Acts 3:6
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter doesn't just say he lacks money; he pivots to offer what he does possess. This isn't about personal wealth, but about channeling divine power through faith in Jesus' name, highlighting that true provision comes not from earthly possessions but from God's authority and strength.
Peter and John are going to the temple to pray when they encounter a man lame from birth, begging for money. When the man asks for a donation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares he has no money but can offer something far greater through the power of Jesus. He then commands the man to rise and walk in Jesus' name, immediately healing him.
The man at the temple gate was looking for a handout. Peter offered something far greater. What's the difference between having 'stuff' and having 'power'?
Peter's famous words, 'Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee,' highlight a profound shift in authority and resources.
Beyond Material Wealth
This isn't about poverty versus riches, but about where true power and provision come from. Peter, though lacking money, possessed access to God's restorative power.
Peter didn't just say 'Get up and walk!' He invoked a specific name. What makes invoking Jesus' name so powerful?
The command to the lame man, 'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!' is packed with meaning. It's not a magic phrase, but an assertion of delegated authority.
Power Through Identification
Understand the original words
argyron · Greek Noun
Precious metals often representing material wealth or secular security. In this context, it highlights the contrast between worldly resources and spiritual authority.
chrysion · Greek Noun
Precious metal often representing wealth or glory. Biblically, it can symbolize refined purity or, as here, material possessions that are insufficient for spiritual miracles.
onoma · Greek Noun
In biblical usage, a 'name' represents the authority, character, and power of the person. To act in the name of Jesus is to act as His representative, utilizing His divine authority.
Nazōraios · Greek Proper Noun
A messianic title identifying Jesus with His earthly hometown and humble origins. It emphasizes the historical reality of the man who is also the exalted Christ.
This event unfolds in the vibrant, yet religiously charged atmosphere of Jerusalem, shortly after the dramatic events of Pentecost. The apostles' radical poverty, contrasted with their divine power manifested 'in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,' would have been a powerful, counter-cultural testimony to the crowds gathered at the Temple.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, after a public ministry, is crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem. This event is a central point of scandal and confusion for his followers and the Jewish authorities.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit is poured out on his followers in Jerusalem, empowering them with gifts, including speaking in other languages and a boldness to proclaim Jesus' resurrection.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church Growth and Sharing
The community of believers in Jerusalem grows rapidly. Many who believed sold their possessions and shared them, so that no one lacked. The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Daily Ministry at the Temple
Peter and John regularly go to the temple in Jerusalem to pray, indicating their continued observance of Jewish religious practices. They encounter a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate.
This passage directly parallels Peter's action, stating that believers will lay hands on the sick and they will recover, underscoring the authority given by Jesus to His followers to perform miraculous acts.
John 5:8Jesus commanded the invalid at the pool of Bethesda to 'rise, pick up your mat, and walk,' echoing Peter's command to the lame man and highlighting the immediate, authoritative nature of divine healing.
Acts 4:10In a later confrontation, Peter explicitly states that healing was done 'in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,' reinforcing that the power displayed in Acts 3:6 was entirely dependent on Jesus' authority, not Peter's own.
1 Peter 1:7This verse speaks of the testing of faith through trials, which results in praise and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The lame man's faith, prompted by Peter's words, led to his healing and a public demonstration of God's power.
Matthew 9:6Jesus demonstrated His authority to forgive sins by telling a paralytic to 'get up and go home,' showing that healing is a visible sign of spiritual authority, just as Peter displayed in Acts 3:6.
barnesActs 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."
Silver and gold have I none - The man had asked for money; Peter assures him that he had not that to give; what he did was done, however, in such a way as to show his willingness to aid him if he had possessed money. Such as I have - Such as is in my power. It is not to be supposed that he meant to say that he originated this power himself, but only…
vincentActs 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."
Silver and gold (ἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον)Properly, silver and gold money. See on 1 Peter 1:18.
Peter doesn't just say he lacks money; he pivots to offer what he does possess. This isn't about personal wealth, but about channeling divine power through faith in Jesus' name, highlighting that true provision comes not from earthly possessions but from God's authority and strength.
Peter and John are going to the temple to pray when they encounter a man lame from birth, begging for money. When the man asks for a donation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares he has no money but can offer something far greater through the power of Jesus. He then commands the man to rise and walk in Jesus' name, immediately healing him.
Peter and John are going to the temple to pray when they encounter a man lame from birth, begging for money. When the man asks for a donation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares he has no money but can offer something far greater through the power of Jesus. He then commands the man to rise and walk in Jesus' name, immediately healing him.
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c. AD 30-33
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter, by the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, heals the lame man, who then walks, leaps, and praises God, drawing a large crowd to Solomon's Porch.
c. AD 30-33
Peter Preaches to the Crowd
Following the healing, Peter preaches a powerful sermon to the astonished crowd, calling them to repent and believe in Jesus, highlighting the power of Jesus' name and resurrection.
"But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”" — Peter doesn't just say he lacks money; he pivots to offer what he does possess. This isn't about personal wealth, but about channeling divine power through faith in Jesus' name, highlighting that…
