And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

ACTS 3:10KJV
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Acts 3:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:10 mean?

Acts 3:10 describes how the people at the temple recognized the man who had been healed as the same person who used to sit and beg for money at the Beautiful Gate, and they were completely astonished by what had happened to him. The crowd’s reaction was one of amazement and wonder at seeing such a dramatic change in someone they knew.

This verse takes place right after Peter and John, two of Jesus’ followers, healed a man who had been unable to walk since birth. The man had been a familiar sight at the temple entrance, so when he was suddenly seen walking and leaping, everyone who saw him was shocked and filled with awe. The verse highlights the public nature of the miracle and sets the stage for the crowd’s response to Peter’s upcoming explanation.

The Greek behind Acts 3:10

  • The word for "alms" (ἐλεημοσύνη, eleēmosynē) refers to charitable gifts given to the poor. This emphasizes that the man was known for his need and dependence on others’ generosity.
  • The word for "wonder" (θάμβος, thambos) carries the sense of being struck with astonishment or awe, not just mild surprise. It shows the depth of the crowd’s reaction.
  • The word for "amazement" (ἔκστασις, ekstasis) suggests a state of being beside oneself or overwhelmed, often used for a kind of stunned shock. This underlines how extraordinary the event appeared to the witnesses.

Why Acts 3:10 matters

  • Acts 3:10 makes clear that the miracle was undeniable because the healed man was well-known to everyone; there could be no doubt about his former condition.
  • The verse sets up the crowd’s openness to listen to Peter’s message, as their amazement prepares them to hear an explanation for what they have witnessed.
  • By emphasizing both "wonder" and "amazement," the verse shows that the miracle had a powerful impact on the community, drawing attention not just to the healing but to the message that would follow.

Where else these words appear

“wonder” Greek G2285 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
  • Luke 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

“Beautiful” Greek G5611 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
  • Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

“amazement” Greek G1611 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
  • Luke 5:26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
  • Acts 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

“happened” Greek G4819 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.