Acts 3:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:6 mean?

Acts 3:6 shows Peter telling a beggar at the temple that he has no money to give, but instead offers something greater: healing in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, commanding the man to rise and walk. The verse highlights that Peter’s authority and help come not from material wealth, but from faith in Jesus.

Peter is speaking to a man who had been lame from birth and was asking for alms at the temple gate. Instead of giving silver or gold, Peter offers what he has—healing through Jesus. This moment sets the stage for a public miracle, drawing attention to the power and name of Jesus rather than to Peter or material gifts.

The Greek behind Acts 3:6

• ὄνομα (onoma) — "name": In Greek, "name" often carries the sense of authority or power. When Peter says "in the name of Jesus Christ," he is invoking Jesus’ authority, not just mentioning his identity.
• Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Iēsous Christos) — "Jesus Christ": The use of both "Jesus" and "Christ" (meaning "Messiah" or "Anointed One") emphasizes both the personal and messianic identity of Jesus.
• ἐγείρω (egeirō) — "rise up": This word often means to awaken or to raise up, and here it signals a dramatic, active change from helplessness to ability, underscoring the miracle.

Why Acts 3:6 matters

• Acts 3:6 clarifies that the early followers of Jesus did not rely on wealth or social status, but on the power associated with Jesus’ name.
• The verse shifts focus from material charity to spiritual transformation, showing that the apostles’ mission was about more than meeting physical needs.
• This moment introduces a pattern in Acts where miracles serve to point people to Jesus, not to the apostles themselves, and it sets up the crowd’s reaction and Peter’s following explanation.