Definition: Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 3:1. It's a really important starting point for the story of Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means: “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].” “Now”: This word sets the scene – it's a moment that just happened. “Peter and John”: These are two key figures in the early Christian story. Peter was a teacher and leader, and John was a disciple of Jesus. “Went up together”: They weren’t going there independently. They were traveling to the temple – a very important religious center – together. “Into the temple at the hour of prayer”: The temple was a place where people prayed and worshipped God. This suggests they were visiting or speaking to the leaders and worshippers. “[Being] the ninth [hour].” This is a crucial detail! “The ninth hour” refers to sunset (or twilight). It’s when the day is winding down, and the priests and Levites are praying for the evening. So, they were going at the end of the day – just before the last light of the sun. In simple terms, it means: Peter and John went to the temple during the last hour of the day, when people were praying. What's the significance? This is a key event because: It’s a pivotal moment: It marks the beginning of their ministry – they started actively challenging religious practices. It sets the stage for Jesus’ teachings: The verse immediately leads into the narrative where Jesus begins to preach and challenge the established religious rules. Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this, like what the “hour of prayer” meant in ancient times, or perhaps explain why this is considered a significant moment in Christian history? Just let me know!

Definition: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 3:10. It's a really important part of understanding Jesus’ early ministry in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Jesus was hungry: This verse tells us that Jesus was incredibly hungry while he was hanging on the cross. People were offering him alms (food and drink): People were coming to him, offering him food and drinks, specifically at the beautiful gate of the temple . The "beautiful gate" is a symbolic place of importance in Jewish tradition. He was amazed: The people witnessing this scene were astonished and filled with wonder – it’s like seeing something incredibly special or miraculous! What it Means – It's about More Than Just Hunger: This verse isn't just about Jesus being hungry. It’s a powerful symbol of repentance and forgiveness . Here’s the key idea: Jesus was forgiven: The fact that people were offering him food while he was dying shows that Jesus had already received forgiveness for his sins. It's a sign of hope: The scene is a reminder that anyone who repents – who turns away from their wrongdoings and asks for God’s forgiveness – will be remembered and celebrated. In short, it's a story about Jesus' incredible mercy and the importance of turning to God. It highlights that even when we make mistakes, God is willing to forgive us. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Explain the symbolism behind the "beautiful gate." Discuss the significance of the act of offering food. Connect it to a broader theme of forgiveness and redemption?

Definition: And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 3:11. It’s a really important moment in the story of Jesus’ ministry! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: A Leaned Man is Healed: The verse starts with a man named “the lame man” being healed. "Lame" doesn't necessarily mean physically disabled; it just means he was severely impaired and couldn’t walk normally. Peter and John are Brought Together: As the healing happens, Peter and John – two important leaders in Jesus’ early ministry – are brought to a specific location. The “Solomon's Porch” is the Focus: This location is called Solomon’s Porch (a name for this particular area). It’s a really significant place because it was built by King Solomon, and it’s meant to be a place of gathering and community. What Happened Next – The Wondering Crowd: People Run Together: As Peter and John are brought together, the crowd immediately starts running towards them. They're not just standing there; they're moving quickly! “Greatly Wondering” - A Sense of Surprise: This is the key part. The people aren’t just passing by; they’re looking at each other with astonishment and amazement. They’re clearly surprised and bewildered by what’s happening. Overall Meaning – It's a Moment of Transformation This verse describes a pivotal moment where: Healing is Public: The healing of this lame man is happening in the open, before anyone else sees it. Community is Brought Together: The sheer number of people running together signifies that the community is now united by this miraculous event. It’s a powerful display of faith and hope. A Shift in Perspective: The crowd's reactions show that they are recognizing something truly significant – that God is working in a way that brings people together, and that His healing has a noticeable impact on everyone. In short, this verse captures the feeling of awe and wonder when someone receives a miraculous healing, demonstrating the power of God’s grace and the importance of community. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant in the Bible? Give you more context about Peter and John? Explore what this verse might symbolize in terms of Jesus' ministry?

