Acts 3:1

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 3:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].
Acts 3:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, etc.] These two disciples were intimate companions, and great lovers of each other; they were often together: they are thought, by some, to have been together in the high priest’s palace at the trial of Christ; and they ran together to his sepulchre, (<431815>John 18:15,16 20:2-4) and they now went together to the temple, not to attend the daily sacrifice, which was now abolished by the sacrifice of Christ, but to attend to the duty of prayer, which was still in force, and that they might have an opportunity of preaching Christ, where there was a number of people together: at the hour of prayer; being the ninth hour, or three o’clock in…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“PETER HEALS A LAME MAN AT THE TEMPLE GATE--HS ADDRESS TO THE WONDERING MULTITUDE. (Acts 3:1-26) Peter and John--already associated by their Master, first with James (Mar 1:29; Mar 5:37; Mar 9:2), then by themselves (Luk 22:8; and see Joh 13:23-24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. went up--were going up, were on their way.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Peter and John went up ... - In Luke 24:53, it is said that the apostles were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. From Acts 2:46, it is clear that all the disciples were accustomed daily to resort to the temple for devotion. Whether they joined in the sacrifices of the temple-service is not said; but the thing is not improbable. This was the place and the manner in which they and their fathers had worshipped. They came slowly to the conclusion that they were to leave the temple, and they would naturally resort there with their countrymen to worship the God of their fathers. In the previous chapter Acts 2:43 we are told in general that many wonders and signs were done by the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The ninth hour - The Jews divided the time from sunrise to sunset into twelve hours; which were consequently of unequal length at different times of the year, as the days were longer or shorter. The third hour therefore was nine in the morning; the ninth, three in the afternoon; but not exactly. For the third hour was the middle space between sunrise and noon; which, if the sun rose at five, (the earliest hour of its rising in that climate,) was half an hour after eight: if at seven (the latest hour of its rising there) was half an hour after nine. The chief hours of prayer were the third and ninth; at which seasons the morning and evening sacrifices were offered, and incense (a kind of…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:1-11 Jesus’ promise that his disciples would do even greater works than he had done (John 14:12; see Mark 16:20) was fulfilled in the signs, wonders, and mighty works of the apostles (Acts 2:43; 5:12; 8:4-8). Here, Peter clearly exercised the power to heal in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene (3:6, 16). The cure was instant and undeniable (3:8), resulting in the man’s praising God (3:8-9; cp. 2:47; 16:25; Luke 2:20; 17:15-18; 18:43; 19:37; 24:53). This is the first of many demonstrations of divine power given to disciples in Acts (Acts 4:24-31; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6; 9:33-42; 28:8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Peter: Act 4:13, Act 8:14; Mat 17:1, Mat 26:37; Joh 13:23-25, Joh 20:2-9, Joh 21:7, Joh 21:18-22; Gal 2:9 went: Act 2:46, Act 5:25; Luk 24:53 the hour: Act 10:3, Act 10:30; Exo 29:39; Num 28:4; Kg1 18:36; Psa 55:17; Dan 6:10, Dan 9:21; Luk 1:10, Luk 23:44-46 Acts 3:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification