Devine Scripture

Acts 3:1

What does Acts 3:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 3:1 means

Peter and John, observant Jews and now leaders in the nascent Christian movement, continued their practice of attending the temple for a designated time of prayer. This detail underscores that the early believers did not immediately abandon all Jewish customs, but rather integrated their new faith into their existing religious framework. The "ninth hour" corresponds to 3 PM in modern reckoning, a customary time for afternoon prayer, demonstrating their commitment to regular communion with God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, beingthe ninth hour.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, beingthe ninth hour.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Peter and John were going up to the Temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Peter and John were going up at the same time to the temple, at the hour of the prayer, the ninth <FI>hour<Fi> ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [which is] the ninth [hour];

Context

This verse opens the chapter by setting the scene for a pivotal event. It establishes the time and place of Peter and John's activity, showing them engaged in a familiar religious practice. This seemingly ordinary action of going to the temple for prayer provides the backdrop against which a remarkable miracle, detailed in the subsequent verses, will unfold, highlighting the continuity yet profound transformation within their faith.

v.1This passage

v.2And a certain man that was lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Daniel 6:10

    And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem); and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

  • Acts 10:30

    And Cornelius said, Four days ago, until this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel,

  • Psalms 55:17

    Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice.

  • Exodus 29:39

    The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:

  • Luke 22:8

    And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make ready for us the passover, that we may eat.

  • Acts 2:46

    And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

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