Acts 3:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} his {G846} name {G3686} through {G1909} faith {G4102} in his {G846} name {G3686} hath made {G4732} this man {G5026} strong {G4732}, whom {G3739} ye see {G2334} and {G2532} know {G1492}: yea {G2532}, the faith {G4102} which is {G1325} by {G1223} him {G846} hath given {G1325} him {G846} this {G5126} perfect soundness {G3647} in the presence {G561} of you {G5216} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And it is through putting trust in his name that his name has given strength to this man whom you see and know. Yes, it is the trust that comes through Yeshua which has given him this perfect healing in the presence of you all.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence.

American Standard Version

And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:16 stands as a profound declaration by the Apostle Peter, articulating the source of the miraculous healing of the man lame from birth at the Temple's Beautiful Gate. This verse unequivocally attributes the man's complete restoration not to the apostles' inherent power or piety, but solely to the authoritative person and divine power of Jesus Christ, activated through faith in His name. It powerfully underscores the continued, active presence and work of the ascended Christ through His disciples, serving as a foundational truth for understanding the nature of New Testament miracles and the efficacy of faith in Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Peter's second sermon in the book of Acts, delivered to an astonished crowd in Solomon's Colonnade. The immediate preceding narrative (Acts 3:1-10) details the dramatic healing of a man who had been lame from birth, a familiar figure begging at the Temple's Beautiful Gate. Peter, accompanied by John, commanded the man to "[rise up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth](/acts/3-6 "Peter's Command to the Lame Man")" (Acts 3:6). The instantaneous and complete healing, evidenced by the man's walking, leaping, and praising God, drew a large, amazed crowd. Peter then seized this opportune moment, not to claim credit for himself or John, but to redirect the crowd's focus from the miracle to its divine source—Jesus Christ—whom they had crucified but God had raised. Acts 3:16 serves as the climactic explanation of *how* the miracle occurred, setting the stage for Peter's subsequent call to repentance and faith in Jesus (Acts 3:17-26).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Temple in Jerusalem, a central hub of Jewish life, worship, and national identity. The man's presence at the Beautiful Gate, a prominent entrance, highlights the public nature of his disability and the subsequent healing. Lame individuals, often seen as ritually unclean or under divine judgment, were a common sight begging at Temple gates. The Jewish people, still reeling from the recent crucifixion of Jesus and grappling with the claims of His resurrection, were deeply rooted in a monotheistic worldview that emphasized God's direct intervention. The apostles, as devout Jews, operated within this framework, but now with a revolutionary understanding of God's work through the resurrected Messiah. The miracle, performed publicly and undeniably, served as a powerful sign (σημεῖον, *sēmeion*) that validated the apostles' message and challenged the prevailing religious authorities who had rejected Jesus. The reference to "his name" would have resonated deeply with Jewish understanding, where a name encapsulated a person's character, authority, and very essence.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 3:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **authority and power of Jesus' name**, establishing that the ascended Christ continues to act dynamically through His followers, not merely as a historical figure but as a living, active Lord. This miracle also highlights **divine healing and restoration**, demonstrating God's desire for wholeness—physical, spiritual, and relational—as a sign of His kingdom's breaking in. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **faith as the conduit for divine power**, clarifying that it is not human merit or ability but reliance on Christ that enables miraculous works. Peter's explanation also reinforces the theme of **witness and validation**, as the public nature of the healing served as undeniable proof of Jesus' resurrection and the truthfulness of the apostolic message, compelling the crowd to consider the claims about Jesus, much like the apostles' later declaration before the Sanhedrin in [Acts 4:10](/acts/4-10 "Peter's Bold Declaration to the Sanhedrin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** (G3686) This word, derived from a root meaning "to know," signifies more than a mere label. In biblical thought, a "name" encapsulates a person's entire character, authority, reputation, and essence. Here, "his name" refers to the full person and divine authority of Jesus Christ. To act "in His name" or for "His name" means to act by His authority, according to His character, and for His glory, drawing upon His inherent power. The repetition emphasizes that Jesus Himself is the active agent.
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** (G4102) This term denotes persuasion, credence, and moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. It implies a trusting adherence to God's truthfulness and to Jesus as the Messiah. In this context, it is not merely intellectual assent but an active, confident trust in Jesus' power and willingness to heal. The phrase "faith which is by him" further clarifies that this faith is not self-generated but originates from, is enabled by, and directed towards Jesus Himself.
* **Perfect soundness (Greek, _holoklēría'_):** (G3647) Derived from *holoklēros* (whole, complete), this word literally means "integrity" or "physical wholeness." It emphasizes the complete and undeniable nature of the healing. The man was not partially recovered or merely improved; he was made entirely whole, leaving no doubt about the miraculous and comprehensive restoration of his physical being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know:":** This opening clause immediately identifies the true agent of the miracle: "his name" (Jesus' name). The phrase "through faith in his name" clarifies the instrumental means by which this divine power was accessed. The repetition of "his name" underscores the singular focus on Jesus' authority and person. The clause then points to the undeniable reality of the miracle by referencing the healed man, whom "ye see and know," implying he was a familiar figure to the crowd, thus making the miracle's authenticity irrefutable.
* **"yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.":** This second clause reiterates and amplifies the first. The connective "yea" (καί, *kai*) adds emphasis, reinforcing the previous statement. It specifies that "the faith which is by him" (meaning faith that originates from, is enabled by, and directed towards Jesus) is the active force that "hath given him this perfect soundness." The term "perfect soundness" (holoklēría) highlights the complete and thorough nature of the healing, leaving no room for ambiguity. The concluding phrase, "in the presence of you all," stresses the public and verifiable nature of the miracle, serving as a powerful, collective witness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "his name through faith in his name," which serves to emphasize the singular source of power and the object of faith: Jesus Christ. This repetition creates a powerful rhetorical rhythm, driving home the central message. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "his name" stands in for the entire person, authority, and divine power of Jesus. This linguistic shorthand conveys profound theological truth. Furthermore, the verse uses **Witness Testimony** as a literary and theological device, explicitly stating that the miracle occurred "whom ye see and know" and "in the presence of you all." This grounds the supernatural event in verifiable, communal experience, bolstering its credibility and serving as a direct challenge and invitation to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:16 serves as a foundational text for understanding the ongoing power and authority of the resurrected Christ in the life of the church. It teaches that divine power is not inherent in human agents, but flows through them when they act in faith, relying entirely on the person and authority of Jesus. This principle extends beyond physical healing to all aspects of God's work through believers, reminding us that all spiritual victories and transformations are ultimately Christ's work, accomplished through His enabling Spirit and our responsive faith. The "perfect soundness" granted to the lame man foreshadows the ultimate, holistic restoration that Christ brings to humanity, encompassing physical, spiritual, and eternal wholeness.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "The Exaltation of Jesus' Name")
* [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "Greater Works Through Believers")
* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Faith Can Move Mountains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:16 challenges believers to examine the object and nature of their faith. It calls us away from reliance on human ability, wisdom, or charisma and directs our gaze solely to Jesus Christ. When we pray, serve, or confront spiritual challenges, are we truly operating "through faith in His name," trusting in His inherent power and authority, or are we subtly relying on our own efforts? This verse encourages a bold, unshakeable confidence in the living Christ, reminding us that He is still actively working in the world through those who believe. It inspires us to proclaim His name with conviction, knowing that His presence validates His message and brings about genuine, transformative wholeness—not just physical, but spiritual and emotional as well. This passage invites us to step out in faith, allowing Christ's power to flow through us for His glory and the good of others, just as it did through Peter and John.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you tempted to rely on your own strength or wisdom, rather than "faith in His name"?**
* **How does the concept of "the faith which is by Him" deepen your understanding of faith itself?**
* **What does "perfect soundness" mean in a holistic sense for believers today, beyond just physical healing?**
* **How can you more boldly declare and demonstrate the power of Jesus' name in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repetition of "his name" in Acts 3:16?**

