So the man gave them his attentionThis phrase highlights the beggar's response to Peter and John. In the context of first-century Jerusalem, beggars often sat at the temple gates, relying on alms from worshippers. The man's attention indicates a moment of hope and anticipation. Biblically, giving attention is often a precursor to receiving divine revelation or blessing, as seen in
Proverbs 4:20, where believers are urged to pay attention to wisdom. This moment foreshadows the miraculous healing that is about to occur, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to God's messengers.
expecting to receive something from them
The beggar's expectation was likely for money, as almsgiving was a common practice in Jewish culture, rooted in the Torah's teachings on charity (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). However, this expectation sets the stage for a deeper spiritual lesson. The man anticipates a material gift, but instead, he receives a miraculous healing, illustrating the theme that God's provision often exceeds human expectations. This reflects Ephesians 3:20, where God is described as able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. The beggar's expectation also serves as a metaphor for the broader human condition, where people often seek temporary solutions, but God offers eternal transformation through Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Peter One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his boldness and leadership in the early church. He plays a central role in the events of
Acts 3.
2.
John Another of Jesus' apostles, often seen alongside Peter in the early chapters of Acts. He is known for his close relationship with Jesus and his role in the early church.
3.
The Lame Man A man who had been lame from birth, sitting at the temple gate called Beautiful, seeking alms from those entering the temple.
4.
The Temple Gate Called Beautiful A significant location in Jerusalem where the lame man was placed daily to beg. It was a common place for people to gather, making it a strategic location for almsgiving.
5.
The Event of Healing This event marks a miraculous healing performed by Peter, through the power of Jesus Christ, which leads to a public proclamation of the gospel.
Teaching Points
Expectation and Faith The lame man's expectation to receive something from Peter and John can be likened to our need to approach God with faith, expecting to receive according to His will.
Spiritual Riches Over Material Wealth While the man expected alms, he received a far greater gift—healing and restoration. This teaches us to value spiritual blessings over material possessions.
The Power of Jesus' Name The healing was performed in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus' name in the life of believers.
Witnessing Through Miracles The miracle served as a testimony to the power of God and opened the door for Peter to preach the gospel, highlighting the role of signs and wonders in evangelism.
Attention and Focus Just as the lame man gave his attention to Peter and John, we are called to focus our attention on God, expecting to receive from Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 3:5?
2. How does Acts 3:5 demonstrate the importance of expecting God's intervention in life?
3. What can we learn from the beggar's attention in Acts 3:5?
4. How does Acts 3:5 connect to faith and healing in the Gospels?
5. How can we apply the beggar's expectancy to our prayer life today?
6. What role does anticipation play in receiving God's blessings, as seen in Acts 3:5?
7. What is the significance of the beggar's expectation in Acts 3:5?
8. How does Acts 3:5 illustrate faith and hope in early Christianity?
9. Why is the beggar's gaze important in the context of Acts 3:5?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 3?
What Does Acts 3:5 Mean
So the man• Luke has just told us this man was “lame from birth” and daily laid at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:2). His entire life experience had trained him to look to human charity, not divine intervention.
• The phrase reminds us that God’s work begins with real people in real need; Scripture never treats suffering as abstract (cf. John 9:1-3, where another man born blind becomes the stage for God’s glory).
• By identifying him simply as “the man,” the text invites any reader who has an ingrained weakness—physical, emotional, or spiritual—to see himself in the narrative.
gave them his attention• Attention is the first step of faith. Just as Hebrews 12:2 urges us to be “fixing our eyes on Jesus,” this man fixes his eyes on Peter and John, the appointed witnesses of Christ.
• In Mark 10:49-50 the blind beggar Bartimaeus springs up when Jesus calls; the same attentive posture precedes his healing.
• Giving attention also signals willingness to receive instruction. Proverbs 4:20 says, “My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings”. God often uses human messengers, so honoring them honors Him (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
expecting to receive something from them• Expectation is natural for a beggar, yet the Spirit is about to exceed it. Ephesians 3:20 celebrates the God “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.
• Peter immediately redirects the man’s hope: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you” (Acts 3:6). God denies lesser gifts to supply the greater—healing and salvation.
• The contrast between temporal alms and eternal blessing echoes Isaiah 55:1-3, where the Lord invites the thirsty to receive what money cannot buy.
• Expectation itself is commended; James 1:6-7 warns that doubters “should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” Faith-filled expectancy opens the door for God’s power.
summaryActs 3:5 spotlights the readiness of a needy man, the focus of faith, and the hopeful expectancy that precedes God’s intervention. When we turn our full attention toward God’s servants and anticipate His provision, He often supplies far more than the limited relief we imagine—meeting our deepest need through the risen Christ.
Verse 5. - From for
of, A.V.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[So]δὲ (de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.[the man] gave them his attention,ἐπεῖχεν (epeichen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1907: From epi and echo; to hold upon, i.e. to retain; to detain; to pay attention to.expectingπροσδοκῶν (prosdokōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4328: To expect, wait for, await, think, anticipate. From pros and dokeuo; to anticipate; by implication, to await.to receiveλαβεῖν (labein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. somethingτι (ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.fromπαρ’ (par’)Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. them.αὐτῶν (autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
Links
Acts 3:5 NIV Acts 3:5 NLT Acts 3:5 ESV Acts 3:5 NASB Acts 3:5 KJV
Acts 3:5 Study Bible Acts 3:5 Biblia Paralela Acts 3:5 Chinese Bible Acts 3:5 French Bible Acts 3:5 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 3:5 He listened to them expecting to receive (Acts of the Apostles Ac)