Acts 3:16
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Acts 3:16 (KJV)
Context
Acts 3:16 belongs to the account of Peter and John healing a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. The man had asked for alms, but Peter replied that he had no silver or gold, yet would give what he had: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the man was to rise up and walk. The healing drew a crowd, and Peter addressed them, explaining that the miracle did not come from his own power or godliness but through faith in the name of Jesus.
Meaning
The verse opens, “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong.” The name of Jesus represents His person, authority, and power. Faith in that name—not the apostles’ ability—was the instrument of the man’s restoration. Peter then says, “whom ye see and know,” pointing to the crowd’s firsthand knowledge of the man’s former lameness. Their familiarity made the miracle undeniable evidence.
The phrase “the faith which is by him” indicates that the faith exercised was itself given or enabled by Jesus. It was not merely human effort but faith that Christ supplied. This faith produced “perfect soundness,” meaning complete and total healing, not a partial improvement. The public setting, “in the presence of you all,” emphasized that the miracle was open and verifiable, leaving no room for doubt.
Biblical connections
The healing fulfills the pattern of apostolic signs that confirmed the resurrection of Jesus. As Peter later testified, the risen Christ continued to work through His name, demonstrating His exaltation and power. The event also echoes the Old Testament promises of restoration and wholeness, which find their fulfillment in Jesus.
Application
This verse teaches that God’s power operates through faith in Jesus’ name. Believers are not the source of healing or transformation; they are channels. The same Jesus who strengthened the lame man can bring complete restoration—spiritual, physical, or emotional—to those who trust in Him. The public nature of the miracle reminds us that God’s work is often meant to be seen, serving as a testimony to others.
Reflection
Peter’s words redirect all glory to Jesus. The man’s healing was not a display of apostolic greatness but a revelation of Christ’s authority. As we read this account, we are invited to examine our own faith: do we trust in the name of Jesus for complete restoration, and do we give Him the glory when He works? The God who made the lame man walk still acts through faith in His Son.
