Acts 3:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:12 mean?

Acts 3:12 shows Peter addressing a crowd that is amazed after witnessing a miraculous healing, telling them not to think that he and John made the man walk by their own power or holiness. Peter redirects their attention away from himself and John, making it clear that the miracle was not due to anything special about them.

Peter is speaking to a group of Israelites who have just seen a man, previously unable to walk, healed at the temple gate. The crowd is astonished and looking at Peter and John as if they are the source of this power. Peter quickly corrects this misunderstanding, emphasizing that the miracle did not come from their own ability or personal righteousness, but from a greater source.

The Greek behind Acts 3:12

• δύναμις (dynamis, "power"): This word refers to strength or ability, often understood as miraculous power. Peter is making it clear that the healing was not done by any special strength of his own.
• εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, "holiness"): This word is often translated as "godliness" or "piety." Peter is denying that their own religious devotion or moral character caused the miracle.
• ἀτενίζετε (atenizete, "look so earnestly"): This word means to gaze intently or fix one’s eyes on someone. The crowd’s intense focus on Peter and John shows their misunderstanding about the source of the miracle.

Why Acts 3:12 matters

• Acts 3:12 clears up the common misunderstanding that miracles or spiritual power come from a person’s own abilities or goodness, instead pointing to God as the true source.
• The verse sets the stage for Peter’s following explanation about Jesus and faith in Him, which is the real reason for the healing.
• This moment highlights the humility of the apostles and their desire to give credit to God, not themselves, which is a recurring theme throughout Acts.