Acts – Chapter 3

New Testament26 Verses

1Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

2And a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple.

3He, when he had seen Peter and John, about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.

4But Peter with John, fastening his eyes upon him, said: Look upon us.

5But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he should receive something of them.

6But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk.

7And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up: and forthwith his feet and soles received strength.

8And he leaping up, stood and walked and went in with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

9And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

10And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.

11And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran to them, to the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12But Peter seeing, made answer to the people: Ye men of Israel, why wonder you at this? Or why look you upon us, as if by our strength or power we had made this man to walk?

13The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom you indeed delivered up and denied before the face of Pilate, when he judged he should be released.

14But you denied the Holy One and the Just: and desired a murderer to be granted unto you.

15But the author of life you killed, whom God hath raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses.

16And in the faith of his name, this man, whom you have seen and known, hath his name strengthened. And the faith which is by him hath given this perfect soundness in the sight of you all.

17And now, brethren, I know that you did it through ignorance: as did also your rulers.

18But those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

19Be penitent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.

20That when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send him who hath been preached unto you, Jesus Christ.

21Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets, from the beginning of the world.

22For Moses said: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: him you shall hear according to all things whatsoever he shall speak to you.

23And it shall be, that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people.

24And all the prophets, from Samuel and afterwards, who have spoken, have told of these days.

25You are the children of the prophets and of the testament which God made to our fathers, saying to Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

26To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him to bless you: that every one may convert himself from his wickedness.

Reflection for Today

The message of Acts Chapter 3 unfolds within the broader narrative of the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. Catholic theology, drawing on Acts shows the Church's apostolic foundation (CIC 857-862), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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