by tur...
Read full commentary →Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
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KJV Study Commentary
Peter claims that 'all the prophets from Samuel' spoke of 'these days.' This comprehensive claim positions Jesus as the culmination of all prophetic expectation. The prophetic tradition, though diverse in emphasis, pointed toward these gospel events.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **All the prophets from Samuel.**—Samuel *is* named, both as being the founder of the school of the prophets, and so the representative of the “goodly fellowship,” and as having uttered one of the earliest of what were regarded as the distinctively Messianic predictions (2Samuel 7:13-14; Hebrews 1:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-26**
Here is a powerful address to warn the Jews of the dreadful consequences of their unbelief, in the very words of Moses, their favourite prophet, out of pretended zeal for whom they were ready to reject Christianity, and to try to destroy it. Christ came into the world to bring a blessing with him. And he sent his Spirit to be the great blessing. Christ came to bless us, by tur...
Read full commentary →Ye 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Peter reminds his audience: 'ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant.' Their privileged position increases responsibility. The Abrahamic promise - 'in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed' - finds fulfillment in Jesus, Abraham's ultimate seed.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **And of the covenant**. . . .—It is a significant indication of the unity of apostolic teaching, which it was St. Luke’s aim to bring before his readers, that St. Peter thus refers chiefly to the covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 12:3), with as full an emphasis as St. Paul does when he had learnt to see that it implicitly involved the calling of the Gentiles into the kingdom of Christ (Gal...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
INTRODUCTION
**This book is to the Gospels what the fruit is to the tree that bears it. In the Gospels we see the corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying: in the Acts we see it bringing forth much fruit (Joh 12:24). There we see Christ purchasing the Church with His own blood: here we see the Church, so purchased, rising into actual existence; first among the Jews of Palestine, and next a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-26**
Here is a powerful address to warn the Jews of the dreadful consequences of their unbelief, in the very words of Moses, their favourite prophet, out of pretended zeal for whom they were ready to reject Christianity, and to try to destroy it. Christ came into the world to bring a blessing with him. And he sent his Spirit to be the great blessing. Christ came to bless us, by tur...
Read full commentary →Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
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KJV Study Commentary
God sent Jesus 'unto you first' - Israel had priority in receiving the gospel. The purpose was 'to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.' Blessing through Christ means liberation from sin, not merely material prosperity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Unto you first**. . . .—Here again we note, even in the very turn of the phrase as well as of the thought, an agreement with St. Paul’s formula of the purpose of God being manifested “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile” (Acts 13:46; Romans 1:16; Romans 2:9-10). St. Peter does not as yet know the conditions under which the gospel will be preached to the heathen; but his words imply a ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
INTRODUCTION
**This book is to the Gospels what the fruit is to the tree that bears it. In the Gospels we see the corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying: in the Acts we see it bringing forth much fruit (Joh 12:24). There we see Christ purchasing the Church with His own blood: here we see the Church, so purchased, rising into actual existence; first among the Jews of Palestine, and next a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-26**
Here is a powerful address to warn the Jews of the dreadful consequences of their unbelief, in the very words of Moses, their favourite prophet, out of pretended zeal for whom they were ready to reject Christianity, and to try to destroy it. Christ came into the world to bring a blessing with him. And he sent his Spirit to be the great blessing. Christ came to bless us, by tur...
Read full commentary →