Answer: The repetition of "his name" ("And his name through faith in his name...") is a powerful rhetorical device that emphasizes the singular and exclusive source of the miracle. It underscores that the healing power originated solely from Jesus Christ Himself—His person, His authority, and His divine essence—and not from Peter or John. It directs all glory and credit to the resurrected Lord, ensuring that the focus remains entirely on Christ as the active agent and the object of saving faith.

**Does "the faith which is by him" refer to the faith of the healed man, Peter's faith, or something else?**

Answer: The phrase "the faith which is by him" (Greek: *hē pistis hē di' autou*) is best understood as faith that originates from Christ and is directed towards Him. While Peter certainly exercised faith, and the healed man responded in faith (as evidenced by his immediate obedience and subsequent praise), the primary emphasis is that this enabling faith itself is a gift and a work of Christ. It is not a humanly generated quality that *earns* healing, but a divine enablement that *receives* Christ's power. It highlights Christ as both the object and the ultimate source of the faith that brings about such profound results.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:16 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the ongoing, active ministry of the ascended Lord Jesus. The healing of the lame man is not merely a historical event but a tangible demonstration that Jesus, though physically absent, is still powerfully present and working through His Spirit in His church. His "name" is not a magical incantation but represents His very person, His divine authority as the Son of God, and His redemptive work. This echoes the Old Testament promises of a Messiah who would bring healing and restoration, and it foreshadows the ultimate spiritual healing and wholeness that Jesus offers through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Just as He healed physical infirmity, He offers complete spiritual soundness, delivering us from the lameness of sin and enabling us to "walk in newness of life" [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Walking in Newness of Life"). The faith that makes this possible is itself a gift from Him, drawing us into a deeper relationship with the One who is "the author and finisher of our faith" [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith"). Ultimately, this miracle points to Jesus as the resurrected Lord, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission"), and who continues to manifest His power through His body, the church, until His glorious return.

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

Matthew 21:21

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Acts 14:9

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Acts 4:10

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 3:6

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.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.