Acts 3:6-8
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!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter’s bold declaration wasn't about poverty, but about possession – he possessed something far more valuable than silver or gold. He wasn't offering mere alms; he was offering the very power of Christ, using Jesus' despised name as the conduit for healing.
Peter and John are on their way to pray at the temple, a daily practice for them, when they encounter a man who has been lame from birth begging at the Beautiful Gate. As the man asks for money, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes the moment not just to heal him, but to make a bold public declaration of Jesus' power. The healing itself is immediate and dramatic, drawing a large crowd who witness the man walking and praising God.
The man at the temple gate was looking for a handout, but Peter offered something infinitely more valuable. What does this exchange teach us about where true power comes from?
Peter's famous words, 'Silver and gold have I none,' are not an excuse for his inability to help, but a declaration of his dependence on a higher power. He didn't possess the material wealth the man sought, but he had something far greater: the power of God entrusted to him.
Peter didn't just say 'be healed.' He invoked a specific name. Why was invoking 'the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth' so powerful?
The phrase 'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth' is far more than a mere signature. It's an assertion of authority and a reliance on the very person and work of Christ.
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 highlights the stark contrast between the disciples' poverty and their immense spiritual power derived from Jesus, challenging the world's values.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. His death is a public spectacle and a source of shame and disbelief for many.
c. AD 30
Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus
According to Christian belief, Jesus is resurrected from the dead and later ascends into heaven, empowering his followers with the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The disciples of Jesus receive the Holy Spirit in an event known as Pentecost, enabling them to speak in other languages and boldly proclaim their faith.
c. AD 30— this verse
Peter and John go to the Temple
Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, go to the Temple in Jerusalem at the customary hour of prayer, where they encounter a man lame from birth.
This passage directly links the power to heal and cast out demons to believers speaking 'in my name' (Jesus' name), mirroring Peter's authority in Acts 3:6.
John 14:12-14Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do the works He has been doing, and even greater works, because He goes to the Father, reinforcing the idea that miracles are done through His name and authority.
Acts 4:7-10Here, Peter explicitly attributes the healing of the lame man to the power and name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, underscoring that the miracle was not by their own power but by divine authority.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24This passage highlights Jesus Christ, specifically the crucified Christ, as the 'power of God and the wisdom of God,' connecting the despised name 'of Nazareth' to divine power and mission.
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’s bold declaration wasn't about poverty, but about possession – he possessed something far more valuable than silver or gold. He wasn't offering mere alms; he was offering the very power of Christ, using Jesus' despised name as the conduit for healing.
Peter and John are on their way to pray at the temple, a daily practice for them, when they encounter a man who has been lame from birth begging at the Beautiful Gate. As the man asks for money, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes the moment not just to heal him, but to make a bold public declaration of Jesus' power. The healing itself is immediate and dramatic, drawing a large crowd who witness the man walking and praising God.
Peter and John are on their way to pray at the temple, a daily practice for them, when they encounter a man who has been lame from birth begging at the Beautiful Gate. As the man asks for money, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seizes the moment not just to heal him, but to make a bold public declaration of Jesus' power. The healing itself is immediate and dramatic, drawing a large crowd who witness the man walking and praising God.
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hieron · Greek Noun
The set-apart place of divine presence and worship for God's people. It symbolizes the place where God dwells among humanity and where His kingdom rule is acknowledged.
aineō · Greek Verb
The act of acknowledging and declaring the goodness, glory, and works of God. It is a central expression of faith and a response to experiencing God's power.
c. AD 30
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, heals the lame man. The man is instantly able to walk and leap, astonishing the onlookers.
c. AD 30
Peter's Sermon and Temple Crowd Reaction
Peter preaches to the gathered crowd, explaining that the healing was done through the power of Jesus. Many believe, but religious leaders become hostile.
"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!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made st…" — Peter’s bold declaration wasn't about poverty, but about possession – he possessed something far more valuable than silver or gold. He wasn't offering mere alms; he was offering the very power of Chr…
