Acts – Chapter 3

New Testament26 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 3 of Acts begins: "Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer." The chapter centers on Peter, John and Abraham. Across its 26 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

2And a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple.

3He, when he had seen Peter and John, about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.

4But Peter with John, fastening his eyes upon him, said: Look upon us.

5But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he should receive something of them.

6But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk.

7And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up: and forthwith his feet and soles received strength.

8And he leaping up, stood and walked and went in with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

9And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

10And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.

11And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran to them, to the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12But Peter seeing, made answer to the people: Ye men of Israel, why wonder you at this? Or why look you upon us, as if by our strength or power we had made this man to walk?

13The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom you indeed delivered up and denied before the face of Pilate, when he judged he should be released.

14But you denied the Holy One and the Just: and desired a murderer to be granted unto you.

15But the author of life you killed, whom God hath raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses.

16And in the faith of his name, this man, whom you have seen and known, hath his name strengthened. And the faith which is by him hath given this perfect soundness in the sight of you all.

17And now, brethren, I know that you did it through ignorance: as did also your rulers.

18But those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

19Be penitent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.

20That when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send him who hath been preached unto you, Jesus Christ.

21Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets, from the beginning of the world.

22For Moses said: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: him you shall hear according to all things whatsoever he shall speak to you.

23And it shall be, that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people.

24And all the prophets, from Samuel and afterwards, who have spoken, have told of these days.

25You are the children of the prophets and of the testament which God made to our fathers, saying to Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

26To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him to bless you: that every one may convert himself from his wickedness.

Important Verses in Acts 3

Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

Acts 3:1

But the author of life you killed, whom God hath raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses.

Acts 3:15

Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets, from the beginning of the world.

Acts 3:21

You are the children of the prophets and of the testament which God made to our fathers, saying to Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Acts 3:25

Historical Context

Acts belongs to the New Testament and was composed for the growing Church, shown its apostolic origins and missionary calling. Chapter 3 of 28 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 26 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Peter, John, Abraham and Solomon, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer." The final verse reads: "To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him to bless you: that every one may convert himself from his…" In terms of historical background, Acts narrates the Church's birth and expansion 'to the ends of the earth': Pentecost, the first community in Jerusalem, the martyrdom of Stephen, the conversion of Paul, the opening to the Gentiles, and Paul's… The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 80-90.

Who Wrote It

Luke, as the second volume of his work

When It Was Written

About AD 80-90

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. Acts shows the Church's apostolic foundation (CIC 857-862). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 113).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.

People in This Chapter

Peter6 mentionsJohn4 mentionsAbraham2 mentionsSolomon1 mentionPilate1 mentionSamuel1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Acts Chapter 3 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing justice, charity, and the common good.

May your reading of Acts Chapter 3 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acts Chapter 3 about?

Acts 3 contains 26 verses. It opens with "Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer." and closes with "To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him to bless you: that every one may convert himself from his…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Acts 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Acts Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Peter, John, Abraham, Solomon, Pilate, among others.

Who wrote Acts and when?

Luke, as the second volume of his work. About AD 80-90.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles