Acts 3:1-10

Acts 3:1-10
NL 241

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One day PeterI and JohnII were going upIII

Notes on verse 1a

I “Peter” = Petros. Related to petra (large rock that is connected and or projecting like a rock, ledge, or cliff; can also be cave or stony ground). This is Peter, a stone, pebble, or boulder.
II “John” = Ioannes. From Hebrew yochanan (Johanan); from Yehochanan (“the Lord has been gracious”); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel); {from havah (to become); from hayah (to be, exist, happen)} + chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is John, meaning “the Lord has been gracious.”
III “going up” = anabaino. From ana (up, back, among, again, anew) + the same as basis (step, hence foot; a pace); {from baino (to walk, to go)}. This is to come up in a literal or figurative sense – ascent, rise, climb, enter.

to the templeIV at the hourV of prayer,VI at three o’clock in the afternoon.VII 

Notes on verse 1b

IV “temple” = hieron. From hieros (sacred, something sacred, temple, holy, set apart; something consecrated to a god). This is the word for temple.
V “hour” = hora. This is a set time or period, an hour, instant, or season. This is where the word “hour” comes from.
VI “prayer” = proseuche. From proseuchomai (to pray or pray for, to worship or supplicate; more literally exchanging one’s own wishes for God’s); {from pros (advantageous for, at, toward) + euchomai (to wish, make a request, pray)}. This is prayer, worship, or a place where one prays.
VII “three o’clock in the afternoon” = ennatos. Literally, “the ninth.” 10x in NT. From enatos (needy, poor, ninth); {from en (in, on, at, by, with) + deo (to tie, bind, fasten, impel, compel; to declare something against the law or prohibited)} OR from ennea (nine). This is ninth.

And a manVIII lameIX from birthX wasXI being carried in.XII

Notes on verse 2a

VIII “man” = aner. This is man, male, husband, or fellow. It can also refer to an individual.
IX “lame” = cholos. 14x in NT. This is lame or limping. It can also mean missing a foot.
X “from birth” = ek + koilia + meter + autos. Literally, “from his mother’s womb.” Koilia is from koilos (hollow). This is belly or organs in the abdomen. So, it could be stomach, womb, or heart. Figuratively, this refers to one’s inner self. Meter is mother in a literal or figurative sense.
XI “was” = huparcho. From hupo (by, under, about, subordinate to) + archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power). This is to begin or be ready, to exist or possess. It is what one already has or possesses.
XII “carried in” = bastazo. Related to “going up” in v1. Perhaps from the base of basis (see note III above). This is to lift in a literal of figurative sense. It can also mean take up, carry, bear, or remove. Figuratively, it can mean declare, endure, or sustain.

PeopleXIII would layXIV him dailyXV at the gateXVI of the temple calledXVII

Notes on verse 2b

XIII “people” = hos. Literally, “who.”
XIV “lay” = tithemi. This is to put, place, set, fix, establish in a literal or figurative sense. Properly, it is placing something in a passive or horizontal position.
XV “daily” = hemera. Perhaps from hemai (to sit). This is day, time, or daybreak.
XVI “gate” = thura. This is opening or closure so it’s a door, gate, or entrance. Figuratively, this can refer to an opportunity.
XVII “called” = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.

the BeautifulXVIII Gate so that he could askXIX for almsXX from those enteringXXI the temple. 

Notes on verse 2c

XVIII “Beautiful” = horaios. Related to “hour” in v1. 4x in NT. From hora (see note V above). This is timely, seasonable, blooming, beautiful. It is fruitful, having the right timing, in season, flourishing.
XIX “ask” = aiteo. This is to ask, demand, beg, desire.
XX “alms” = eleemosune. 13x in NT. From eleos (mercy, compassion). This is compassion – particularly in giving to the poor. Often, it is translated as alms or charity.
XXI “entering” = eisporeuomai. 18x in NT. From eis (to, into, for, among) + poreuomai (to go, travel, journey, die; refers to transporting things from one place to another; focuses on the personal significance of the destination); {from poros (passageway)}. 18x in NT. This is to enter or journey in in a literal or figurative sense.

