Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 3:8

"And leaping up, he stood, and began to walk; and he entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." — Acts 3:8 (ASV)

And he leaping up. This was a natural expression of joy, and it was a striking fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 35:6: Then shall the lame man leap as an hart. The account given here is perfectly natural.

The man would be filled with joy and would express it in this manner. He had been lame from childhood; he had never walked. Consequently, there was more to the miracle than merely giving strength.

The act of walking is acquired by long practice; children learn slowly. For instance, Casper Hauser, lately discovered in one of the cities of Germany, who had been confined in prison from childhood, was unable to walk easily when released, but stumbled in a very awkward manner. (See his Life.)

Therefore, when this man was able to walk at once, it was clear proof of a miracle.

Praising God. This was the natural and appropriate expression of his feelings on this occasion. His heart would be full, and he could have no doubt that this blessing had come from God alone. It is remarkable that he did not even express his gratitude to Peter and John. They had not pretended to restore him in their own name, and he would feel that man could not do it.

It is remarkable that he praised God without being taught or entreated to do it; it was instinctive—the natural feeling of the heart. So it is with a sinner: his first feelings when renewed will be to ascribe the praise to God.

While he may and will feel regard for the ministry by whose instrumentality he has received the blessing, yet his main expression of gratitude will be to God. And this he will do instinctively; he needs no prompter, for he knows that no power of man is equal to the work of converting the soul, and will rejoice and give all the praise to the God of grace.