Acts 3:11

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.

And {G1161} as the lame man {G5560} which was healed {G2390} held {G2902} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491}, all {G3956} the people {G2992} ran together {G4936} unto {G4314} them {G846} in {G1909} the porch {G4745} that is called {G2564} Solomon's {G4672}, greatly wondering {G1569}.

While he clung to Kefa and Yochanan, all the people came running in astonishment toward them in Shlomo’s Colonnade.

While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade.

And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

Commentary

Acts 3:11 describes the immediate aftermath of a profound miracle performed by the apostles Peter and John in Jerusalem, setting the stage for one of Peter's pivotal sermons.

Context

This verse directly follows the dramatic healing of a man who had been lame from birth, begging at the Temple Gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:2). After Peter, empowered by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, commanded him to walk (Acts 3:6), the man instantly received strength, stood, walked, and even leaped, entering the Temple with Peter and John, praising God (Acts 3:8). His public display of healing and joy naturally drew immense attention.

The scene unfolds in Solomon's Porch, a large, covered colonnade on the eastern side of the Temple courts. It was a well-known public gathering place, often used for teaching and discussion, making it an ideal location for the crowd to converge and for Peter to address them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Miracles: The verse highlights the undeniable reality of God's power at work through the apostles. The healed man's continued presence, holding onto Peter and John, served as a living, irrefutable testimony to the miracle.
  • Public Witness and Amazement: The crowd's reaction, described as "greatly wondering," underscores the profound impact of the event. Their astonishment created a crucial opportunity for the apostles to explain the source of this power and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This public display ensured the miracle could not be easily dismissed.
  • Apostolic Authority: The fact that the healed man held onto Peter and John, and the crowd ran to them, signifies their recognized role as instruments of God's work. Their authority was not self-proclaimed but demonstrated through supernatural acts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "greatly wondering" translates the Greek word ekthambos (ἔκθαμβος), which denotes a state of profound astonishment, amazement, or even bewilderment. It's a stronger term than mere curiosity, indicating that the people were utterly taken aback and deeply moved by what they had witnessed. This intense emotional response primed them to listen to Peter's subsequent explanation.

Practical Application

Acts 3:11 teaches us about the power of a compelling testimony. When God works in undeniable ways, it captures attention and opens doors for the message of truth. The healed man's presence was more powerful than any sermon alone. For believers today, our lives and experiences, when transformed by God, can draw others to wonder and inquire about the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). It also reminds us that moments of public attention, even those born of curiosity, can be divine appointments for sharing the Good News.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 5:12

    ¶ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

  • Luke 8:38

    Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

  • John 10:23

    And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

  • Acts 2:6

    Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

  • Luke 22:8

    And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
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