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)
Peter declares he has no money, but he does have something far more valuable: the power of Jesus to bring wholeness. What's easy to miss is how he emphasizes Jesus' despised origin – "of Nazareth" – as the source of this transformative power, turning shame into an instrument of divine might.
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)
Peter and John are heading to the temple for prayer when they encounter a man who has been lame since birth, begging for money at the Beautiful Gate. When the man asks them for a donation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes the moment to demonstrate God's power and share the gospel, declaring he has no money but can offer healing instead.
This man at the temple gate was asking for money – a basic need. But Peter's response completely shifts the focus from material wealth to something far more valuable.
Peter's famous words, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to you," reveal a radical way of life adopted by the early believers.
A Community of Generosity
When the early church experienced growth, they didn't hoard resources. Instead, those who owned lands or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to distribute "to each as any need required" (Acts 4:35). This wasn't about forced communism, but a Spirit-led generosity born out of recognizing everything comes from God.
Prioritizing the Eternal
Peter's statement isn't a boast, but a simple declaration of his current reality and a statement of priority. He didn't possess earthly riches, but he did possess something infinitely more powerful: the ability to minister in Jesus' name. This highlights a core truth: our true wealth isn't in what we own, but in what God has enabled us to do and given us to share.
Peter didn't just say 'Get up and walk!' He invoked a specific Name. Why was this Name so crucial, and what does it mean to act 'in the name of Jesus'?
Peter's command, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" is not a mere formality; it's an assertion of divine authority.
Jesus' Unique Power
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Unlike prophets or teachers who acted by God's power, Jesus performed miracles in His own authority. The apostles, however, always acted in the name of Jesus, signifying they were conduits of His power, not the source. This distinction is vital: they were authorized representatives, not independent miracle-workers.
The Despised Name, The Ultimate Power
Calling Jesus "of Nazareth" and by His full title was significant. Nazareth was a despised town, and Jesus' crucifixion was seen as a mark of shame and defeat by many Jews. Peter uses this very name to declare that the rejected and crucified Jesus is indeed the powerful Messiah, and His name carries all authority. Acting in Jesus' name means relying on His power and authority, not our own ability.
Faith Responds to Authority
When Peter spoke with such conviction, he wasn't just issuing a command; he was activating the authority of Jesus. This bold declaration, coupled with the tangible miracle, would have undoubtedly stirred faith in the lame man, enabling him to believe and receive healing.
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.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, who claimed to be the Messiah, is crucified in Jerusalem under Roman authority. This event is a major point of controversy and a source of shame for many.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
Following Jesus' ascension, His followers gather in Jerusalem and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. This event marks the beginning of the early Christian church and the start of their public ministry.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Early Church Ministry and Miracles
The apostles, Peter and John included, begin performing miracles in the name of Jesus, drawing large crowds and spreading the Christian message. The community shares resources to care for its members.
c. AD 33
Arrest and Trial of Peter and John
Following the healing of the lame man, Peter and John are arrested by religious authorities, leading to further preaching and an increase in believers.
This passage directly links specific signs, including healing the sick, to those who believe, echoing Peter's miraculous act performed 'in the name of Jesus'.
John 5:8Jesus commanded a man who had been an invalid for 38 years to 'rise, take up your bed, and walk.' This parallels Peter's command and the immediate, powerful response.
Acts 4:10Peter, in a similar situation, explicitly states that healing was done 'by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,' reinforcing the source of power described in Acts 3:6.
Philippians 4:19This verse speaks to God's promise to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Peter, though lacking earthly riches, could supply spiritual and physical needs through Christ's power.
1 Corinthians 1:27The Apostle Paul highlights how God often uses the weak and humble things of the world to confound the wise and strong. Peter's lack of silver and gold, yet possessing the power to heal, exemplifies this principle.
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 declares he has no money, but he does have something far more valuable: the power of Jesus to bring wholeness. What's easy to miss is how he emphasizes Jesus' despised origin – "of Nazareth" – as the source of this transformative power, turning shame into an instrument of divine might.
Peter and John are heading to the temple for prayer when they encounter a man who has been lame since birth, begging for money at the Beautiful Gate. When the man asks them for a donation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes the moment to demonstrate God's power and share the gospel, declaring he has no money but can offer healing instead.
Peter and John are heading to the temple for prayer when they encounter a man who has been lame since birth, begging for money at the Beautiful Gate. When the man asks them for a donation, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes the moment to demonstrate God's power and share the gospel, declaring he has no money but can offer healing instead.
"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 declares he has no money, but he does have something far more valuable: the power of Jesus to bring wholeness. What's easy to miss is how he emphasizes Jesus' despised origin – "of Nazareth"…
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Last reviewed October 2026