Acts 3:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:16 mean?

Acts 3:16 says that it was faith in the name of Jesus that made a man strong and well, as everyone could see. The verse emphasizes that this healing was not by human power, but by trusting in Jesus, and that this faith itself comes through Jesus.

Peter is speaking to a crowd at the temple after healing a man who had been unable to walk. Peter explains that the man’s complete healing—his “perfect soundness”—was possible only because of faith in Jesus’ name, not because of Peter or John’s own abilities. The verse highlights that both the power to heal and the faith to receive healing are centered on Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 3:16

• ὄνομα (onoma) — "name": In Greek thought, a name often represented the character, authority, or power of a person. Here, “his name” means not just saying “Jesus,” but relying on who Jesus truly is.
• πίστις (pistis) — "faith": This word carries the sense of trust or confidence. The verse repeats it to stress that the man’s healing depended on real trust in Jesus, not a magical formula.
• τελείαν ὑγίειαν (teleian hygieian) — "perfect soundness": The Greek phrase means complete health or wholeness, showing the man wasn’t just partially helped—he was fully restored.
• δι’ αὐτοῦ (di’ autou) — "by him": This phrase points out that even the faith shown was made possible through Jesus himself, not something people can muster on their own.

Why Acts 3:16 matters

• Acts 3:16 clarifies that miracles and spiritual strength come from Jesus, not from human leaders or their personal holiness.
• The verse connects the healing to faith in Jesus’ name, showing that faith is both the means and the result of Jesus’ ongoing work.
• By explaining the source of the miracle, Peter shifts attention away from himself and John, directing the crowd to recognize Jesus as the true source of power and restoration.