Acts 3:12

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when Peter {G4074} saw {G1492} it, he answered {G611} unto {G4314} the people {G2992}, Ye men {G435} of Israel {G2475}, why {G5101} marvel ye {G2296} at {G1909} this {G5129}? or {G2228} why {G5101} look ye so earnestly {G816} on us {G2254}, as though {G5613} by our own {G2398} power {G1411} or {G2228} holiness {G2150} we had made {G4160} this man {G846} to walk {G4043}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Seeing this, Kefa addressed the people: “Men of Isra’el! Why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us as if we had made this man walk through some power or godliness of our own?

Berean Standard Bible

And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

American Standard Version

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:12 captures Peter's immediate and decisive response to the astonished crowd gathered after the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Temple's Beautiful Gate. Peter, observing their intense focus and wonder directed at him and John, swiftly corrects their misconception, challenging their assumption that the miracle originated from the apostles' personal power or piety. This verse serves as a crucial pivot, redirecting the crowd's attention from human agents to the divine source of the healing, thereby setting the stage for a profound proclamation of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct continuation of the dramatic narrative in [Acts 3:1-11](/acts/3-1-11 "Acts 3:1-11 - Healing of the Lame Man"). Having just witnessed the spectacular healing of a man lame from birth, who was a familiar figure begging at the Beautiful Gate, a large crowd has gathered in Solomon's Porch, "greatly astounded" ([Acts 3:11](/acts/3-11 "Acts 3:11 - The Crowd Gathers")). Peter's address in [Acts 3:12](/acts/3-12 "Acts 3:12 - Peter Addresses the Crowd") is his immediate response to this astonishment, preventing any misattribution of divine power to himself or John. It serves as the introduction to his second major public sermon recorded in Acts, following his powerful discourse on the Day of Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). This sermon, beginning in [Acts 3:13](/acts/3-13 "Acts 3:13 - Peter Proclaims Jesus"), will systematically explain the true source of the miracle and call the people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Solomon's Porch, a prominent covered colonnade on the eastern side of the Jerusalem Temple, a common gathering place for teaching and discussion. The Jewish people, particularly in Jerusalem, were deeply religious and accustomed to the presence of the Temple and its rituals. Miracles were often interpreted through a lens of divine favor, and there was a natural tendency to venerate those perceived as instruments of God's power, sometimes even to the point of deification (as seen later with Paul and Barnabas in [Acts 14:11-13](/acts/14-11-13 "Acts 14:11-13 - Paul and Barnabas Mistaken for Gods")). Peter's swift intervention highlights the critical need to distinguish between human instruments and the divine agent, a vital theological correction in a culture prone to hero-worship or attributing spiritual power to human merit. The "men of Israel" addressed by Peter represent the core audience, deeply rooted in the covenant history and awaiting the Messiah, making his subsequent message about Jesus particularly potent.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's address in [Acts 3:12](/acts/3-12 "Acts 3:12 - Peter Addresses the Crowd") immediately introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Power vs. Human Agency**. Peter emphatically denies that the healing was by "our own power or holiness," directly attributing it to God, a theme consistently seen as the early church operates by the power of the Holy Spirit, not human strength or wisdom (e.g., [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). This leads to the theme of **Humility and Deflection of Glory**, as Peter and John refuse personal adulation, redirecting all praise to God and Jesus Christ. This aligns with the biblical principle that all glory belongs to God alone ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Glory to God")). Finally, the miracle serves as a **Sign and Opportunity for Evangelism**. The astonishment of the crowd creates a natural opening, a "teachable moment," for Peter to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, demonstrating how God uses extraordinary events to draw people to Himself and His saving message, echoing the pattern established at Pentecost ([Acts 2:22-24](/acts/2-22-24 "Acts 2:22-24 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, often translated as "to see" or "to perceive," implies not just a physical act of sight but also an understanding or awareness. Peter "saw" the situation—he perceived the crowd's astonishment and their misplaced focus. This immediate discernment allowed him to respond effectively, recognizing the spiritual implications of their reaction.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be able," _dýnamis_ refers to inherent strength, ability, or miraculous power. In the New Testament, it frequently denotes divine power, especially as manifested in miracles. Peter's denial that the healing was by "our own _dýnamis_" is a crucial theological statement, distinguishing between human capability and the supernatural might of God.
* **holiness (Greek, _eusébeia'_):** This term signifies piety, godliness, or reverence. It describes a devout and righteous life. By denying that the healing was due to "our own _eusébeia_," Peter rejects any notion that their personal moral or spiritual merit was the source of the miracle. This emphasizes that divine acts are not earned by human righteousness but are expressions of God's sovereign will and grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Peter saw [it],"**: Peter's observation is key. He doesn't just see the crowd; he perceives their reaction—their "marveling" and "earnest looking" at him and John. This discernment allows him to seize the moment and address their underlying assumptions. The "it" refers to the entire scene: the healed man, the crowd's astonishment, and their focus on the apostles.
* **"he answered unto the people,"**: Peter's response is immediate and direct. The term "answered" (G611, _apokrínomai_) can also mean to "begin to speak" where an address is expected, indicating he took the initiative to engage the crowd. This highlights his role as a spokesman for the early church and his readiness to proclaim the truth.
* **"Ye men of Israel,"**: This direct address identifies Peter's audience as fellow Jews, emphasizing their shared heritage and covenant relationship with God. It is a respectful yet firm way to gain their attention and establish a common ground before delivering his challenging message.
* **"why marvel ye at this?"**: This is the first of two rhetorical questions. Peter challenges their astonishment, implying that their wonder is misdirected. He is not questioning their amazement at the miracle itself, but their surprise at *how* it happened, or rather, *who* they believe made it happen.
* **"or why look ye so earnestly on us,"**: The second rhetorical question intensifies the first. The phrase "look ye so earnestly" (G816, _atenízō_) implies a fixed, intense gaze. Peter highlights their misplaced focus, indicating that their gaze suggests they believe the apostles are the ultimate source of the power, rather than mere instruments.
* **"as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?"**: This concluding clause directly exposes and refutes the crowd's implicit assumption. Peter explicitly denies that the healing was a result of their "own power" (_dýnamis_) or "holiness" (_eusébeia_). This is the theological core of the verse, immediately shifting the focus from human ability or merit to the true divine agent.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's address in [Acts 3:12](/acts/3-12 "Acts 3:12 - Peter Addresses the Crowd") masterfully employs several literary devices to achieve its persuasive effect. The most prominent are **Rhetorical Questions**. Peter asks, "why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us...?" These are not questions seeking information but rather a means to challenge the crowd's assumptions and guide them toward the correct understanding. They compel the audience to reflect on their own misplaced focus. Closely related is **Parallelism**, seen in the structure of the two "why" questions, which reinforces the singular point of their misdirection. Peter also uses **Direct Address** ("Ye men of Israel") to establish immediate rapport and command attention. Finally, the entire verse serves as a powerful instance of **Deflection of Glory**, where the human agents (Peter and John) immediately redirect praise and credit away from themselves and towards the true divine source, preventing any form of human idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:12 is foundational for understanding the nature of divine action through human instruments. It establishes that genuine spiritual power and miraculous works flow from God alone, not from the inherent abilities or moral standing of individuals. Peter's immediate denial of personal credit underscores the New Testament's consistent emphasis on giving all glory to God, preventing the elevation of human agents above the divine source. This humility is a hallmark of true spiritual leadership and serves as a vital safeguard against pride and spiritual deception. The miracle of the lame man walking was not an end in itself, but a powerful sign designed by God to open a door for the proclamation of the Gospel, demonstrating that God uses extraordinary means to draw attention to His Son, Jesus Christ.