When he sawXXII Peter and John about toXXIII goXXIV into the temple, he askedXXV them for alms.XXVI 

Notes on verse 3

XXII “saw” = horao. To see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience. Properly, to stare at and so implying clear discernment. This, by extension, would indicate attending to what was seen and learned. This is to see, often with a metaphorical sense. Can include inward spiritual seeing.
XXIII “about to” = mello. Perhaps from melo (something that one is worried or concerned about, something one pays attention to or thinks about). Properly, this is ready, about to happen, to intend, delay, or linger. This is just on the point of acting.
XXIV “go” = eiseimi. 4x in NT – 3x in Acts & 1x in Hebrews. From eis (to, into, towards, among) + eimi (to come, go). This is to enter or go in.
XXV “asked” = erotao. From eromai (to ask) OR from ereo (to say, tell, call, speak of). This is asking a question or making an earnest request. It is used between someone with whom the asker is close in some sense. So, they anticipate special consideration for their request.
XXVI {untranslated} = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.

Peter looked intentlyXXVII at him, as did John, and said, “LookXXVIII at us.” And he fixed his attentionXXIX on them, expectingXXX to receiveXXXI something from them. 

Notes on verses 4-5

XXVII “looked intently” = atenizo. 14x in NT. From a (has an intensive sense) + teino (to stretch, extend, strain). This is to gaze or look steadily at with one’s full attention and fascination.
XXVIII “look” = blepo. This is literally to see – it is primarily used in the physical sense. However, figuratively it can be seeing, which includes attention and so to watchfulness, being observant, perceiving, and acting on the visual information. It can also mean beware.
XXIX “fixed…attention” = epecho. 5x in NT. From epi (on, upon, at, what is fitting) + echo (to have, hold, possess). This is to hold fast, pay attention, retain, stop, wait.
XXX “expecting” = prosdokao. 16x in NT. From pros (at, to, toward, with) + dokeuo (to watch). This is to await, anticipate, expect, look for.
XXXI “receive” = lambano. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XXVI above.

Peter said, “I haveXXXII no silverXXXIII or gold,XXXIV but what I haveXXXV I giveXXXVI you;

Notes on verse 6a

XXXII “have” = huparcho. Same as “was” in v2. See note XI above.
XXXIII “silver” = argurion. From arguros (silver, whether the metal itself or things made from silver); from argos (shining). This is silver, which implies money – shekel, drachma, etc.
XXXIV “gold” = chrusion. 12x in NT. From chrusos (gold or something made of gold; symbolic of purchasing power); perhaps from chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request). This is gold or something made of gold. Emphasizes that which gold can obtain.
XXXV “have” = echo. Related to “fixed…attention” in v5. See note XXIX above.
XXXVI “give” = didomi. To give, offer, place, bestow, deliver. This is give in a literal or figurative sense.

in the nameXXXVII of JesusXXXVIII ChristXXXIX

Notes on verse 6b

XXXVII “name” = onoma. May be from ginosko (know, recognize, learn from firsthand experience). This is a name, authority, cause, character, fame, reputation. The name was thought to include something of the essence of the person so it was not thought to be separate from the person.
XXXVIII “Jesus” = Iesous. Related to “John” in v1. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (see note II above) + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
XXXIX “Christ” = Christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.

of Nazareth,XL stand upXLI and walk.”XLII 

Notes on verse 6c

XL “Nazareth” = Nazoraios. 13x in NT. Probably from nazara (Nazareth); perhaps from netser (branch) OR from natsar (to watch, guard, protect). This is Nazarene. See  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth
XLI “stand up” = egeiro. This is to awake, raise up or lift up. It can be to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death. Figuratively, it can be rising from inactivity or from ruins.
XLII “walk” = peripateo. From peri (about, concerning, around, encompassing) + pateo (to read, trample on; to trample literally or figuratively); {from patos (trodden) OR from paio (to strike, smite, sting; a hit like a single blow)}. This is to walk. Going from Hebrew figurative language, to walk referred to how you conducted your life, how you chose to live. This word is most literally walking around. Figuratively, it is living, behaving, following, how you occupy yourself. This is where “peripatetic” comes from.

