Acts 3:11
And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.
Acts 3:11 (KJV)
Context
The book of Acts, written by Luke, continues the account of Jesus’ work through His apostles after His ascension. Acts 3:11 occurs right after Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. The healed man’s joyful response—walking, leaping, and praising God—draws a crowd, and he holds on to Peter and John as the people gather around them.
The location is Solomon’s Porch, a covered colonnade on the eastern side of the temple complex. This was a public area where Jesus Himself had walked and taught, so the setting connects the apostles’ ministry with the Lord’s own earlier ministry. The people run together to Peter and John, “greatly wondering” at the miracle they have witnessed.
Meaning
The Greek word translated “greatly wondering” (ekthamvoi) means utterly amazed or astonished, indicating a strong emotional reaction. The crowd’s wonder is a natural response to a miraculous healing, but it also sets the stage for Peter’s explanation that the healing was not by the apostles’ own power but by faith in the name of Jesus.
The healed man’s action of holding onto Peter and John expresses affection and gratitude for the healing, not fear of losing the miracle. His presence with the apostles becomes a living testimony to God’s power. The verse highlights the public nature of the miracle and the apostles’ readiness to use the opportunity to proclaim the gospel.
Biblical connections
This event echoes the pattern of Jesus’ own miracles, which often drew crowds and opened doors for teaching. Solomon’s Porch, where Jesus had walked and taught, now becomes the place where Peter will preach the resurrection and call the people to repentance. The continuity shows that the apostles are continuing the work Jesus began.
Application
Acts 3:11 reminds us that God’s work in our lives is meant to be seen and shared. The healed man did not stay silent; his joy and gratitude drew attention to what God had done. When we experience God’s grace, we can point others to Jesus rather than to ourselves or to human instruments.
The crowd’s wonder also challenges us to consider how we respond to God’s work. Are we merely amazed, or do we seek to understand and follow? Peter’s subsequent sermon shows that wonder should lead to faith in Christ. As we reflect on this passage, we can ask ourselves how we respond to God’s work in our lives and whether we are willing to share our testimonies with others, drawing their attention to the transformative power of Christ.
