Acts 3:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} seeing {G1492} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491} about {G3195} to go {G1524} into {G1519} the temple {G2411} asked {G2065}{G2983} an alms {G1654}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he saw Kefa and Yochanan about to enter, he asked them for some money.

Berean Standard Bible

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.

American Standard Version

who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:3 describes the initial encounter between the apostles Peter and John and a man who had been lame from birth, daily laid at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. As the apostles were about to enter the sacred precincts for prayer, the man, in his customary practice, perceived them as potential benefactors and solicited a charitable donation, setting the stage for a divine intervention far exceeding his humble request.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of the lame man in [Acts 3:2](/acts/3-2 "Acts 3:2 - The Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate"), establishing his long-standing condition and his daily placement at the Temple gate known as "Beautiful." The narrative flow then moves directly into the interaction, with [Acts 3:4-5](/acts/3-4-5 "Acts 3:4-5 - Peter Fixes His Gaze") detailing Peter's direct gaze and command, followed by the miraculous healing in [Acts 3:6-8](/acts/3-6-8 "Acts 3:6-8 - The Lame Man Healed"). Verse 3, therefore, serves as the critical bridge, initiating the dialogue that precipitates the profound miracle and Peter's subsequent powerful sermon to the astonished crowd in [Acts 3:12-26](/acts/3-12-26 "Acts 3:12-26 - Peter's Second Sermon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem's Temple was not only a place of worship but also a significant public space and a hub for social interaction. It was common practice for the poor, the sick, and those with disabilities to gather at the Temple gates, relying on the piety and charity of worshippers. Almsgiving was considered a highly virtuous act in Jewish tradition, often linked to righteousness and atonement (e.g., [Daniel 4:27](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Righteousness Through Almsgiving")). The "Beautiful Gate" (likely one of the eastern gates, possibly the Nicanor Gate) was a prominent entrance, making it an ideal location for beggars to solicit alms from the large crowds attending daily prayers. Peter and John's routine of going to the Temple at the hour of prayer (the ninth hour, or 3 PM, as mentioned in [Acts 3:1](/acts/3-1 "Acts 3:1 - Apostles Go to the Temple")) highlights their continued adherence to Jewish customs even as followers of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Human Need and Divine Provision**, showcasing how profound human brokenness (the man's lameness and poverty) creates an opportunity for God's extraordinary power to be displayed. It also highlights the **Continuity and Discontinuity of the New Covenant**, as the apostles, while still participating in Temple practices, are now conduits of a new, greater power—the Holy Spirit—that transcends mere almsgiving. The interaction also sets the stage for the theme of **Witness and Proclamation**, as the miracle serves as an undeniable sign validating the apostles' message and leading to a significant opportunity for evangelism, as seen in [Acts 4:4](/acts/4-4 "Acts 4:4 - Many Believe").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seeing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb signifies not just a physical act of sight, but often implies perception, understanding, or even recognition. Here, the lame man "seeing" Peter and John means he observed them, recognized them as potential givers, and likely assessed their demeanor, leading him to make his request. It suggests an active, purposeful observation.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This word refers to the entire sacred precinct of the Temple complex in Jerusalem, including its courts and surrounding areas, as opposed to the *naos* (ναός), which denotes the central sanctuary or holy place itself. The apostles were entering the public areas of the Temple, where many people gathered, making it a natural setting for this encounter and subsequent public miracle.
* **alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** Derived from the word for "pity" or "mercy" (ἔλεος), *eleēmosýnē* refers to compassionateness, specifically as exercised towards the poor, manifesting as beneficence or a charitable gift. The man's request was not merely for money, but for an act of mercy, a tangible expression of pity for his destitute and dependent state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who seeing Peter and John":** This clause identifies the subject as the lame man introduced in [Acts 3:2](/acts/3-2 "Acts 3:2 - The Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate"). His "seeing" implies a conscious observation and recognition of the two apostles. This visual contact is crucial, as it initiates the interaction and allows the man to identify his potential benefactors among the many people entering the Temple.
* **"about to go into the temple":** This phrase establishes the apostles' intention and immediate action. They were on their way to the Temple for prayer, a routine religious observance. This detail highlights their continued participation in Jewish life and sets the scene within a sacred, public space, where a miracle would have maximum impact and visibility.
* **"asked an alms":** This final clause states the man's direct request. In his daily routine of begging, he simply asked for a charitable donation, a common plea from someone in his vulnerable position. This seemingly ordinary request, born out of desperation, becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary divine encounter, as the apostles would offer him something far beyond his expectation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this concise verse. There is clear **Foreshadowing**, as the man's simple request for "alms" (charity) immediately precedes a divine act of mercy and power that far transcends a monetary gift, hinting at the greater spiritual and physical provision God is about to unleash. The situation also presents a subtle **Irony**: the man, seeking a small, temporary relief, is unknowingly positioned to receive a profound, life-altering miracle. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the mundane act of begging against the backdrop of the sacred Temple, setting the stage for the divine to intersect with the ordinary. The specific mention of "Peter and John" also serves as **Synecdoche**, representing the early apostolic ministry and the power of the nascent church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:3, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, illustrating the profound intersection of human need and divine grace. The man's request for alms represents the common human desire for immediate, tangible solutions to problems, often limited by our perception of what is possible. However, God's response, mediated through His apostles, demonstrates His capacity and desire to provide not just what is asked for, but what is truly needed—a transformative work of healing and restoration. This divine generosity transcends the limitations of human charity, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality where God's power is unleashed to bring about radical change, not merely temporary relief. The encounter highlights that even routine, seemingly insignificant interactions can be divinely appointed moments for God's glory to be revealed and His kingdom to advance.