And he tookXLIII him by the rightXLIV handXLV and raised him up,XLVI

Notes on verse 7a

XLIII “took” = piazo. 12x in NT. From piezo (to press down or together, to pack) OR related to biazo (to force, use power to seize); {from bia (strength, force, violence) or bios (life, livelihood, goods, wealth)}. This is to take, catch,  squeeze, capture from hunting, or arrest. This is the root of “piezoelectricity.”
XLIV “right” = dexios. Perhaps from dechomai (to warmly receive, be ready for what is offered, take, accept, or welcome; to receive in a literal or figurative sense). This is right, right side, or the right hand.
XLV “hand” = cheir. This is the hand in a literal sense. Figuratively, the hand is the means a person uses to accomplish things so it can also mean power, means, or instrument.
XLVI “raised…up” = egeiro. Same as “stand up” in v6. See note XLI above.

and immediatelyXLVII his feetXLVIII and anklesXLIX were made strong.L 

Notes on verse 7b

XLVII “immediately” = parachrema. Related to “gold” in v6. 18x in NT. From para (beside, by, in the presence of) + chrema (something needed or useful– money, possessions, price); {from chraomai (see note XXXIV above)}. This is immediately or soon.
XLVIII “feet” = basis. Related to “going up” in v1 & “carried in” in v2. 1x in NT. See note III above.
XLIX “ankles” = sphudron. 1x in NT. From sphudron (ankle) OR perhaps related to sphaira (ball, sphere). This is an ankle or ankle bone.
L “made strong” = stereoo. 3x in NT. From stereos (hard, solid, steadfast, sure, stable; solid in a literal or figurative sense); perhaps from histemi (to stand, place, set up, establish, stand firm). This is to strengthen, make stable, establish, or confirm in a literal or figurative sense.

Jumping up,LI he stoodLII and began to walk, and he enteredLIII the temple with them, walking and leapingLIV and praisingLV God.LVI 

Notes on verse 8

LI “jumping up” = exallomai. 1x in NT. From ek (from, from out of) + hallomai (to leap or leap up; when referring to water, springing up or bubbling up; to jump or figuratively to gush). This is to leap up, to jump for joy.
LII “stood” = histemi. Related to “made strong” in v7. See note L above.
LIII “entered” = eiserchomai. From eis (to, into, for, among) + erchomai (to come, go). This is to go in in a literal or figurative sense.
LIV “leaping” = hallomai. Related to “jumping up” in v8. 3x in NT. See note LI above.
LV “praising” = aineo. 8x in NT. From ainos (praise, saying, story, proverb). This is to praise.
LVI “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

AllLVII the peopleLVIII saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognizedLIX him asLX the one who used to sitLXI and ask for alms at the Beautiful GateLXII of the temple,

Notes on verses 9-10a

LVII “all” = pas. This is all, every.
LVIII “people” = laos. This is the people or crowd – often used for the chosen people. This is where the word “laity” comes from.
LIX “recognized” = epiginosko. Related to “name” in v6. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + ginosko (see note XXXVII above). This is to perceive, discern, acknowledge, recognize, know exactly because of direct interaction.
LX {untranslated} = eimi. This is to be, exist.
LXI “sit” = kathemai. Related to “daily” in v2. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + hemai (see note XV above). This is to sit, be enthroned, or reside.
LXII “Gate” = Pule. 10x in NT. This is gate, large entrance to a city or a fortress. It is often used for an exit way. Figuratively, it can refer to authority and power.

and they were filledLXIII with wonderLXIV and astonishmentLXV at what had happenedLXVI to him.

Notes on verse 10b

LXIII “filled” = pleitho. This is to fill to the highest level possible – to accomplish, supply, or complete.
LXIV “wonder” = thambos. 3x in NT– 2x in Luke and 1x in Acts. Akin to tapho (dumbfounded). This is amazement, wonder, being stunned or dumbfounded because something unusual happened. It can be positive or negative.
LXV “astonishment” = ekstasis. Related to “made strong” in v7 & “stood” in v8. 7x in NT. From existemi (o displace or take something or someone from standing; figuratively, to be overwhelmed and flabbergasted – as if beside oneself; astonished, amazed, or mad); {from ek (from, from out of) + histemi (see note L above)}. This is bewilderment, amazement, distraction, shock, a trance, rapture. It is the root of the word “ecstasy.”
LXVI “happened” = sumbaino. Related to “going up” in v1 & “carried in” in v2 & “feet” in v7. 8x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + from basis (see note III above). This is to walk together, happen, occur, meet. It could also be things that work together as a unit.


Image credit: “Peter and John Heal a Paralyzed Man” by Jan Luyken, between 1777 and 1780.

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