And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter redirects the crowd's amazed gaze away from himself and John, stressing that the miracle wasn't due to their personal strength or even their "holiness" in the sense of earning God's favor. He's correcting their assumption that divine power is granted based on a person's merit, pointing instead to the power that comes through Jesus' name.
And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moments after a lame man is miraculously healed in Jesus' name at the temple gate, a crowd gathers, astonished. Peter, seeing their wonder and intense gaze directed at him and John, steps forward to address them. He immediately redirects their focus, emphasizing that the healing power comes not from them, but from God through Jesus.
You just saw a man, lame for decades, leap to his feet and dance! It’s incredible! But wait… where are all eyes turning?
Peter’s first words to the amazed crowd cut straight to the heart of their reaction. They were so stunned by the miracle that they were fixated on Peter and John. Peter calls them out directly: "Why do you stare at us?" He’s not being rude; he’s redirecting their attention. When we witness incredible things, whether it’s a supernatural healing or a powerful answer to prayer, our default can be to praise the person who was used. Peter reminds us that the messenger is not the source of the power. We need to be careful not to let our awe of what God does through people distract us from the One who enables it all.
Peter explicitly denies that their 'own power' or 'piety' were the reasons for the healing. What does that tell us about where true spiritual ability comes from?
This is the core of Peter’s message. He’s clarifying that the miraculous healing wasn't due to any special strength or exceptionally holy lifestyle they possessed. The original language points to 'miraculous energy' for power and 'devotion' or 'religious attachment to God' for piety. This wasn't about Peter and John being uniquely gifted or exceptionally righteous in a way that earned God's favor for this act. It was about God’s power, channeled through them in the name of Jesus. This is a profound truth: true spiritual effectiveness doesn't come from our innate abilities or our personal merit, but from aligning ourselves with God's power and propósito, allowing Him to work through us.
Ask a follow-up
If it wasn't Peter's power or piety, then what was the source of the healing? Peter quickly pivots to the real authority behind the miracle.
Right after Peter deflects the crowd's attention from himself and John, he points to the true source of the power: the name of Jesus. He explains that it was 'in the faith of his name' that this man was made strong. This isn't just a magical incantation; it's invoking the authority and power of Jesus Himself. The crowd had rejected and crucified Jesus, yet Peter boldly proclaims that this same Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, is the one who grants this healing power. This is a crucial theological point: every miracle, every act of spiritual power, is an extension of Jesus' authority and finished work. Our faith isn't in our own strength, but in the power vested in the name of Jesus.
Understand the original words
dynamis · Greek Noun
The supernatural capacity or efficacy to accomplish acts; in a biblical context, it is often contrasted with human ability to emphasize that miracles come from God.
eusebeia · Greek Noun
Refers to devoutness, religious excellence, or godly character; often denotes one's dedicated relationship and behavior toward God.
This event occurs shortly after Pentecost, when the disciples are just beginning to exercise the authority and power given to them by the Holy Spirit. Peter is quick to redirect the awe of the crowd away from himself and John, emphasizing that all glory belongs to Jesus, whom they had rejected.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and then resurrected, appearing to his followers. This event is the foundational moment for the early Christian movement and the source of the apostles' authority.
c. 30 AD
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in other languages and boldly proclaim the gospel. This marks the public beginning of the church.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Healing of the Lame Man at the Temple
Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, heal a man who had been lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the Jerusalem temple. This miracle draws a large crowd.
c. 30 AD
Peter's Sermon at the Temple
Following the healing, Peter addresses the astonished crowd, explaining that the miracle was performed by the power of Jesus Christ, not by their own ability or piety.
c. 30 AD
Arrest and Trial of Peter and John
Jewish religious authorities arrest Peter and John for preaching about Jesus' resurrection, but they are later released after demonstrating boldness and wisdom.
c. 31-33 AD
Growth and Persecution of the Early Church
The church continues to grow rapidly, but faces increasing opposition from Jewish leaders. Many believers are scattered from Jerusalem, spreading the message further.
This verse echoes John the Baptist's humility when pointing to Jesus, stating 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' Peter, like John, deflects praise from himself to the One he serves.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29Paul reminds the Corinthians that God often chooses the weak and humble to accomplish His purposes, precisely so that no one can boast in themselves. This resonates with Peter's refusal to take credit.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18This passage warns the Israelites not to think their own power or might has brought them success, but to remember that it is the Lord who gives them the ability to gain wealth. Peter is echoing this ancient principle to the people.
Isaiah 42:8God declares, 'I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I will not give to another, nor my praise to carved idols.' Peter is fiercely guarding God's glory by redirecting the people's amazed gaze away from himself and John.
Philippians 2:9-11Peter's focus on Jesus' name as the source of power points forward to this passage, where Christ is exalted above all. The ultimate goal is that every knee should bow to Jesus, not to His servants.
cambridgeActs 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?"
12 . when Peter saw it ] i.e. their wonder, as may be inferred from his opening words. he answered ] Often used although no previous remark or question precedes. Cp. Acts 5:8 , where Peter is said to have answered Sapphira, though she had said nothing, as far as we are told, and where the…
calvinActs 3:12-16: "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?"
- And when Peter saw that, he made answer unto the people, Men of Israel, why marvel ye at this, or why look ye so steadfastly on us, as if by our own power or godliness we have made this man walk? 13. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his S…
Peter redirects the crowd's amazed gaze away from himself and John, stressing that the miracle wasn't due to their personal strength or even their "holiness" in the sense of earning God's favor. He's correcting their assumption that divine power is granted based on a person's merit, pointing instead to the power that comes through Jesus' name.
Moments after a lame man is miraculously healed in Jesus' name at the temple gate, a crowd gathers, astonished. Peter, seeing their wonder and intense gaze directed at him and John, steps forward to address them. He immediately redirects their focus, emphasizing that the healing power comes not from them, but from God through Jesus.
Moments after a lame man is miraculously healed in Jesus' name at the temple gate, a crowd gathers, astonished. Peter, seeing their wonder and intense gaze directed at him and John, steps forward to address them. He immediately redirects their focus, emphasizing that the healing power comes not from them, but from God through Jesus.
"And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?" — Peter redirects the crowd's amazed gaze away from himself and John, stressing that the miracle wasn't due to their personal strength or even their "holiness" in the sense of earning God's favor. He's…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026