Definition: And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 3:12. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage that speaks about forgiveness and the importance of understanding God’s grace. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Peter is addressing the Jewish people who have just forgiven a man who was convicted of sin. He's asking them to stop looking at us – the group he and his fellow believers are – with such intense curiosity and concern. He’s essentially saying, “We’re not doing anything special; we’re simply offering forgiveness.” Let’s unpack it further: “And when Peter saw [it]” : This is a key part. "It" refers to the man who was previously convicted of sin. He's seeing something – likely, his remorse and understanding – that makes him feel uncomfortable with the situation. “Ye men of Israel…” : This refers back to the Jewish people, specifically those in the community Peter is addressing. It’s a specific group he's speaking to. “Why marvel ye at this?” : Peter is asking why they are so preoccupied and focused on us . He’s implying that their attention isn't justified. “or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” : This is the core of the verse. He’s pointing out a pattern: they are fixated on our actions – our forgiveness – and are treating us like we caused the sin that led to their concern. They're looking at us with suspicion, as if we were doing something to deserve their attention. They're suggesting that we are the reason for their worry. In short, Peter is saying: “We’ve forgiven him. We’re offering forgiveness. Please stop focusing on us and on our actions because it isn't fair or just.” What does this tell us about God’s perspective? This verse highlights that God sees everything, including our reactions to his grace. He doesn’t judge based on our own efforts but on the act of forgiveness itself. It speaks to the idea that we should be open to receiving God's mercy and not fixating on what we are doing to show it. --- To help me explain this verse even more effectively for you, could you tell me: What specifically are you finding confusing about this passage? (e.g., the word "marvel" – is that a tricky one?) Are there any particular aspects of the verse that you'd like me to elaborate on?

Definition: The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let [him] go.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 3:13. It’s a really important and profound passage about God’s plan for Jesus. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: God is incredibly proud of His Son, Jesus. He chose Him to be born and live on Earth. But, he didn’t let him go easily. He deliberately set up a situation where people tried to reject him – they held him up as a prisoner in the Roman jail, when they were determined to get rid of him. Let's unpack it further: “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob…” : This refers to the Jewish faith, which believes that God is the one who created the nation of Israel, including Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob. It’s a connection to our ancestral roots. “…the God of our fathers” : “Fathers” means God's people – those who are descendants through lineage. This refers to God’s loving plan for humanity as a whole. “God hath glorified his Son…” : This means God has recognized and celebrated Jesus as special, significant, and worthy of praise. It’s saying that He values Jesus enough to treat him with reverence. “…whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate…” : This is the crucial part. The people who were trying to get rid of Jesus – they had him imprisoned! This shows a lack of faith and respect for God's Son. It’s a moment where Jesus was treated as an object, not as someone worthy of love or honor. So, what does it all mean? It means that God is actively involved in Jesus’ life. He has chosen to protect him, even when people tried to harm him. It's a powerful statement about God’s love and protection. It shows that God doesn’t just passively allow things to happen; He actively works for good. In short, it's a story of God’s unwavering commitment to his Son. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific biblical theme (like redemption or forgiveness)? Give you a more detailed explanation of the significance of “delivered up”?

Definition: But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Acts 3:14. It’s a really significant and sobering passage about betrayal and the dangers of rejecting God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: You were denying Jesus: The group of Jewish people who had been meeting to pray and worship Jesus was actively refusing to believe in him, even after he died. They weren't worshipping him , they were rejecting the idea that he was the Messiah – the one prophesied in the Old Testament. You desired a murderer: This is the crucial part. They were actively seeking out someone who would murder Jesus! They wanted to kill him, to stop his ministry and bring about his death. What it Means - A Deeper Look: This verse isn’t just about wanting to harm someone; it's a profound statement about the nature of faith . It speaks to: Disbelief & Apostasy: The group was essentially rejecting God's message and the very foundation of their belief system. They were choosing to walk away from the truth and the promise of salvation. A Dangerous Path: This act of seeking to harm Jesus signifies a dangerous path – one that leads away from righteousness and toward evil. It demonstrates a lack of commitment to God’s will. Why is this important? This story is a warning about the potential for people to turn away from faith, even when it means actively seeking to harm what they believe in. It’s a reminder that true faith is about loving and following God, not about rejecting him. In short, Verse 14 highlights a moment where a group of people deliberately chose to oppose the very thing that gave their lives meaning – Jesus. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like forgiveness, repentance, or faith)?

