Acts 3:1
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐπὶ
together
G1909
Ἐπὶ
together
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτό
G846
αὐτό
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
5 of 18
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερὸν
the temple
G2411
ἱερὸν
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
11 of 18
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
Ἐπὶ
together
G1909
Ἐπὶ
together
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχῆς
of prayer
G4335
προσευχῆς
of prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
16 of 18
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
Cross References
Psalms 55:17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.Acts 10:3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.Luke 1:10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.Acts 5:25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.Luke 24:53And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.Acts 8:14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.Acts 2:46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,Exodus 29:39The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:
Historical Context
The ninth hour was one of three daily prayer times (Psalm 55:17). The apostles used these gatherings as evangelistic opportunities, speaking to receptive crowds already oriented toward worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How did the early church use existing religious structures for gospel witness?
- What opportunities for witness exist in your regular worship patterns?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter and John's visit to the temple at 'the ninth hour' (3 PM) shows continued Jewish observance by early believers. The 'hour of prayer' corresponded to the evening sacrifice. Their temple presence demonstrated that early Christianity didn't immediately break from Jewish worship patterns.