Acts 3:12 – When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks the beginning of Peter’s response to the crowd’s amazement after the healing of the lame man. The people were staring at Peter and John, thinking they had performed this miracle through their own power. But Peter immediately corrects them—this was not about him or John. The healing was not a result of their own strength or righteousness, but a direct act of God through Jesus Christ.
Peter’s questions—“Why does this surprise you?” and “Why do you stare at us?”—reveal that the people should have recognized God’s power at work. After all, they were Israelites, God’s chosen people, who had seen His mighty works in history. The same God who parted the Red Sea and performed miracles through the prophets was still at work, now through Jesus.
Instead of taking credit, Peter redirects the focus to God. He makes it clear that the power behind the miracle came from Jesus, not from himself or John. This is a key theme throughout Acts: the apostles always point people away from themselves and toward Jesus.
Historical Context
At this time, the Jewish people were still deeply religious. They believed in miracles and had seen God work through figures like Moses, Elijah, and Elisha. However, many of them struggled to accept that Jesus was the Messiah and that His power was still active after His crucifixion.
The healing of the lame man took place at the temple, a place of worship where people regularly sought God’s blessings. Many in the crowd likely believed that miracles were possible, but they did not immediately recognize that this one had come through Jesus Christ.
Peter’s question, “Why does this surprise you?”, is especially powerful because Jesus had already performed many miracles in Jerusalem. Some of these same people may have seen or heard of Jesus’ healings, yet they were still astonished by this one.
Peter also addresses them as “Fellow Israelites,” reminding them that they share a common faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This makes his argument more personal—he is speaking to his own people, urging them to recognize what God is doing.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important spiritual truths:
- Miracles come from God, not people. Peter and John did not claim any credit for the healing. They immediately pointed to God as the true source of power.
- Faith should not be surprised by God’s power. Peter’s question suggests that the people should have expected God to continue working among them. Faith recognizes that God is always active.
- Spiritual pride can blind people to the truth. The Israelites believed in God but struggled to see how He was working through Jesus. Even today, religious traditions can sometimes make people resistant to new movements of God.
- God uses ordinary people to do His work. Peter and John were fishermen, not priests or religious leaders, yet God used them to perform miracles. This shows that God’s power is not limited to “important” people—He can use anyone willing to obey Him.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured as a direct confrontation. Peter does not ease into his explanation—he immediately challenges the crowd’s assumptions with two rhetorical questions:
- “Why does this surprise you?” – This challenges their expectation of how God works.
- “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” – This corrects their misunderstanding and redirects their focus to God.
The phrase “by our own power or godliness” is significant. Peter is emphasizing that spiritual power does not come from human effort but from God alone. This echoes a key biblical theme: God works through people not because of their righteousness but because of His grace.
Peter’s words set the stage for the sermon that follows (Acts 3:13-26), where he explains that Jesus is the one responsible for the miracle and calls the people to repentance.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 14:12 – Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” Peter’s miracle is a fulfillment of this promise.
- Acts 4:7-10 – Later, when questioned by religious leaders, Peter again declares that the healing was done “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 – Paul writes, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” This reinforces Peter’s point that the power comes from God, not human effort.
- James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Miracles are God’s work, not man’s.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that God deserves the credit for everything good in our lives. Just as Peter refused to take credit for the healing, we should always give God the glory for the blessings, talents, and opportunities He gives us.
It also challenges us to expect God to work. Many Christians today, like the Israelites in this story, believe in God but are still surprised when He does something miraculous. Faith should not be shocked when God moves—it should be confident in His power.
Additionally, this verse is a reminder that God uses ordinary people to do His work. You don’t have to be a pastor, theologian, or scholar for God to use you in powerful ways. Like Peter and John, all you need is faith and a willingness to point people to Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He works through people not because they are great, but because He is great. Peter and John were not religious elites—they were fishermen. Yet, God used them to display His power.
This verse also shows that God is still working among His people. He did not abandon Israel after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Instead, He continued to reach out to them through miracles and preaching, giving them another opportunity to believe.
God’s love is also displayed in how He does not leave people in ignorance. The Israelites were amazed but confused, and through Peter, God provided clarity—pointing them to the true source of the miracle: Jesus Christ.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly points to Jesus as the source of power. Peter and John did not perform miracles in their own names; they did them in Jesus’ name. This shows that Jesus is still active, still working, and still changing lives—even after His resurrection.
It also fulfills Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8, where He told His disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” This miracle was an opportunity to be a witness to who Jesus truly is.
Additionally, this moment echoes the ministry of Jesus Himself. Just as people were amazed when Jesus healed the sick and lame, now they were amazed as His disciples did the same. This confirms that Jesus’ power had not ended—it had simply been passed on to His followers.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When God does something amazing in my life, do I give Him credit, or do I take the glory for myself?
- Do I expect God to work in my life, or am I surprised when He does?
- How can I point others to Jesus instead of drawing attention to myself?
- Am I willing to be used by God, even if I feel unqualified like Peter and John?
- What are some ways I can develop greater faith in God’s power at work today?