Acts 3:7

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

And {G2532} he took {G4084} him {G846} by the right {G1188} hand {G5495}, and lifted him up {G1453}: and {G1161} immediately {G3916} his {G846} feet {G939} and {G2532} ankle bones {G4974} received strength {G4732}.

And taking hold of him by his right hand, Kefa pulled him up. Instantly his feet and ankles became strong;

Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong.

And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength.

Acts 3:7 vividly describes the immediate effect of Peter's command and action on the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. This verse is the powerful culmination of Peter's declaration in Acts 3:6, where he invoked the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Historical and Cultural Context

This event takes place shortly after the day of Pentecost, demonstrating the burgeoning power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church. Peter and John were going to the Temple at the hour of prayer, a common practice for devout Jews, even after Christ's ascension. The man, who had been lame from birth, was a familiar sight, begging at the gate known as "Beautiful" (Acts 3:2). His long-standing condition made his healing particularly significant and undeniable to the public, setting the stage for the apostles' powerful testimony.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power through Human Instruments: Peter, an ordinary fisherman, becomes a vessel for extraordinary divine power. It wasn't Peter's inherent ability, but the power of God working through him, demonstrating that God uses willing individuals to accomplish His purposes.
  • Immediate and Complete Healing: The phrase "immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength" emphasizes the instantaneous and comprehensive nature of the miracle. There was no gradual recovery or partial improvement, but a sudden restoration of full function, allowing the man to walk, leap, and praise God (Acts 3:8).
  • Authority in Jesus' Name: This healing was explicitly performed "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth," as stated in the preceding verse. Acts 3:7 shows the tangible result of that invocation. The miracle was a powerful testimony to the resurrection and authority of Jesus, confirming His claims and the apostles' message. This concept of the power of Jesus' name is a recurring theme in the book of Acts.
  • Faith and Action: While the man's faith isn't explicitly stated as a prerequisite for the healing here, his willingness to respond to Peter's call and take his hand shows a receptive heart. Peter's action of lifting him up is also an act of faith and obedience to the divine impulse.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "received strength" is ἐστερεώθησαν (estereōthēsan), derived from the root meaning "to make firm" or "to strengthen." This highlights not just a sudden ability to move, but a complete and stable restoration of integrity to his bones and ligaments, confirming a true physical transformation rather than a temporary surge of energy. The word "immediately" (παραχρῆμα - *parachrēma*) further underscores the miraculous, instantaneous nature of the healing, leaving no room for doubt or gradual recovery.

Practical Application

Acts 3:7 reminds believers that God's power is real and active, capable of bringing about immediate and profound transformation. It encourages us to:

  • Step out in Faith: Like Peter, we are called to act on God's promptings, trusting that He will provide the power when we are obedient.
  • Recognize Divine Opportunity: The apostles didn't avoid the "beggar problem" but saw it as an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed.
  • Expect God's Intervention: While not every prayer results in an immediate physical miracle, this verse testifies to God's desire and ability to bring healing and restoration, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
  • Give Glory to God: The true purpose of such miracles is to point to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, inspiring praise and belief, as the healed man immediately did by walking, leaping, and praising God.
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.

  • Mark 9:27

    But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

  • Mark 1:31

    And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

  • Acts 9:41

    And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

  • Mark 5:41

    And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

  • Luke 13:13

    And he laid [his] hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

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