King James Version

What Does Acts 3:1 Mean?

Acts 3:1 in the King James Version says “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. — study this verse from Acts chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 3:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

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;

3

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


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ninth hour was one of three daily prayer times (Psalm 55:17). The apostles used these gatherings as evangelistic opportunities, speaking to receptive crowds already oriented toward worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did the early church use existing religious structures for gospel witness?
  2. What opportunities for witness exist in your regular worship patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἐπὶ1 of 18

together

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ2 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτό3 of 18
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ4 of 18

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρος5 of 18

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰωάννης7 of 18

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

ἀνέβαινον8 of 18

went up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς9 of 18

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱερὸν11 of 18

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

Ἐπὶ12 of 18

together

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὥραν14 of 18

at the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

τῆς15 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσευχῆς16 of 18

of prayer

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

τὴν17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐννάτην18 of 18

being the ninth

G1766

ninth


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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