Acts 3:4

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

And {G1161} Peter {G4074}, fastening his eyes {G816} upon {G1519} him {G846} with {G4862} John {G2491}, said {G2036}, Look {G991} on {G1519} us {G2248}.

But they stared straight at him; and Kefa said, “Look at us!”

Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter.

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us.

Commentary on Acts 3:4 KJV:

Context

Acts 3:4 is a pivotal moment preceding a miraculous healing. Peter and John are on their way to the Temple for prayer, a common practice for devout Jews (Acts 3:1). At the Beautiful Gate, they encounter a man who had been lame from birth, begging for alms (Acts 3:2). The man's expectation was purely financial, a typical interaction for beggars of that era. This verse sets the stage for a divine intervention far beyond a monetary handout.

Key Themes

  • Intentional Engagement: Peter's command, "Look on us," is not casual. The Greek word for "fastening his eyes" (ἀτενίσας - atenisas) implies a fixed, intense gaze, indicating deep attention and purpose. This wasn't merely seeing the man but truly engaging with him.
  • Preparation for Revelation: The command to "Look on us" prepares the lame man for what is about to transpire. It shifts his focus from his physical ailment and financial need to the apostles, through whom God's power will be manifested. It's a call to attention, a prerequisite for receiving God's gift.
  • Divine Authority: Peter and John, acting as God's instruments, assert a spiritual authority that transcends the beggar's earthly expectations. This direct command signifies that something significant, orchestrated by God, is about to happen, far greater than a few coins.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb for "fastening his eyes" is ἀτενίζω (atenizo), which means "to look intently," "to fix one's gaze," or "to stare." It suggests a focused, unwavering attention, often used in the New Testament to describe looking at something significant or divine (e.g., Luke 4:20, Acts 6:15). This intense gaze by Peter and John was not idle curiosity but a Spirit-led discernment and preparation for a miracle.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the importance of truly seeing and engaging with those in need, not just superficially acknowledging them. Peter and John didn't just toss a coin; they gave their full attention, recognizing a deeper need that only God could meet. For us, it encourages us to:

  • Be Present: Give focused attention to individuals, reflecting Christ's compassion.
  • Discern Deeper Needs: Look beyond superficial requests to understand underlying spiritual or physical needs.
  • Point to Christ: Ultimately, Peter's gaze and command led to the man looking at them, which in turn led to him experiencing God's power. Our attention and actions should always aim to point others to the source of true healing and hope, which is Jesus Christ.
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.

  • Acts 14:9

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

  • Acts 14:10

    Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

  • John 11:40

    Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

  • Luke 4:20

    And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

  • Acts 3:12

    ¶ 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?

  • John 5:6

    When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

  • Acts 11:6

    Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

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