* [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "Jesus Does What the Father Does")
* [1 Corinthians 1:29](/1_corinthians/1-29 "No Boasting in the Flesh")
* [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "Our Sufficiency is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's response in Acts 3:12 provides a timeless model for believers today. In a world that often celebrates human achievement and charisma, Peter's immediate and unequivocal redirection of glory away from himself serves as a powerful reminder that all true spiritual power and effectiveness come from God. When God works through us, whether in miraculous ways or in the quieter acts of service, teaching, or evangelism, our primary impulse should be to deflect praise and point to Him as the ultimate source. This humility protects us from pride and ensures that God receives the glory He alone deserves. Furthermore, Peter's quick discernment of the crowd's misplaced focus and his readiness to seize the evangelistic opportunity challenge us to be equally perceptive and prepared. We are called to be vigilant for moments when God's work creates an opening for the Gospel, using such opportunities not to draw attention to ourselves, but to faithfully declare the truth about Jesus Christ. Our lives, enabled by God's grace, should always direct others to the one who truly heals, transforms, and saves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to take credit for outcomes that are ultimately God's doing?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper posture of humility, consistently redirecting praise and glory to God in your daily interactions and spiritual service?**
* **What "marveling" moments or opportunities in your context might God be creating for you to point others to Christ, rather than to yourself?**

### FAQ
**Why was Peter so quick to correct the crowd's assumption about the source of the miracle?**

Answer: Peter was quick to correct the crowd's assumption to prevent a fundamental theological error: attributing divine power or merit to human beings. The early apostles were acutely aware that their authority and ability came solely from God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Allowing the crowd to believe the healing was due to their "own power or holiness" would have not only been a lie but would have also undermined the true message of the Gospel, which centers on God's sovereign power and grace. It was crucial to establish from the outset that Jesus, not Peter or John, was the true source of this miraculous power, setting the stage for the subsequent proclamation of Christ's resurrection and saving work (as seen in [Acts 3:13-16](/acts/3-13-16 "Acts 3:13-16 - Peter's Explanation of the Healing")). This immediate correction ensured that the focus remained on God and His Christ, upholding the principle that "God is not mocked" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:12, while spoken by Peter, deeply resonates with the Christ-centered nature of all true spiritual power and glory. Peter's emphatic denial that the healing stemmed from his "own power or holiness" foreshadows the subsequent revelation that it was "through faith in His name" – the name of Jesus – that the lame man was made whole ([Acts 3:16](/acts/3-16 "Acts 3:16 - Healing Through Faith in Jesus' Name")). Jesus Himself consistently deflected glory from Himself to the Father during His earthly ministry, declaring, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do" ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What the Father Does")). He taught His disciples that "without me ye can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")), emphasizing that their future ministry would be an extension of His divine power, not their own. Thus, Peter's words in [Acts 3:12](/acts/3-12 "Acts 3:12 - Peter Addresses the Crowd") are a direct fulfillment of Jesus' teaching on humble dependence and the channeling of divine power. The miracle itself serves as a tangible sign, much like those performed by Jesus (e.g., healing the paralytic in [Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1-12 "Mark 2:1-12 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic")), pointing to the ultimate authority and life-giving power residing in Christ, the resurrected Lord, who continues to work through His Spirit in His church, ensuring that "God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 4:11](/1_peter/4-11 "1 Peter 4:11 - Glorify God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

John 3:27

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

John 3:28

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Acts 14:11

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Daniel 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;