Acts 3:16 – By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Peter explains the true source of the miraculous healing of the lame man. The miracle was not performed by Peter’s power, nor was it due to the man’s own strength. Instead, Peter makes it crystal clear: the healing happened through faith in the name of Jesus.

The phrase “By faith in the name of Jesus” means that it was Jesus’ power and authority that made the man whole. The man was not just physically healed—he was completely restored. The crowd had seen this man sitting outside the temple gate for years, unable to walk. Now, they saw him standing, walking, and praising God. Peter emphasizes that there was no trick or deception—“as you can all see.”

Peter also says, “the faith that comes through him.” This means that even the faith itself was a gift from Jesus. The healing wasn’t just about physical restoration—it was about trusting in Jesus. This moment was meant to show the people who Jesus really was and what faith in Him could do.

Historical Context

At this time, many Jews believed in the power of God’s name, but they did not yet understand that Jesus was the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. Names in Jewish culture were not just labels—they represented authority and character. By saying that the man was healed “by faith in the name of Jesus,” Peter was declaring that Jesus had divine power and authority.

Peter was speaking in Solomon’s Colonnade, a place in the temple where rabbis often taught. Many people in the crowd had likely seen Jesus teach there before (John 10:23). Now, Peter was standing in the same place, proving that Jesus was still working, even after His resurrection.

This also happened shortly after Pentecost (Acts 2), when Peter had already preached about Jesus’ resurrection. The Jewish leaders had tried to suppress belief in Jesus, but miracles like this one were undeniable proof that Jesus was alive and at work.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ name has power. The name of Jesus is not just a title—it carries His authority, presence, and power. Healing, salvation, and transformation happen through His name.
2. Faith is necessary for miracles. Peter emphasizes that it was faith in Jesus that brought healing. This shows that miracles are not magic tricks—they require trust in God’s power.
3. Faith itself is a gift. Peter says, “the faith that comes through him.” Even our ability to trust in Jesus comes from Him. This means that we cannot take credit for our own salvation or spiritual growth.
4. Jesus is still at work. Though Jesus had ascended to heaven, His power was still active through His disciples. This confirms that Jesus was not just a historical figure—He is alive and working today.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured to emphasize Jesus’ power and the visible proof of the miracle:

• “By faith in the name of Jesus” – Establishes the source of healing.
• “This man whom you see and know” – Reminds the audience that this was a real person, not a staged event.
• “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him” – Repeats the point to emphasize that this was about Jesus, not human effort.
• “Completely healed him, as you can all see” – Calls attention to undeniable evidence.

Peter is making it impossible for the crowd to deny what had happened. The miracle was public, and the change in the man’s life was obvious.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 14:13-14 – Jesus said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” This shows that Jesus’ name carries authority.
• Acts 4:12 – Peter later declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
• Matthew 9:22 – Jesus told a woman, “Your faith has healed you.” Faith in Jesus’ power leads to healing and restoration.
• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Faith in Jesus is not something we create—it comes from Him.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Do we truly believe in the power of Jesus’ name? Many people say they believe in Jesus, but do they trust Him enough to rely on Him completely? This verse challenges us to examine whether we live in faith or fear.
2. Faith is not just belief—it is trust. The lame man didn’t just believe Jesus existed—he experienced the life-changing power of Jesus’ name. Our faith should not just be intellectual—it should transform the way we live.
3. Jesus is still at work today. Some people think miracles only happened in the Bible, but Jesus is still changing lives. Whether it’s physical healing, emotional healing, or salvation, He is still working.
4. Our faith comes from Jesus. If we struggle with doubt, we can ask Jesus to strengthen our faith. Just as Peter said, “the faith that comes through him,” we, too, can receive greater faith through Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He offers healing and restoration through Jesus. He does not leave people in their brokenness—He brings new life.

This verse also shows that God’s love is personal and powerful. The lame man wasn’t just another face in the crowd—God saw him, healed him, and restored him. In the same way, God sees each of us and offers us complete healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

God’s love is also seen in how He gives us the faith to believe in Him. He doesn’t expect us to figure it out on our own—He helps us trust Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus’ name carries power. This miracle happened through His name, showing that Jesus is alive and active.
2. Faith in Jesus leads to restoration. The man’s life was completely changed by trusting in Jesus, just as our lives are changed when we put our faith in Him.
3. Jesus is the source of faith. Even faith itself comes through Him, reminding us that we depend on Jesus for everything.
4. This miracle confirms Jesus’ identity. Peter is making it clear to the crowd that Jesus is not dead—He is risen, reigning, and working through His people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do I truly believe in the power of Jesus’ name, or do I rely on my own strength?
2. How has Jesus changed my life? Can others see the difference, as they did with the healed man?
3. When I struggle with doubt, do I ask Jesus to strengthen my faith?
4. How can I share the power of Jesus’ name with others in my daily life?
5. What areas in my life need healing and restoration that only Jesus can provide?