Acts 3:3

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

Acts 3:3 (KJV)

Context

The book of Acts records the history of the early Christian church. Acts 3 describes an incident at the temple gate called Beautiful, where Peter and John, two prominent apostles, encounter a man who had been lame from birth and was carried there daily to beg.

The man saw Peter and John about to enter the temple and asked them for alms, that is, charitable donations. The Greek word for alms is eleemosyne, which refers to gifts given out of mercy. His request was a simple plea for money, reflecting his daily practice of depending on the generosity of worshipers going into the temple.

Meaning

The phrase “Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms” identifies the lame man as the subject. He recognized Peter and John as Israelites entering the temple and viewed them as potential benefactors. His condition, being lame from birth, placed him on the margins of society, dependent on the charity of others for survival.

Peter and John’s presence at the temple shows their continued commitment to Jewish worship customs even after Christ’s resurrection. The man’s request for material help sets the stage for the miraculous healing that follows, where the apostles respond not with money but with the power of God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Application

Peter and John’s willingness to stop and engage with the man challenges believers to be attentive to the needs of those around them. The man’s expectation of alms was met with something far greater—physical and spiritual restoration through faith in Jesus. This reminds us that God’s response to human need often surpasses what we ask or imagine.

Many people today face limitations and struggles, both physical and spiritual. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend help, kindness, and compassion, becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. The healing that follows this encounter demonstrates the transformative power of God and assures us that through faith in Jesus Christ we have access to spiritual healing, restoration, and the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others.