* [Luke 11:9-13](/luke/11-9-13 "Luke 11:9-13 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God Can Do More")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:3 serves as a powerful reminder that God often works through the most ordinary circumstances and seemingly insignificant interactions to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The man at the gate asked for what he knew—a handout—but God had a far greater plan for him: not just a temporary fix, but a complete restoration. This challenges us to consider our own prayers and desires. Do we limit God by asking only for what we can conceive, or do we open ourselves to the possibility that He desires to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God Can Do More"))? Furthermore, the apostles' willingness to engage with the man, rather than simply passing by, highlights the importance of attentiveness and compassion in ministry. Our readiness to see and respond to the needs around us can open doors for God's miraculous intervention, transforming not only the lives of those we encounter but also our own faith. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of expectation, recognizing that every interaction, every moment of human need, can be a divine appointment for the manifestation of God's power and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you asking for "alms" (temporary solutions) when God might desire to provide a deeper, more transformative healing or provision?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the "divine appointments" in your daily routine, seeing beyond the superficial to the potential for God's work?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the nature of God's generosity and His desire to exceed our expectations?**

### FAQ
**Why was the lame man asking for "alms" specifically at the Temple gate?**

Answer: The Temple gates, particularly prominent ones like the "Beautiful Gate," were strategic locations for beggars because they were frequented by large numbers of devout Jewish worshippers. In Jewish tradition, almsgiving (charity) was considered a highly virtuous act, a demonstration of righteousness and piety. Therefore, those entering or leaving the Temple were likely to be more inclined to give charitably, making it a prime spot for the poor and disabled to solicit donations. The man's long-standing condition, being lame from birth ([Acts 3:2](/acts/3-2 "Acts 3:2 - The Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate")), meant he was entirely dependent on such acts of compassion for his survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:3, while seemingly a simple interaction, powerfully foreshadows the comprehensive and transformative work of Christ. The lame man's request for "alms" represents humanity's inherent spiritual poverty and inability to meet its deepest needs through its own efforts or even through religious observance. Just as the man sought a temporary, external solution (money) but received a radical, internal transformation (healing), so too does humanity, burdened by sin and spiritual lameness, often seek superficial remedies. Christ, however, offers not merely "alms" but complete spiritual restoration and new life. He is the ultimate "mercy" (*eleēmosýnē*), embodying God's compassion and providing what no human charity or religious ritual could: forgiveness of sins and the power to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). The miracle that follows this verse, the man's ability to walk and leap, is a tangible sign of the spiritual healing and freedom that Christ offers to all who believe, fulfilling the prophetic promise of the lame leaping like a deer ([Isaiah 35:6](/isaiah/35-6 "Isaiah 35:6 - The Lame Will Leap")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the ultimate "alms"—eternal life and reconciliation with God—far exceeding any temporal request or human expectation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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.