Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Original Language Analysis
ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Πέτρος
when Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
when Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 26
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἀπεκρίνατο
it he answered
G611
ἀπεκρίνατο
it he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
4 of 26
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 26
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
the people
G2992
λαόν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
7 of 26
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Ἰσραηλῖται
of Israel
G2475
Ἰσραηλῖται
of Israel
Strong's:
G2475
Word #:
9 of 26
an "israelite", i.e., descendant of israel (literally or figuratively)
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 26
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 26
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὡς
as though
G5613
ὡς
as though
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
18 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἰδίᾳ
by our own
G2398
ἰδίᾳ
by our own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
19 of 26
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
δυνάμει
power
G1411
δυνάμει
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
20 of 26
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
πεποιηκόσιν
we had made
G4160
πεποιηκόσιν
we had made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
23 of 26
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;Genesis 41:16And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;Acts 13:26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.Romans 11:1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.Genesis 40:8And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
Historical Context
Peter's disclaimer prevented the crowd from attributing the miracle to apostolic merit. This contrasted with Simon Magus (Acts 8:9) who sought personal glory through spiritual power.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you deflect honor toward Christ when God uses you?
- What dangers exist in accepting credit for what God accomplishes through you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter immediately deflected attention: 'why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?' This redirection from instruments to source characterizes authentic ministry. All glory belongs to Christ, not His servants.