Definition: And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Acts 3:15. It’s a really significant and important passage about Jesus’ resurrection. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus Was Dead: In the early days of Christianity, after his death on the cross, Jesus was considered to be dead. He wasn't believed to be alive. God Raised Him: God miraculously resurrected him from the dead! This is a cornerstone of Christian faith – that Jesus’s death and resurrection are essential for salvation. What the Verse Says: “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whose name means ‘the living one.’” Let's unpack that: "The Prince of Life": This is a very special title given to Jesus by God. It signifies his divine nature and his unique role in salvation. “God hath raised him…”: This tells us God actively brought him back to life. “Whose name means ‘the living one’": Jesus was resurrected, meaning he is alive and has returned to being fully present with God. What it Means for Us Today: This verse is a declaration that we are witnesses to Jesus' resurrection! It’s a powerful statement of faith: We Are Witnesses: We are not just believers; we are also people who have seen and experienced the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. We Have Seen Him Live: By reading this verse, we understand that God has made it possible for us to believe in Jesus' resurrection. In short, this verse is a declaration of God's power and a promise of hope – that the life of Jesus Christ is real and that we have been chosen to be witnesses to His triumph over death. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail? Give you some related stories or concepts?

Definition: And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 3:16. It's a really powerful and significant passage about transformation and God’s power. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that through faith in Jesus Christ, this person has been given a deep and lasting strength. It's not just a temporary boost; it’s a fundamental change in their spirit and ability to live a good life. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong…” – This means that the name of Jesus, God's name, has actually made this person stronger. It’s like the name itself is a powerful force. “…whom ye see and know:” - This refers to the people present in the church. They are witnessing this transformation firsthand. “Yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” – This is the key part. “Perfect soundness” means a complete and healthy state – like being fully blessed and whole. "In the presence of you all" emphasizes that everyone sees and witnesses this transformation, showing its impact on the community. Putting it together: The verse essentially says: Jesus' name is powerful enough to transform someone, and his faith in him has given them a lasting, healthy, and complete strength – a kind of spiritual “perfect soundness” – that’s visible to everyone. It highlights the significant impact of Jesus on people's lives. Important Context: This verse comes right after Jesus heals the lame and crippled man. The focus is on healing and restoring someone through faith in Jesus, demonstrating his power to transform lives. It’s a powerful message of hope and God’s ability to work through individuals. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or concept within the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for believers today?

Definition: And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 3:17. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about forgiveness and responsibility. Here's the explanation in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we are responsible for what happens when we don't follow God's teachings. Specifically, it refers to the actions of the Jewish leaders who were breaking God’s laws. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And now, brethren…” – This is a formal greeting, meaning “Now, friends.” It’s addressing the people present. “…I wot that through ignorance ye did [it]…” - "I know that through your lack of understanding/knowledge, you did this." The word "wot" here is a slightly archaic way of saying "know." The phrase “ye” refers to the Jewish people – specifically, the people present at that time. “as [did] also your rulers.” - This is the crucial part. It means “and also your leaders did this too.” It’s pointing out that the leaders were also complicit in breaking God's laws. Putting it all together: The verse is essentially saying: "We, as believers, are responsible for not following God's rules and laws. And your leaders, too, were involved in that – they were part of the problem." What does this mean practically? It’s about accountability: It emphasizes that we aren’t just allowed to disobey God; we are accountable for doing so. It's a call to repentance: It’s a reminder that we need to repent (turn away from) our sins and seek God’s forgiveness. In short, it's a warning against being self-righteous or blaming others for our mistakes. We are all prone to making errors, but we have the responsibility to learn from them and turn back to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific concept within it (like "ignorance")? Provide some context for why this verse is important in the Bible?

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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this important verse from Acts 3:18. It’s a really significant part of understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God already told people about the suffering Jesus would experience – the crucifixion. And then, God has now fulfilled (completed) that prophecy. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets..." - This is saying that God revealed information about Jesus’ suffering to people long ago. Think of it like a warning or a message from God. "...that Christ should suffer..." – This is the core of the verse. God told the prophets (people who were messengers and witnesses) about Jesus’ death. "...he hath so fulfilled." - This means that God completely completed the prophecy. He made it happen exactly as he said it would. What does this mean for us? It's a powerful statement of God's plan and control. It means: Jesus’ Suffering was Pre-ordained: God knew Jesus would suffer, and that suffering was part of the plan He had for his life and ministry. Jesus' Death is Necessary: It’s essential that Jesus suffered so we could be saved through him. In a nutshell, it means God set things in motion to ensure Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary for our salvation. --- Important Note: This verse is often used to highlight the importance of faith and trust in Jesus. It's a reminder that God's plan is complete and that we are called to believe in Him. Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse, perhaps related to its context or significance? For example, would you like to know: What does it mean in the context of the story of Jesus’ arrest and trial? How does this verse relate to the idea of redemption?