Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 3:1

"Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour]." — Acts 3:1 (ASV)

CHAPTER 3

Peter and John went up (Acts 3:1). In Luke 24:53, it is said that the apostles were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. From Acts 2:46, it is clear that all the disciples were accustomed daily to go to the temple for devotion. Whether they joined in the sacrifices of the temple service is not said, but this is not improbable.

This was the place and the manner in which they and their fathers had worshipped. They came slowly to the conclusion that they were to leave the temple, and they would naturally go there with their countrymen to worship the God of their fathers. In the previous chapter (Acts 2:43), we are told in general that many wonders and signs were done by the hands of the apostles.

From the many miracles which were performed, Luke selects one, of which he gives a more detailed account, especially as it gives him occasion to record another of Peter’s addresses to the Jews. An impostor would have been satisfied with the general statement that many miracles were performed. The sacred writers go into specifics, telling us where, and in relation to whom, they were performed. This is proof that they were honest men and did not intend to deceive.

Into the temple. This refers not to the main building called the temple, but to the court of the temple, where prayer was usually made. (See Barnes on Matthew 21:12).

At the hour of prayer. The Jewish day was divided into twelve equal parts; of course, the ninth hour would be about three o’clock p.m. This was the hour of evening prayer. Morning prayer was offered at nine o’clock. (Daniel 6:10).