Acts 3:1

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

Now {G1161} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491} went up {G305} together {G1909}{G846} into {G1519} the temple {G2411} at the hour {G5610} of prayer {G4335}, being the ninth {G1766} hour.

One afternoon at three o’clock, the hour of minchah prayers, as Kefa and Yochanan were going up to the Temple,

One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, beingthe ninth hour.

Acts 3:1 (KJV) introduces us to a seemingly ordinary moment that sets the stage for a powerful display of God's miraculous power through His apostles. The verse states, "¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour]."

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit was poured out and thousands were added to the early church. Despite the new covenant inaugurated by Christ, the apostles, particularly Peter and John, continued to observe Jewish customs and traditions. Their journey "into the temple" signifies their rootedness in the Jewish faith and their desire to engage with their fellow countrymen where they customarily gathered. The "hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour]," refers to 3 PM, one of the established daily times for Jewish communal prayer, often accompanied by sacrifices, alongside the third hour (9 AM) and the sixth hour (12 PM). This indicates that the apostles were still participating in the structured religious life of their time, even as they were ushering in the new era of the church.

Key Themes

  • Continuity and Transition: The apostles' presence in the temple at a traditional hour of prayer highlights a continuity with Jewish religious life, showing that the early church did not immediately abandon all former customs. This allowed for a natural bridge to present the Gospel to devout Jews.
  • Apostolic Fellowship and Unity: Peter and John, two prominent leaders among the apostles, going "together" emphasizes their unity and shared purpose in ministry. Their partnership is evident throughout the early chapters of Acts, such as when they are later questioned by the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:13.
  • The Discipline of Prayer: The fact that they went "at the hour of prayer" underscores the importance of a disciplined and consistent prayer life for believers. This regular practice positioned them to be used by God in extraordinary ways.
  • Divine Timing: Their adherence to this customary prayer time was divinely orchestrated, leading directly to the encounter with the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, as described in Acts 3:2.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the ninth hour" (Greek: hōra enatē) specifically denotes 3 PM, according to the Jewish reckoning of time from sunrise. This was a customary time for the evening sacrifice and prayers in the Temple. The term "hour of prayer" itself points to a well-established religious practice among the Jewish people, indicating a set schedule for devotion.

Practical Application

Acts 3:1 reminds us that even seemingly routine acts of worship and spiritual discipline can be profoundly significant. Peter and John were simply engaging in a customary practice, yet it led to a powerful demonstration of God's power and the expansion of the Gospel. It encourages believers today to prioritize consistent prayer and fellowship, understanding that God often works through our faithfulness in the ordinary. Furthermore, it illustrates the early church's wisdom in connecting with people where they were, building bridges rather than immediately severing all ties with their cultural and religious heritage.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 55:17

    Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

  • Acts 10:3

    He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

  • Acts 4:13

    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

  • Luke 1:10

    And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

  • Acts 5:25

    Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

  • Luke 24:53

    And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

  • Daniel 6:10

    Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

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